Centurion Sarel Erwee believes the Proteas are “on top” after finishing day one of the second Test against New Zealand on 238-3.

The opening batsman hit 14 boundaries during his knock of 108 off 221 balls in Christchurch on Friday. He received good support from Dean Elgar (41) and Aiden Markram (42).

“We’re probably on top at the moment,” said Erwee, who at 32 is a late arrival in the Test arena and earning just his second cap. “To sit here today with a Test hundred behind my name is extremely special.

“It’s a very special day I must say. Twenty-four months ago I probably didn’t think I’d be in a position to even be close to a South African Test squad.”

WATCH: Sarel Erwee century highlights

Erwee shared in partnerships of 111 with Elgar and 88 with Markram but when Markram was dismissed Erwee followed three balls later.

The Proteas, trounced in the first Test and needing to win to save the series, surprised when they won the toss and elected to bat at Hagley Oval, where the customary green-tinged wicket favours seamers on the opening day.

Elgar, the first captain to win the toss and not bowl in the 11-Test history at the ground, justified his decision by saying he wanted his batsmen to “front up” after they folded for innings of 95 and 111 in the first Test.

He managed scores of one and nought, and Erwee 10 and nought in that Test, and the pair responded positively in the second, which began with Elgar sending the first ball of the day to the boundary.

“With our backs against the wall we had to show up,” added Erwee who described the team performance as “uplifting”.

HIGHLIGHTS: Black Caps vs Proteas (2nd Test, Day 1)

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