Cricket-Raval notches another half-century as NZ grind away

WELLINGTON, March 27 (Reuters) - Opening batsman Jeet Raval brought up his fifth test half-century as he helped New Zealand to 132 for one at lunch on the rain-affected third day of the third test against South Africa at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Monday. Raval, who is playing just his 12th test innings, was on 54 with New Zealand captain Kane Williamson 27 not out. Tom Latham was the only wicket to fall in the shortened session for 50, caught behind off paceman Morne Morkel who clinched his 250th test scalp. Lefthander Raval, who along with Latham was subjected to a stern examination by South Africa's pace attack on Sunday, brought up his milestone when he put a thick outside edge through gully for his sixth boundary. Overnight rain delayed the start of day three for 90 minutes. New Zealand resumed on 67 without loss with Latham on 42 and Raval 25 in response to South Africa's 314. Latham, who had been mired in a poor run of scores, brought up his 13th test half-century when he tucked Morkel off his hip for his 10th boundary. The 24-year-old fell in the tall fast bowler's next over, however, when he nicked to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, who took a sharp, diving catch low and to his left. South Africa lead the series 1-0 having won the second game in Wellington by eight wickets. The rain-hit first test in Dunedin ended in a draw. (Reporting by Greg Stutchbury; Editing by Ian Ransom)