Williamson, Raval continue to grind down Proteas

-Williamson edging towards NZ record

-Raval continues to grind down Proteas attack

-Hosts well placed to take first innings lead

Captain Kane Williamson was within sight of equalling the New Zealand record for Test centuries as his side reached 209 for one at tea on the rain-affected third day of the third Test against at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Monday.

The 26-year-old, who was on 80 at the break, has 16 Test centuries, the same as injured team mate Ross Taylor, with the record of 17 held by former captain Martin Crowe.

Williamson combined with opener Jeet Raval, who was on 75, in a 126-run partnership that has given the home side a good opportunity to surpass South Africa's first innings of 314 and put pressure on the Proteas.

Williamson had resumed after lunch on 27, well behind Raval's 54 with the hosts on 132 for one, but the righthander quickly caught his more obdurate batting partner.

He brought up his 26th Test half-century with three runs through midwicket from left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj.

Williamson then eclipsed 5,000 Test runs when he passed 60 with a six off Vernon Philander, becoming the fasTest New Zealander to the mark in his 110th innings. Only five other New Zealand players have scored more than 5,000 Test runs.

Tom Latham was the only wicket to fall during the shortened first session for 50, caught behind off paceman Morne Morkel who clinched his 250th Test scalp.

Overnight rain delayed the start of day three for 90 minutes.

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.