South Africa weathered testing conditions to be 2-222 at tea on a rain-hit second day of the third Test against New Zealand in Wellington.

Resuming on 2-136 after heavy rain overnight prevented play starting before lunch, Alviro Petersen brought up his fourth Test fifty to go to the break on 86 as New Zealand’s bowlers struggled as northerly gales buffeted the ground.

Petersen, who was dropped by Martin Guptill on 68, received good support from JP Duminy (66) as the pair added 116 for the third wicket.

Guptill’s one-handed dive to his right at second slip was New Zealand’s best chance of prising the pair apart.

When play eventually started at 2.25pm, Petersen, who resumed on 44, survived a lbw shout off the first ball from Chris Martin and then edged a ball through the vacant third slip to bring up his half-century.

Duminy, brought into the side after Jacques Kallis was ruled out before the match with a stiff neck, was impressive and was quick to punish any deliveries that were overpitched.

Doug Bracewell, who produced the chance off Petersen, was the most threatening of the New Zealand bowlers with 1-46 from 17 overs.

South Africa are unlikely to be able to call on batsman Hashim Amla for the rest of the Test after he underwent emergency surgery on a groin problem.

Amla was hurt on the first day when he edged a ball from Martin into his groin when on 33 but battled through to 63.

He was taken to hospital after play and was operated on after suffering “blunt trauma”. He spent the night in hospital and was discharged on Saturday morning.

Team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee said it was unlikely he will be able to take further part in the Test.

The Test has been blighted by weather issues after a damp outfield and bad light allowed only 42 overs on the first day.

South Africa lead the three-Test series 1-0.