West Indies enjoy the morning, but Bavuma settles South African nerves
West Indies enjoy the morning, but Bavuma settles South African nerves
South Africa vs. West Indies
Day 3 of 2nd Test
Venue: The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
Toss: South Africa decided to bat
Scorecard: http://bit.ly/savwi2ndtest
At lunch, the West Indies seemed well on their way to dismantling the South Africa batting line-up, taking four crucial wickets in the session. Kyle Mayers (2-25) took two of the early wickets and Kemar Roach (1-54) then got the crucial wicket of Aiden Markram (18 from 56 balls), while Raymon Reifer (1-36) took the match to lunch by brushing the edge of Ryan Rickelton (10 from 29 balls).
The first session definitely went to the Men in Maroon, as they limited South Africa to a scoring rate of 2.44 and took those crucial top order wickets. However, South African skipper Temba Bavuma remained at the crease and played a true captain’s knock to pull his team out of trouble and into the advantage with two days left in the contest. He closed the day on 171 off 275 balls – his second Test century. This piloted his side to 287-7 – an overall lead of 356.
While the home team lost Heinrich Klaasen (14 from 38 balls) to a short ball from Alzarri Joseph (2-49) in the second session, Bavuma and Wiaan Mulder (42 from 71 balls) were able to stabalise the innings.
Joseph got Mulder (42 from 71 balls) in the final session of the day, which brought Simon Harmer (19 from 59 balls) to the middle. He supported his captain well until Jason Holder (1-35) trapped him leg-before wicket.
Overall, it was a tough day in the field for the West Indies men, with South Africa building a sizable lead and putting themselves in position to win the test. However, West Indies captain, Kraigg Brathwaite, still has the belief that his team can win and stated in the press conference.
“I think it’s (winning) is realistic for sure. The pitch is still a good one and we have to do something great, it’s as simple as that. We haven’t scored 300 runs for the series, furthermore 300 plus, but we have to do it. So we have to find way, as we discussed before the second test, we have to support one another,” he said.
The first session on the fourth day will be crucial for both teams. First ball on Saturday is 10am (4am EasternCaribbean/3am Jamaica).