AB de Villiers scored a sparkling 148 but couldn’t prevent South Africa from slumping to 421 all out at tea on day three, reports Jon Cardinelli at Newlands.
Thanks to De Villiers, South Africa have a 92-run lead. The bad news for the Proteas is that they won’t add to that tally after tea, having lost their five remaining wickets in the second session.
The Proteas were in a strong position at the start of play at 227-3. Even though they lost Hashim Amla and Temba Bavuma in that first session, AB de Villiers and Stiaan van Zyl remained at the crease for an hour after lunch. After setting that platform, South Africa would have been expected to build a substantial first-innings lead.
The collective failing of the Proteas shouldn’t detract from De Villiers’s individual effort. He was in superb touch after lunch, smashing Marlon Samuels for 16 runs in a single over to reach his century. The Newlands crowd responded vociferously when De Villiers reached three figures. It was a treat to watch.
That said, De Villiers did live dangerously, and both batsmen were fortunate to survive during this period. Van Zyl was given out lbw before he successfully reviewed the on-field umpire’s decision. The West Indies thought they had the No 7 trapped in front a few minutes later, but their own review was unsuccessful. A third lbw appeal proved successful, with the television evidence supporting the on-field umpire’s decision, and Van Zyl had to go.
The Proteas then lost their four remaining wickets for just 37 runs. Credit should go to the West Indies bowlers, as well as the fielders, during this period. They created significant pressure, and when there was a chance in the form of a run out, they didn’t miss it. Both Vernon Philander and Dale Steyn perished in this fashion.
South Africa will hope to have the West Indies two or three wickets down by the close of play. If the tourists manage to bat out the last session without too many wickets, they should feel happy with their efforts on day three. The West Indies have stopped the Proteas from amassing a big first-innings lead, and are still in a position to win this game and square the series.
TEA SCORECARD
West Indies 1st innings – 329 (Jermaine Blackwood 56, Leon Johnson 54, Dale Steyn 4-78, Simon Harmer 3-71)
South Africa 1st innings – 421 (AB de Villiers 148, Faf du Plessis 68, Marlon Samuels 2-68, Jason Holder 2-87)
South Africa lead by 92 runs
Photo: Backpagepix
