South Africa were 48-1 in response to the West Indies’ first innings total of 329 at lunch on day two, reports Jon Cardinelli at Newlands.
South Africa scored at four runs to the over in the period before lunch. Unfortunately for the hosts, they would lose Dean Elgar right before the break when the opener missed a straight delivery from Jason Holder and was given out lbw.
Nevertheless, it was a session that belonged to South Africa. Earlier, the Proteas’ bowlers made short work of the West Indies’ tail. The tourists resumed their first innings at 276-6, and proceeded to surpass 300 in quick time. Unfortunately for the visitors, that cavalier attitude would ensure that the innings ended sooner rather than later.
Dale Steyn added to his overnight tally with two quick wickets, while Morné Morkel finally got some reward with two scalps of his own. Ultimately, it took South Africa just 49 minutes and 9.5 overs to claim the West Indies’ last four wickets.
Jermaine Blackwood played well for his half century, but was out shortly after reaching the milestone. It could be said that Blackwood and several other West Indians showed some ticker over the course of the innings, but they will lament getting out at crucial periods.
Devon Smith (47), Leon Johnson (54), Marlon Samuels (43), Denesh Ramdin (53), and Blackwood (56) all failed to build on their respective starts, and so the West Indies finished with a modest rather than formidable total of 329. That said, credit should go to the South African bowlers, Steyn, Morkel, and debutant Simon Harmer in particular, for sticking to the task.
LUNCH SCORECARD
West Indies 1st innings – 329 (Jermaine Blackwood 56, Leon Johnson 54, Dale Steyn 4-78, Simon Harmer 3-71)
South Africa 1st innings – 48-1 (Alviro Petersen 26 not out, Jason Holder 1-12)
South Africa trail by 281 runs
