South Africa will need to declare sooner rather than later on day three if they’re to get a result at St George’s Park.

All but 35 minutes of play on day two was lost due to the rain in Port Elizabeth. South Africa remain in a strong position at 289-3, with Dean Elgar (121) and Faf du Plessis (103) having scored centuries and two of the world’s best batsmen, Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers, still at the crease.

However, the Proteas will need to kick on during the initial stages of day three, as there isn’t a great deal of time remaining in this contest. Indeed, the weather may return over the next three days, and more play may be lost as a result.

Du Plessis said as much on Saturday evening. The Proteas are looking to bat only once in this contest. They will be aiming for a total in the region of 450, and will look to have the West Indies at the crease well before tea.

In this scenario, the Proteas will have at least seven sessions (weather permitting) to dismiss the visitors twice. A victory will hand South Africa an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-game series.

Play at St George’s Park was expected to begin at 10:00. Unfortunately, due to more rain earlier this morning, the outfield is still wet. The umpires have subsequently inspected the field and decided to delay the start of the first session. Play is now scheduled to commence at 11:00.