The Test match at St George’s ended in a draw after play on day five was abandoned due to a wet outfield.
This frustrating, rain-effected Test match has ended as many feared it would. As many as 157 overs were lost on the first four days, and it was hoped the weather would play ball on day five.
Unfortunately, it rained heavily in Port Elizabeth overnight. The wet outfield made play impossible on Tuesday morning, and at 13:00, the umpires decided that the situation was not going to improve. Play was abandoned, and so the match ended in a draw.
This outcome sees the Proteas heading into the third and final game of the series with a 1-0 lead. A win or a draw at Newlands will hand the Proteas a series victory. An unlikely win for the West Indies in Cape Town will see the tourists emerging from the rubber with a 1-1 draw.
While play was limited over the course of the five days in Port Elizabeth, there were some notable performances by a few individuals from either team. Dean Elgar fought hard for his 121, as did Proteas’ team-mate Faf du Plessis for his 103.
Dale Steyn was more impressive with the bat – a stunning cameo of 58 off 28 balls – than he was with the ball. Morné Morkel was the pick of the bowlers with his 4-69 showing, although Imran Tahir played a big part in the West Indies’ first innings collapse with his 3-108 display.
West Indies may have lost this match if play wasn’t washed out on day five. The Proteas reduced the tourists to 275-9 late on day four, and may have finished off the tourists if conditions did not deteriorate. South Africa had a slim chance of victory going into day five, but the overnight rain and drenched outfield put paid to those ambitions.
The positives for the West Indies were the batting performances of Kraigg Brathwaite (106) and Marlon Samuels (101). Brathwaite was named Man of the Match for his efforts. He coped well against the fiery bowling of Morkel, and played some outstanding shots.
The pair put on 176 for the third wicket, and remained at the crease for 48 overs. That will give the tourists confidence as they head into the third Test at Newlands.
SECOND TEST SCORECARD
SA 1st innings – 417-8 dec (Dean Elgar 121, Faf du Plessis 103, Shannon Gabriel 2-80)
West Indies 1st innings – 275-9 (Kraigg Brathwaite 106, Marlon Samuels 101, Morné Morkel 4-69, Imran Tahir 3-108)
Match drawn
