South Africa managed to end close day on an impressive 340/3. South Africa started like a house on fire and set the tone with a maximizing Power play as they rushed to 50/0. As they seemed to gaining further momentum the West Indies managed to pull three wickets back in fifteen balls. Dean Elgar (28), under fire Alviro Petersen (27) and Far du Plessis (0) all fell with the score at 57 with Roach being in inspired form with two brilliant deliveries.
When it seemed the West Indies had kicked on and were about to turn the screw on the Proteas entered the majestic duo of Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers who not just steadied the ship but managed to direct it to an island of paradise. An unbeaten double century partnership, a new record and a display of the strokes in their arsenal all but ended any hope of the West Indies revival. An injury to Kemar Roach (2/52) all but ended any hope of a revival as they lost their best performer with ball in hand. Inexperience and youth brought about the exuberance and energy this West Indies side had but it could not match the experience, calm and class that the Proteas managed to display. In charge and looking set to posting a massive score the underdogs will have a mountain to climb as they look to have an early breakthrough before tea tomorrow. Amla on his first day as Proteas Test captain at home ended on 133 not out, while ODI captain Abraham de Villiers ended on 141 not out.
What we learnt:
Article contributed by: Benedict Chanakira
Twitter: @bchanakira2
When it seemed the West Indies had kicked on and were about to turn the screw on the Proteas entered the majestic duo of Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers who not just steadied the ship but managed to direct it to an island of paradise. An unbeaten double century partnership, a new record and a display of the strokes in their arsenal all but ended any hope of the West Indies revival. An injury to Kemar Roach (2/52) all but ended any hope of a revival as they lost their best performer with ball in hand. Inexperience and youth brought about the exuberance and energy this West Indies side had but it could not match the experience, calm and class that the Proteas managed to display. In charge and looking set to posting a massive score the underdogs will have a mountain to climb as they look to have an early breakthrough before tea tomorrow. Amla on his first day as Proteas Test captain at home ended on 133 not out, while ODI captain Abraham de Villiers ended on 141 not out.
 |
| AB de villiers [Image by Deon Maritz] |
- Despite a top order collapse the Proteas have a strong batting line up as de Villiers and Amla managed to steady ship. Alviro Petersen is on borrowed time and will look turn his form around in the second Innings or face the axe.
- Young and still raw, the West Indies are in a building phase showing glimpses of what they are capable of. This side could reach the heights of the great West Indies sides of the past. How long could Kemar Roach lead their attack? Could he be consistent?
- The visitors must improve their bowling accuracy significantly or face the punishment. The South Africans look in good form and at this rate could be well over 450 by tea.
Article contributed by: Benedict Chanakira
Twitter: @bchanakira2
Post a Comment