Quinton de Kock remained unbeaten on 141 as the Proteas finished their innings on 322 with a lead of 225 runs in the 1st Test against the Windies.
The Proteas resumed on 128/4 after Day 1, but were circumspect at the beginning in the manner that they accumulated runs when given the chance but also opted for the safer route.
Rassie van der Dussen did well to stick around for nearly 150 deliveries, but edged one to gully and fell for a diligent 46, as Jason Holder picked up his first wicket of the game.
Quinton de Kock and Wiaan Mulder (21) have added 43 runs together, and the lead had crossed 100 at the close of the first session of Day 2.
The second session was highlighted by a personal-best century from Quinton de Kock as South Africa surged ahead with a large lead of 225 runs after their first innings came to a close on 322.
The Windies looked to wrest back some of the momentum when they took three early wickets for 18 runs right after the lunch break (Mulder, Maharaj, and Rabada).
That was turned around by De Kock who shifted gears to his more natural game, hitting Jayden Seales for 17 runs in an over and getting more-than-able company from Anrich Nortje, who resolutely kept out the tight deliveries from the Windies seamers. He dealt with the pitch incredibly well compared to the rest.
After getting relieved from captaincy, Quinton de Kock is back to the form he’s been well known for. He hit 12 fours and 7 maximums on his way to an unbeaten 141. This was his first century. in almost two years, dating back to 2 October 2019 when he hit 111 against India, 20 innings ago.
The Proteas put in another excellent fast-bowling display. Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje took 2 apiece to rattle the hosts. They finished the day on 82/4 at stumps on day 3. South Africa lead by 143 runs.
Photo: Cricket West Indies
