Rassie van der Dussen’s unbeaten 75 helped the Proteas post a lead of 323 as the Windies ended Day 3 on 15/0 in the 2nd Test.
It’s been a high-octane day of Test cricket, with several momentum shifts throughout. South Africa had the opportunity to push forward after consigning the West Indies to a 149-run deficit, but the hosts fought hard to stay in the game and give the Proteas a run for their money.
For the third time in this series, it was a similar story for the South African top order. Openers Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram chased deliveries outside off and edged to the slip cordon, but that was just the appetizer for the home side.
Kyle Mayers continued his golden-arm form with his swinging medium pace, with Keegan Petersen playing onto his stumps and Kyle Verreynne nicking one off to the keeper. To compound the woes, Quinton de Kock, who’s been in imperious form all series, also edged one to the keeper. Wiaan Mulder and Keshav Maharaj both fell in quick succession thereafter, reducing the Proteas to 73/7.
It looked like a lead of 250 was hard to achieve, but fortunately, Kagiso Rabada showcased his handy lower-order batting and provided important company to the composed Rassie van der Dussen. Rabada played his shots, while van der Dussen was content with rotating the strike.
Rabada would reach his new personal-best score of 40, before top-edging an attempted cut to cover. Soon after, van der Dussen brought up an excellent half-century – his sixth in Test cricket – and remained unbeaten on 75.
What initially seemed like a rapid capitulation ended up a much better result, as the South Africans were able to amass 174, setting up a lead of 323. Kemar Roach was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4 wickets.
The West Indies openers batted calmly for a short 6-over spell to round off the day’s play. Looking at the pitch and conditions, it’s definitely a daunting task, but anything can happen. The Proteas will be eyeing early inroads to ease any concern, while it’ll be all about survival for the home team. Play will start half an hour early tomorrow, and it’s evident that it’ll shape up to be an exciting finale to this series.
SA 174 in 53 overs (van der Dussen 75*, Rabada 40 – Roach 4/52)
WI 15/0 in 6 overs
