Bavuma, de Zorzi Put South Africa On Front Foot In First West Indies Test

South Africa vs West Indies First Test Day two Report

Temba Bavuma (Image Source: Google)

- Inexplicable de Zorzi -

After Roach removed overnight partner Tristan Stubbs to a sharp low catch by Jason Holder at second slip, de Zorzi appeared to be advancing serenely towards a maiden Test hundred when, inexplicably, he attempted a reverse sweep just before lunch and gloved a catch to the alert Kavem Hodge at first slip.

His second Test half-century occupied 148 balls and was embellished by seven fours and two sixes, both coming in the first over bowled by spinner Gudakesh Motie amid the gathering gloom on the first morning.

Playing in his usual pugnacious style, Bavuma seemed destined to add to his two Test centuries when he missed a full-toss from Seales to be trapped palpably leg-before during a final session when the West Indies claimed four wickets to redress the balance after the visitors appeared to be working themselves into a position of utter dominance.

Bavuma stroked seven fours and one six while facing 182 balls in an innings which reflected the desire by most in the South African line-up to spend time in the middle as they were playing their first Test cricket since January.

David Bedingham looked good for 29 before he pulled short ball from Seales for debutant Keacy Carty to take a good catch at deep midwicket and Ryan Rickelton (19) fell lbw to Roach who struck as soon as the second new ball became due.

West Indies were then frustrated by a 57-run seventh-wicket partnership between Kyle Verrynne and Wiaan Mulder until Warrican had both Verrynne (39) and Keshav Maharaj caught-and-bowled to be on a hat-trick.

However Kagiso Rabada denied Warrican the chance to make a bit of history and will resume on the third morning, weather permitting, with Mulder well set on 37.