An outstanding century in difficult conditions from Quinton de Kock helped South Africa overhaul West Indies’ paltry first-innings total with a significant lead on Day 2 of the first Test in St Lucia.
De Kock couldn’t have timed his 6th Test hundred a lot better as he allowed Proteas to recover from a slightly vulnerable spot and force their way to a score close to 330.
His stupendous knock of 141 not out included 12 fours and 7 sixes, an innings reflective of not just his undoubtedly ability but often understated temperament and mental toughness. He has been the stand-out batsman on show in this Test from either side.
Resuming play with a 31-run lead, South Africa were reduced to 233/8 at one stage. Another couple of quick breakthroughs would’ve brought West Indies back in the contest. However, De Kock had other ideas as he accelerated thereafter in an extremely vital 79-run stand with Anrich Nortje (7) for the ninth wicket.
Last man Lungi Ngidi (0) was soon dismissed, leaving De Kock with a bit of unfinished business. Nevertheless, it was a remarkable inning in which he showcased why he is highly regarded as a wicketkeeper-batsman.
After the change of innings, South Africa pacemen only carried from where they had left on Day 1, as Kagiso Rabada and Nortje rattled the West Indies batsmen with some outstanding bowling. The hosts lost four wickets before the close of play with only 82 runs on the board in 30 overs, without much error in their decision-making at the crease against some class fast-bowling.
While Rabada (2/18) got the better of Kraigg Brathwaite (7) and Kieran Powell (14), Nortje (2/34) dismissed Shai Hope (12) and Kyle Mayers (12) to leave the Calypso Kings precariously placed heading into Day 3. Roston Chase (21*) and Jermaine Blackwood (10*) managed to somehow survive till the close of play.
Earlier in the day, West Indies did manage to put the visitors under some pressure, taking the wickets of Rassie van der Dussen (46), Wiaan Mulder (25) and a few lower-order men quite early. However, just when they would’ve thought they have things under a bit of control, De Kock’s fantastic hundred took the game away from them. They now require something special from their batters to avoid an innings defeat, still quite far away from equalling South Africa’s first-innings total with only six wickets remaining.
Brief scores:
West Indies 97 & 82/4 in 30 overs (Roston Chase 21*; Kagiso Rabada 2/18, Anrich Nortje 2/34) trail South Africa 322 all out in 96.5 overs (Quinton de Kock 141*, Aiden Markram 60; Jason Holder 4/75) by 143 runs
