West Indies gain much-needed confidence

West Indies would have gained more confidence than South Africa as their match headed for a draw at lunch on day five at Warner Park. The hosts, who took a three-run first-innings lead after they were bowled out for 546, were boosted by two quick wickets that pegged the Proteas back at 131 for three in the second innings.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who could add only three runs to his 163 after lunch on the previous day, was dismissed before a familiar collapse ended the hosts’ resistance.

Dwayne Bravo made a painstaking 53 off 215 deliveries after Brendan Nash and Chanderpaul were sent back following their centuries.

Morne Morkel looked his old self as he finished with four for 116 while Paul Harris bowled 62 overs for his two scalps.

With the final day in progress and a draw seeming inevitable, South African batsmen hoped for some batting practice ahead of the third Test with captain Graeme Smith, Alivro Petersen and Hashim Amla all getting starts and taking their team to 131 at lunch.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 23^rd, 2010.