West Indies hit back with Smith’s wicket

Graeme Smith led South Africa’s march towards the 231-run first-innings score by West Indies before the hosts hit back to reduce them to 145 for four at lunch on the second day of the final Test.

Smith was dismissed seven overs before the interval but only after he made 70. Sulieman Benn grabbed two for 21 as West Indies dented the spirited reply.  Earlier, West Indies were bowled out for a modest 231 as Johan Botha and Dale Steyn shared seven wickets between them. It looked a familiar sight as no West Indian batsman took responsibility to stay at the crease barring Dwayne Bravo, who managed 61. The Kensington Oval pitch favoured the quicks and the spinner alike as Botha spun the batsmen towards their downfall. Steyn claimed Bravo’s wicket before Benn’s brief cameo took the hosts to 231.

Benn continued to trouble South Africa – this time with his bowling – after he had Hashim Amla dismissed to a loose shot. Smith was troubled with the extra bounce, edging Benn to give the spinner his second wicket.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28^th, 2010.