1st Test: Philanders’ five-for nudges South Africa closer to win

Windies at 76-2 on day three after following on; trail Proteas by 275 runs.

PRETORIA: Vernon Philander took five wickets as South Africa closed in on victory, having reduced the West Indies to 76-2 in their follow-on innings at the close of play on day three of the opening Test yesterday.

West Indies require 275 runs to make South Africa bat again and with the weather set fair for the next two days, the rampant Proteas will be confident of completing the win.

Philander bowled with impeccable line and length to grab four wickets as the West Indies were bowled out for 201 in their first innings, before he removed left-handed opener Devon Smith after home skipper Hashim Amla asked the visitors to follow on.

Marlon Samuels (13) and Leon Johnson (31) will resume today hoping to lead the West Indies rearguard on a pitch that remains good for batting.

Replying to South Africa’s score of 552-5 declared, the West Indies made a promising start to their innings in the morning session when they put on 72 for the first wicket before Smith was controversially given out caught behind by third umpire Paul Reiffel at 35.

South Africa continued to pick up wickets at regular intervals and with fast-bowler Kemar Roach not batting due to an ankle injury, the West Indies were bowled out shortly after tea. 

Published in The Express Tribune, December 20^th, 2014.

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