Rain dampens South Africa’s chances

Faf du Plessis completed his fourth Test century and was dismissed immediately afterwards on a rain-hit second day of the second Test between South Africa and the West Indies at St George’s Park on Saturday.

Only half an hour’s play was possible in Port Elizabeth, during which six overs were bowled and South Africa moved from their overnight 2-270 to 3-289.

“It was a very frustrating day,” said Du Plessis after play was finally called off more than four-and-a-half hours into the stoppage.

“We had a very good day one and were exactly where we wanted to be.”

With more rain predicted for Sunday, Du Plessis admitted it might be difficult for South Africa to force a series-clinching win to follow their victory by an innings and 220 runs in the first Test in Centurion.

“But there’s still quite a lot of time left,” he said.

“We will just have to do what we plan to do a lot quicker. We’ve got a very good bowling armoury but on the St George’s Park wicket it does take a bit longer.”

Du Plessis, on 99 overnight, flicked Jerome Taylor’s first ball of the day for four runs to raise his century off 229 balls.

He hit 13 fours and two sixes. But he was out to the next ball, a perfect outswinger which found such a faint edge that umpire Paul Reiffel remained unmoved as wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin and the bowler celebrated.

The West Indians sought a review and the Australian was forced to change his decision when ‘Snicko’ revealed the tiniest of scratches off the bat. It was the first wicket of the series for Taylor.

AB de Villiers joined captain Hashim Amla and hit two handsome drives for four off Jason Holder. He was on nine not out and Amla was unbeaten on 23.

West Indian opening batsman Kraigg Brathwaite said patience would be the key when the tourists eventually batted.

He said the West Indian players had been encouraged by the way they bowled on the first day but wanted to get on the field to make up for the chances they had missed during a 179-run second wicket partnership between Du Plessis and Dean Elgar.

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