PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa, CMC – Persistent rain allowed just six overs on the second day of the second Test here yesterday, frustrating South Africa’s bid to take a firm grip on the game but easing the pressure building on embattled West Indies at St George’s Park.
When play was finally called off at 5:05 pm, South Africa had reached 289 for three, with captain Hashim Amla unbeaten on 23 and AB de Villiers not out on nine.
The adverse weather delayed the start by two hours and when players finally took to the field, play lasted just half-hour before the rain returned.
However, it was enough time for West Indies to claim the wicket of Faf du Plessis but not before the right-hander completed his fourth Test century.
Starting the day on 99 with South Africa on 270 for two, du Plessis clipped the first ball of the day – a wayward full-length delivery from pacer Jerome Taylor – to the square boundary to reach three figures. The celebrations were short-lived, however. He nicked the very next ball through to wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin and though initially given not out by umpire Paul Reiffel, was sent on his way following a successful review.
He faced 230 balls in just over 5-1/2 hours at the crease, and counted 13 fours and two sixes. Taylor, and fellow seamer Jason Holder, then troubled both Amla de Villiers in the next few overs, generating movement to hit both batsmen’s edges on a couple of occasions.
Despite this, de Villiers latched onto anything remotely loose, delightfully stroking Holder to the long off boundary and then unfurling a majestic straight drive, when the bowler missed his length in successive overs.
With the stage set for an intriguing contest, the rains returned to have a decisive say in the day’s play.
