South Africa need six wickets to secure an innings victory against West Indies in the first Test in St Lucia after Quinton de Kock’s career-best 141 not out helped them reach 322. That gave them a lead of 225.
In reply, West Indies were left reeling at 52/4, courtesy Kagiso Rabada (2-18) and Anrich Nortje (2-34). Roston Chase (21*) and Jermaine Blackwood (10*) survived till the end before they closed on 82/4 at Day 2 stumps. They still trail by 143 runs.
Resuming at 128/4, Rassie van der Dussen (48) fell two short to fifty after he outside-edged to Shai Hope at gully. Wiaan Mulder (25) and de Kock shared 53 for the sixth wicket before the former fell to Jason Holder in the third over after lunch.
However, de Kock continued to take the bowlers on at the other end. He notched up his sixth Test century, his first in more than 18 months.
Holder returned 4-75, while debutant Jayden Seales (3-75) particularly impressed with line and length. Kemar Roach (2-64) and Rahkeem Cornwall (1-61) were also among the wickets.
Dean Elgar reviewed after Rabada hit Brathwaite (7) on the front pad. As three red bulbs flashed, South Africa drew the first blood. Kieran Powell (14), Shai Hope (14), and Kyle Mayers (12) did not last either as the hosts need to deliver something extraordinary on Day 3 to escape an innings defeat.
Brief Scores
West Indies 97 (Jason Holder 20; Lungi Ngidi 5-19, Anrich Nortje 4-35) and 82/4 (Roston Chase 21*; Kagiso Rabada 2-18) trail South Africa 322 (Quinton de Kock; Jason Holder 4-75) by 143 runs