The first day of the first Test match between West Indies and South Africa at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet saw 14 wickets go down in conditions difficult for batting.
The South African fast bowlers took just 40.5 overs to bowl out out the West Indians for 97. Lungi Ngidi picked up 5-19 and Anrich Nortje 4-35. Jason Holder top-scored with 20, while six batters did not reach double digits.
South Africa, too, received an early blow when new captain Dean Elgar was dismissed in the first over by Kemar Roach for a duck. But Aiden Markram (60) led a recovery, helping them reach 128/4 by stumps. West Indian debutant Jayden Seales picked up three of the wickets, including Markram and the debutants, Keegan Petersen and Kyle Verreynne.
West Indies vs South Africa, Day 2: What to expect?
A lead of 31 is handy in this pitch. Rassie van der Dussen and Quinton de Kock, the two men at the crease, can take the game away quickly. However, they are also the last pair West Indies need to be wary of: they may be in with a chance if they can break through early. A couple of quick wickets and they may be able to keep the lead below 100.
West Indies had another blow when Nkrumah Bonner had to be replaced by Kieran Powell as a concussion substitute. Bonner was hit on the helmet off the very first ball when he tried to pull Nortje. He continued to bat but had to pull out following subsequent assessments.
However, if the pitch does assist fast bowlers, it will work both ways. The South African pacers, terrific in the first innings, are not likely to spare an inch even in their second outing.
Key Players
Jayden Seales (West Indies): At only 19, Seales put up a remarkable show on his first day in Test cricket. He must continue his good run if West Indies want to restrict South Africa for a manageable lead.
Quinton de Kock (South Africa): South Africa will want to extend their lead as much as possible. With four top-order batsmen already back to the pavilion, the onus will be on de Kock, a man with the ability to define the course of a match in a session. Now that he is not burdened by captaincy anymore, expect him to bat more freely.
Prediction
South Africa to take a lead of over a hundred and exert pressure on West Indies.