Bavuma and de Zorzi Steer South Africa in First Test Against West Indies

2024-08-16

On the second day of the rain-impacted first Test in Trinidad, 9 Aug 2024, South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma and opener Tony de Zorzi played pivotal roles in their team's innings, guiding them to a position of strength. At stumps, South Africa had posted a solid 344 for eight, having started the day at a modest 45 for one after rain had curtailed play on the first day to just 15 overs.

Bavuma’s innings of 86 and de Zorzi’s 78 were crucial in South Africa’s effort. Despite a pitch that was relatively flat and offered minimal assistance to bowlers, the two South African batsmen displayed resilience and skill. The pitch’s two-paced nature made scoring challenging, but Bavuma and de Zorzi managed to anchor the innings effectively.

For the West Indies, left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican emerged as the standout bowler, claiming three wickets for 66 runs. His key breakthroughs came in the final half-hour of play when he took two wickets in consecutive deliveries, helping the West Indies restrict South Africa from surpassing the 400-run mark. Warrican emphasized the need for discipline on the flat pitch and acknowledged his desire to be more economical but felt his performance was satisfactory given the conditions. He also praised his team’s effort in taking seven wickets on such a batting-friendly surface, despite the sweltering heat.

Veteran seamer Kemar Roach, back in the squad after missing the England tour due to a knee injury, and fellow fast bowler Jayden Seales each took two wickets. Roach and Seales were effective in the morning session and continued to apply pressure later in the day, with each claiming a wicket using the second new ball.

Despite the West Indies' efforts, South Africa’s batsmen might have felt disappointed with some of their dismissals. De Zorzi, who was approaching his maiden Test hundred, fell to an unusual reverse sweep attempt just before lunch, edging a catch to Kavem Hodge at first slip. His innings of 78 came off 148 balls and included seven fours and two sixes, with the sixes coming in the first over from spinner Gudakesh Motie.

Bavuma, who appeared set to add to his tally of two Test centuries, was dismissed leg-before by Seales after misjudging a full toss. Bavuma’s innings, which featured seven fours and a six, spanned 182 balls and reflected the desire of many South African batsmen to spend time at the crease, especially since it was their first Test since January.

David Bedingham contributed 29 runs before being caught by debutant Keacy Carty at deep midwicket off a short ball from Seales. Ryan Rickelton also fell for 19, lbw to Roach as the second new ball was introduced. The West Indies faced frustration from a 57-run partnership between Kyle Verrynne and Wiaan Mulder. Warrican dismissed both Verrynne (39) and Keshav Maharaj with catches off his own bowling, putting him on the brink of a hat-trick. However, Kagiso Rabada’s resilience thwarted Warrican’s bid for a historic feat. Mulder will resume at 37 not out when play resumes on the third morning, weather permitting.