Day 1 ended with the West Indies down to 97/7 at stumps after bowling out South Africa for 160.
In the second and final Test, which began on Thursday, Shamar Joseph celebrated his maiden experience playing Test cricket at home with a five-wicket haul. However, South Africa responded in kind, taking 17 wickets in a thrilling opening day. After opting to bat first, the Proteas were routed for 160 runs thanks to fast bowler Joseph’s five-for-33 haul. At the end, the Caribbean side managed a pitiful 97 for seven, but seamer Wiaan Mulder answered in kind with an outstanding four for 18.
Joseph, who was left out of the first Test match that was drawn due to rain in Trinidad a week ago, regained his form and vigor from his Australian debut series in January.
On the last day of the second Test in Brisbane, he reportedly claimed an incredible seven wickets to help the West Indies achieve their first Test victory in Australia in 27 years.
The Guyanese pacer made amends as soon as he entered the game as the first-change bowler on a hot morning at the South American venue, following a disappointing two Tests in England last month where he appeared short of effort and match fitness.His constant pace and full length proved more than a handful for the South Africans in conditions that were surprisingly favorable to the fast bowlers. He removed opener Adrian Markram almost immediately, while fellow pacer Jayden Seales (3 for 45) provided superb support.
Joseph, 24, reflected on his third five-wicket Test innings haul, saying, “It’s a great feeling to have done this at home.”
“I haven’t really played much here at Providence but I always go in with a clear plan to do what the team needed, and I am glad I was able to deliver today.”
The visitors needed a final-wicket partnership of 63 runs between Dane Piedt (38 not out) and Nandre Burger (23) to surpass the hundred-run threshold.
Strangely enough, bowling was the main reason both players were chosen for this particular match—fast bowler Lungi Ngidi and batter Ryan Rickelton were left out of the first Test squad.
The South African bowlers were infuriated by the West Indies top-order batting, and they were motivated by their late resistance.
Burger was the first to break through when he scattered Mikyle Louis’ stumps, but the South Africans’ comeback was sparked by Mulder’s replacement of the unfortunate Kagiso Rabada.The medium-pacer, who broke his own record of three for one against the West Indies in St Lucia three years prior, broke through with a combination of movement through the air and off the seam, following the pattern set earlier in the day by Joseph, to leave the hosts tottering at 56 for six.
Mulder said, looking back on his finest Test bowling performance to date, “I had a lot going for me today but I didn’t bowl at my best.”
“I merely attempted to emulate Shamar’s earlier-day actions by bowling a length that made it challenging for the hitters to score runs. He is undoubtedly faster than I am, but I was able to take advantage of the pitch and my bowling approach.”Gudakesh Motie (33 not out) and Jason Holder (33 not out) prevented a total collapse, but Motie’s death in the final over of the day against Keshav Maharaj puts even more pressure on former captain Holder to do whatever he can with the tail on the second morning to reduce the first innings deficit.
