Cricket Update – West Indies vs South Africa; second test ends in a draw
West Indies finally have something to show off after some good work in the 2nd test against South Africa. A double century stand between Chanderpaul and Nash led the comeback for the home team, who once again looked all set for another test defeat.
The final day was pretty much a formality as the 2nd test ended in a high scoring draw.
However, it did not come as a big surprise, looking at the pitch before the first day, many predicted a high scoring affair. The only thing that made the experts expect a result was the unpredictable batting line up of West Indies who have a habit of falling like a deck of cards, one good score by South Africa in the first innings could have done the trick, had Chanderpaul and Nash not put together that mammoth partnership.
South Africa took to the field on the final day, knowing they would not be able to make much of the match, the result was all but decided by then. It was much like a practice session to be televised live on national television. The visitors looked keener on getting some batting practice ahead of the all important 3rd test. Both teams looked to be going through the motions, the pitch was simply a bad advertisement for test cricket as the final 2 days of the test match were nothing but boring. Especially, when compared to other sporting events going on in the world, such as the football World cup in South Africa and Wimbledon in England.
None the less West Indies for one would not be so disappointed from the draw. After the way their batting collapsed in Trinidad. Probably a flat track at St.Kitts is exactly what they needed for their batsmen to get some sort of confidence.
South Africa’s first innings total of 543 would have looked like a mammoth one to them, and overhauling that would have been a big achievement. But the manner in which they did that may have been questioned by many. On the hindsight they cannot be blamed too much, for the quick change in tactics, as at one stage it did look like they were going for the win on day 4, the pitch though had broken up severely, add to that Paul Harris continuing to bowl over the wicket to the right handers, it sure was not that easy to score runs on the penultimate day.
West Indies managed to get only 3 South African wickets till halfway through the 3rd session, which is when the play was called off. As both captains decided that the match is not going anywhere.
Looking at the first session though, it certainly was not that boring. The session was extended with an early start due to the rain last on the 4th day. Shane Shillingford, the new off spinner, which certainly is a rare breed in West Indian cricket, really made the ball talk; he got good bounce and grip from the pitch. While batsmen were not hesitant to prod forward and bring the close in fielders in action. All of that though looked like charades as both teams knew match was heading to a tame draw.
The match was finally called off in the final session with South Africa at 235 for 3, Jacques Kallis was at 63 and De Villiers at 31, leading West Indies by 232 runs. Shivnarine Chanderpaul was declared man of the match for his brilliant match saving 166 runs.
All eyes will now be set on the 3rd test; South Africa will be looking to seal the series with a win. While West Indies hopefully after gaining some confidence from this draw will look to go one better and win a test match after a long time.
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