South Africa would look to extend their domination on the Windies on Friday at Warner Park, as the second test kicks off between the two nations. South Africa lead the three match series 1-0, as they comprehensively defeated the Caribbean team in the first test by 163 runs. The domination is highlighted by the fact that the match ended in less than four days.
The Proteas have had the better of West Indies during the last two decades, as they haven’t lost a match in 18 years of test cricket against the maroon shirts. The last time the Windies won against their archrivals was in Barbados back in 1992, the time when South Africa was allowed back into international cricket.
Graeme Smith and company would want to continue with this impressive record come this Friday. The victory would also help the Proteas reclaim the number one spot in test cricket.
"I am sure the West Indies are very frustrated," stated Smith after the first Test. "We knew that our ability to maintain pressure on them was going to be tested, and we were able to do what we wanted to do, and that was to keep our foot on their heads."
One cannot expect much from the West Indies, owing mainly to their whitewash in the One-Day series and their low form in test matches recently.
"We are looking forward to the Test, where we know we have to look for a victory and stay in the series," said Gayle.
"As I said before the start of the series, it won't be easy for us. The South Africans are an experienced team, and they are playing well at the moment. But we have to believe in ourselves and play good, hard cricket."
Although some of the players in the mighty South African side are looking off colour, but rumours say that the team would be unchanged for the second test. There have also been fitness issues during the busy schedule of the series, but awarding an extra day in the usual break between the two tests would help the visitors recover to full strength.
"Freshness is the key for us now, particularly from a bowling perspective," said Smith.
"Before the first Test, we spoke about the fact that we were going to be tested, not having played Test cricket for quite a while.
"In a three-Test series the next match is just as crucial. We can't afford to take our foot off the gas at all."
Smith was also happy with playing one spinner in the match, as he was confident of the consistent winning combination.
"Around the world, we've been successful with the attack we've had, and each guy performed his role, so we have no complaints," he said.
West Indies, on the other hand, are restricted because of choice rather than intention. Players such as Ramnaresh Sarwan, Jerome Taylor, Adrian Barath, and Fidel Edwards are all plagued with injury, and the A-Team is busy with the Britain tour, thus the reserves are unavailable.
Fast bowler Kemar Roach has reclaimed his place after missing the first test courtesy injury.
"We batted poorly in the first innings [of the first Test] and that actually cost us the game very quickly," said Gayle.
He added: "We are in the rebuilding process, and we asked a couple of batsmen to bat at positions they are not accustomed to, but it is something in cricket and, as batsmen, whenever you get a chance, you have to make the best use of it.
"But we are not going to use it as an excuse. We have to try and make the necessary adjustments for the Test match."
The weather is also likely to play its part in the match, as the storm season in the Caribbean has arrived. Let us see if weather can save the hosts from the relentless Proteas.
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