On the thrilling first day of the second and final Test at Providence, Guyana, Shamar Joseph took a maiden home wicket haul of five as opposed to South Africa’s 17 wickets.
Parami News said that Joseph’s 5-33 helped destroy the opposition for 160 after Proteas had elected to bat first.
Nevertheless, the West Indies went down to 97/7 in response at stumps with Wiaan Mulder taking fantastic figures of 4/18 from seven overs.
Joseph however returned to his form and shine of his January debut series in Australia after being left out of the rain-hit drawn first Test in Trinidad a week ago.
At Brisbane on the last day of the second Test he took seven wickets. Which led to an incredible victory over Australia- their first Down Under in twenty-seven years!
Having looked short on work and match fitness during two poor Tests in England last month. The Guyanese pacer immediately made amends. When he was brought on as first change bowler on a sweltering morning at this South American venue.
As Jayden Seales (3/45) provided good support, he dismissed Adrian Markram almost straightaway. His constant pace and full length caused serious problems for ‘quick bowlers’ friendly conditions against South Africans who were not equal to it.
“It is great to have done this at home,” says Joseph. “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.”
Dane Piedt (38*) and Nandre Burger (23) had no choice but building up a last-wicket. Partnership worth sixty three runs so that they could just try reaching hundred runs for their side as visitors.
It was odd that neither fast bowler Lungi Ngidi nor opener. Ryan Rickelton were selected for this test match squad because both were picked for their bowling.
With the West Indies hanging on, the South African bowlers ripped through their top order.
The ‘South Africans’ comeback was initiate. When Mulder replaced Rabada who was unlucky but Burger also struck first by uprooting ‘Mikyle Louis’ stumps.
Today, just as Joseph had done, the medium pacer produced lateral movement in the air and off the pitch to leave the hosts reeling at 56/6. This bettered his previous best of 3/1 also against The West Indies in St Lucia three years ago.
“I didn’t bowl at my best but I had a lot going for me today,” said Mulder. While reflecting on his career-best Test bowling figures.
I tried to do what Shamar did earlier today. When he bowled a length that did not allow the batsman to score easily. It is clear that he is faster than me but at the same time. The pitch played its part in my favor as well.
At the end of day two, Guyana Jaguars are 234 for eight with Gudakesh Motie and Jason Holder unbeaten on 33 each. However, Motie’s dismissal off Keshav Maharaj in the last over of the day puts more pressure on former captain. Holder to get whatever he can out of the tail overnight and reduce first innings deficit.
