HOSTS PILE WOES ON WEST INDIES

De Villiers, Amla in control

Cape Town

South African captain Hashim Amla made a patient half-century as he and AB de Villiers steered their team towards a sound position on the second day of the third and final Test against the West Indies at Newlands on Saturday.

South Africa were 227 for three when rain ended play half an hour early – 102 runs behind the West Indian first innings total of 329.

“We’re in a really good position,” said South African batsman Faf du Plessis, who made 68 – the highest score in the match.

On a day of largely attritional cricket, the West Indies opted for defensive fields after an initial burst of aggression with the new ball, while the South African batsmen were content to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

A near-capacity crowd then saw Amla and De Villiers forge a careful unbeaten fourth wicket partnership of 70. Amla made 55 not out off 130 balls with seven fours, while De Villiers was on 32 off 52 deliveries, hitting four boundaries.

Fast bowlers Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel took two wickets each as South Africa wrapped up the West Indian first innings inside the first hour.