Regular strikes in the final session helped West Indies mount a fightback after South Africa made hay in batting-friendly conditions during the opening two sessions on Day 1 of the second Test in Johannesburg on Wednesday, March 8. After a 76-run opening stand with Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram (96) joined forces with Tony de Zorzi (85) to lay the foundation for a strong total with a 116-run partnership. De Zorzi was also involved in a half-century stand with Temba Bavuma for the third wicket but West Indies managed to hit back with five wickets after Tea. However, having reached 311/7 at Stumps, the hosts are still in a good position playing on a dry Wanderers track which is expected to assist the bowlers better in the coming days.
But they came back well after the Tea break, with Holder opening the doors for them. The former West Indies captain was the most economical of the lot in the first two sessions, bowling disciplined lines. He finally found his reward when Bavuma shouldered arms and was trapped in front for 28. Ryan Rickelton and de Zorzi started building a promising partnership, which was cut short as the latter was bowled by Motie attempting a drive. Rickelton was caught behind off Joseph a short while later, leaving South Africa five down.
West Indies opted for the second new ball an over after it was due and it was Kyle Mayers who struck with it, getting one to shape back into Mulder to sneak through the bat-pad gap. Mayers also struck in the final over before Stumps, getting Simon Harmer to edge to the ‘keeper. After conceding 247 in the first two sessions at a rate of almost 4, West Indies pulled it back in the last session, chipping away regularly and giving away only 64 runs in 27.2 overs.
The Proteas top-order batsmen star on day one 🏏
Gudakesh Motie is the pick of the bowers ☝️ pic.twitter.com/YTKSWQxoJI
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) March 8, 2023
