PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa (AP) – Dean Elgar hit a career-best score and Faf du Plessis stroked an unbeaten 99 as South Africa continued to dominate the West Indies on the first day of the second cricket Test at St George’s Park today.
Elgar made 121 and shared a 179-run stand for the second wicket with Du Plessis as the Proteas went to stumps on 270 for two after West Indies had won the toss and asked the hosts to bat.
The West Indies lost the first Test by an innings and 220 runs, and continued to look well short of the quality required to be competitive against the No. 1-ranked side in the world.
The tourists twice dropped Du Plessis, while Elgar survived a missed stumping and there were also several missed run-out opportunities.
Despite those chances, captain Denesh Ramdin’s decision to bowl first on a slow pitch appeared ill-advised, and his opposite number Hashim Amla confirmed that he wanted to bat anyway.
Although the West Indies bowling was more disciplined than it was in the first Test, and the seamers did find some assistance early on, it was no more penetrative.
Alviro Petersen was the only batsman to fall during the first two sessions, as he spooned a short, wide delivery from Shannon Gabriel to the fielder at cover to depart for 17.
Egar and Du Plessis took full control thereafter, constructing their fourth century stand in tests.
Summarised scores: South Africa 270-2 in 88 overs (Dean Elgar 121, Faf du Plessis 99 not out) vs West Indies.
