South Africa go into this crunch match against the Windies in Cape Town
looking to erase the surprise 1-0 deficit at Port Elizabeth five days ago. The
West Indies, who until then hadn't won a single test match in 2007 pulled
off a marvelous performance both with the bath and the ball and will be going
into this test match with their spirits held high and looking for a possible revival
in their fortunes.
The Caribbean outfit's victory last in Port Elizabeth was based on some fine
batting displays by Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Chris Gayle and the
talented but inconsistent Marlon Samuels plus and inspired spell by another
youngster making a name for himself in the long illustrious list of West Indian
crickets-Dwayne Bravo. Chris Gayle can hammer any opponents to pieces on his
day and his dismantling of an intimidating South African bowling line up of
Dale Styen, Ntini and Andre Nel was a sight to behold for all cricket
lovers throughout the world. The Windies are beginning to put together bits
and pieces of a fine cricket squad and much credit should be given to underrated
Southpaw Shivnarine Chanderpaul for his amazingly consistent showing of late.
The underrated Guyana batsman has been a pillar for the West Indies outfit in
the face of some very rough and turbulent times and his century in last match
made a telling difference to the final result of the game. West Indies are known
for throwing away matches and series seemingly in their grasp and would be desperately
looking to hold on and secure a rare away series win this time around.
South Africa have recalled opener Neil McKenzie for this match
in place of the inconsistent Herschelle Gibbs. While Gibbs has been in
sublime form in the one-dayers, his recent test form leaves a lot to be desired
and it comes as no surprise that his place in the test team has been put under
scrutiny. McKenzie who hasn't been picked for the national side for three years
now is expected to open with captain Graeme Smith. Another player who was expected
to be in reckoning for this clash was ex-captain Shaun Pollock who has been
left in the cold since the Pakistan test series.However,the South African think
tank are expected to pick spinner Paul Harris ahead of the veteran Pollock
to add variety to a bowling attack which as seem too one-paced in recent years.
Watch the South African side fightback against a resurgent Windies outfit here
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