Associated Press

Port of Spain, April 10:

Captain Graeme Smith hit a measured, unbeaten 90 in South Africa’s gritty response to the Brian Lara-inspired West Indies first-innings total of 347 on the second day of the second Test on Saturday.

South Africa added only 83 in the final session to close at 182 for three, trailing by 165 runs. Allrounder Dwayne Bravo wrecked an even better position for the visitors by claiming the world’s No 1 batsman, Jacques Kallis, in the final over. Smith lashed 10 fours off 196 balls in 4 hours, 45 minutes. Bravo led the West Indies attack with 2-39, while Reon King grabbed 1-21.

Earlier, Lara was dismissed four runs short of a double century as the West Indies, resuming from 281-6, was bowled out just before lunch for 347. Makhaya Ntini claimed 6-95 and was supported by Andre Nel, who earned 3-71. Smith then gave South Africa’s reply a solid foundation in an opening stand of 70 with AB de Villiers.

The West Indies’ fast bowlers wasted the new ball as South Africa took the initiative after lunch. But King and Bravo hit back toward the end of the second session. De Villiers struck four fours in 33 before he miscued an off-drive low to West Indies captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul at short extra cover.

South Africa slipped to 86-2 when Bravo made his first strike to remove Jacques Rudolph. Smith and Kallis guided South Africa to 99-2 at tea, and dominated the final session.

Kallis survived a couple of chances as South Africa began to assert its authority. Just as South Africa seemed set to close with the advantage, Bravo sent the fans into raptures with the crucial scalp of Kallis. He was leg before to an inswinger as he played around his front pad. Kallis compiled 39 off 131 balls. Nightwatchman Monde Zondeki survived was unbeaten on 1.