WI-SA 2nd Test: Day 1 records 17 wickets; Joseph stars
Day 1 of the 2nd Test between West Indies and South Africa recorded as many as 17 wickets in total. West Indies' Shamar Joseph and South Africa pacer Wiaan Mulder were the standout performers. Joseph, making his Test debut on home soil, claimed five wickets for just 33 runs. This impressive performance helped WI dismiss South Africa for a mere 160 runs after they elected to bat first in Guyana. WI later finished on 97/7 at stumps.
A thunderous spell from Joseph
SA had a watchful start, with Joseph coming into the attack in the seventh over. In his third over, he dismissed Aiden Markram with a peach. This gave Joseph his maiden Test scalp at home. Joseph removed Temba Bavuma in the same over, while David Bedingham, Keshav Maharaj, and Kyle Verreynne were his next victims. He conceded 33 runs in 14 overs (four maidens).
Joseph's maiden fifer in home Tests
Joseph registered his maiden five-wicket haul in home Tests. He bagged a record fifer in his debut Test innings, against Australia at the Adelaide Oval (5/94). On the same tour, Joseph scripted West Indies' record-breaking win at the Gabba, taking a fourth-innings seven-wicket haul. He was adjudged the Player of the Series. Joseph has now raced to 22 wickets from six Tests at an incredible average of 23.50.
Mulder's bowling effort stuns WI
In a fitting response, South African bowler Wiaan Mulder showcased his skills by taking four wickets for just 18 runs. This left the West Indies struggling at 97/7 in their first innings. Nandre Burger took two wickets, while Keshav Maharaj dismissed Gudakesh Motie to end the day. Jason Holder (33*) returned unbeaten for the Windies.
SA bounce back against WI
Following Piedt and Burger's resistance, South African bowlers managed to dismantle the West Indies' top-order batting. Mulder replaced Kagiso Rabada and quickly turned the tide in South Africa's favor. He admitted that while he didn't bowl at his best and tried to emulate Joseph by maintaining a length that made scoring difficult for batters. His strategy paid off as he tore through the West Indies' top order, leaving them reeling at 56/6.
Holder, Motie prevent complete collapse
Holder and Motie managed to prevent a total collapse of the West Indies' side. However, with Motie's dismissal in the day's final over by Maharaj, the responsibility now falls on former captain Holder to minimize the first innings deficit on Day 2. The 1st Test in Port of Spain was heavily affected by rain and ended in a draw.
