Maharaj gives Proteas a leg up on Day 3

After the SA first innings folded for 357, a disciplined effort from veteran spinner Keshav Maharaj has put the Proteas in front at the close of Day 3.

Play was intermittent after the first session, with rain continuing to come and go for most of the rest of the day. However, the visitors would make the most of the next two sessions. 

SA lost their final two wickets after adding just 13 more runs this morning, and it looked like the Windies would go from strength to strength when the openers put on 53 runs.

However, Maharaj would lead the charge. Mikyle Louis was bowled by an arm ball on the final delivery before lunch. But the arrival of debutant Keacy Carty at #3 would bring back some stability for the hosts. Carty and skipper Brathwaite added 61 runs together, but a brilliant run-out from Wiaan Mulder would get the badly needed breakthrough.

Carty continued to score at a good clip, but another arm ball from Maharaj trapped him LBW. Six overs later, the left-arm spinner would send back the talented Alick Athanaze, who edged to Markram at slip.

Thereafter, Jason Holder and Kavem Hodge calmly navigated the remaining overs of the day.

This Test is now in an intriguing situation. SA have an advantage, but they’ll be eyeing quick wickets in the opening session tomorrow followed by quick runs with the bat. And it remains to be seen if the weather will cooperate. Stay tuned.

SA 357 all out in 117.4 overs

WI 145/4 in 67 overs (Carty 42 – Maharaj 28-13-45-3)