Match evenly poised after AB century

South Africa made some inroads during the West Indies' reply after establishing a 92-run first-innings lead, but the third Test at Newlands is still anyone's for the taking at the end of day three.
Resuming in the morning on 227/3 with captain Hashim Amla unbeaten on 55 and AB de Villiers with him at the crease on 33, the Proteas' two star batsmen were not able to add much to their overnight partnership.
The Windies secured a major scalp early in proceedings as Amla nicked one to the keeper off Jason Holder to be dismissed for 63, just moments after the ball was replaced due to being out of shape.
Newcomer Temba Bavuma scored a circumspect 15 before being bowled by Shannon Gabriel, but Stiaan van Zyl was able to hang around with De Villiers, as they put on 96 runs for the sixth wicket.
De Villiers would go on to score his 21st test hundred, putting him level-third with Gary Kirsten on the all-time list behind Graeme Smith and Jaques Kallis, as the South Africans marched past the Windies total and set about building a sizable first-innings lead.
When Van Zyl was trapped in front by Marlon Samuels for 33, however, reducing South Africa to 384/6, the wickets started to tumble.
With AB still at the crease, the home side would have been hoping for a much bigger total, but the last four wickets fell for the addition of just 37 more runs.
De Villiers was the last man to go, having scored a superb 148, but the Windies had done pretty well to dismiss South Africa for 421 and keep the first-innings deficit down to just 92 runs.
The West Indies did not get off to the best start in their second innings.
After nearly 10 overs of caution, Morne Morkel angled one into Devon Smith's body only for it to catch the glove through to De Villiers at the back.
A few overs later, spinner Simon Harmer accounted for Kraigg Braithwaite with a beautiful delivery which spun back from outside off to take the off stump.
That left the visitors on 27/2 and in a spot of bother still 65 runs behind, but Marlon Samuels and Leon Johnson were able to steady the ship and see out the rest of the afternoon as the Windies finished the day on 88/2 – a deficit of just four runs.
Monday's action will be crucial in deciding the match, with South Africa looking for some quick wickets to apply the pressure, and the West Indies looking to carry on and give themselves something to bowl at on the final day.
Latest
-
News
In-form Jonny Bairstow leads England charge against India in Edgbaston decider
The Yorkshireman raced to 91 not out as England progressed to 200 for six.
-
News
James Anderson expects England to maintain their aggressive approach
India are in control of Ben Stokes’ team at Edgbaston.
-
News
Stuart Broad delivers costliest Test innings as India take control at Edgbaston
Broad gave up a record 35 runs in the penultimate over of India’s first innings.
-
News
Stuart Broad over costs a Test record 35 runs as India take charge at Edgbaston
The tourists reduced England to 60 for three having made 416 in their first innings.
-
News
Stuart Broad makes history twice on wild morning at Edgbaston
Bowler reached two milestones, one definitely unwanted.
-
News
Test cricket’s most expensive over – a ball-by-ball account
Stuart Broad’s over to Jasprit Bumrah went for 35 – seven more than the previous record.
-
News
New England captain Jos Buttler unable to prevent Lancashire defeat in Blast
The Lightning were defeated by Worcestershire Rapids.
-
News
You’ve got to applaud – Paul Collingwood hails ‘world-class’ Rishabh Pant knock
Pant blazed 146 off just 111 balls on an entertaining first day between England and India at Edgbaston.
-
India
Superb Rishabh Pant century turns Indian fortunes around against England
Pant smashed a brillaint 146 off just 111 balls.
-
News
Jos Buttler admits becoming England white-ball captain could end Test chances
The wicketkeeper-batter has replaced Eoin Morgan in charge of England’s white-ball teams.