Brathwaite, Samuels hit centuries

Kraigg Brathwaite and Marlon Samuels hit centuries in a record stand for the West Indies on the fourth day of the second Test between South Africa and the West Indies at St George’s Park yesterday. On another rain-affected day, the West Indies reached 245 for four at tea in reply to South Africa’s first innings total of 417 for eight declared. Brathwaite made 106 and Samuels hit 101 before both were out in successive overs. They put on 176, a record third wicket partnership for the West Indies against South Africa, beating the 160 by Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Brian Lara in Durban in 1998/99. Rain and a wet outfield delayed the start of play until after lunch and there was a stoppage of almost half an hour after 11.3 overs had been bowled after lunch and tea. A light drizzle started to fall soon after lunch but cricket continued until it intensified and umpires Billy Bowden and Paul Reiffel called a halt. With most of the second day having been washed out, the chances of a result were receding rapidly, with the West Indies making a solid reply to South Africa’s first innings total of 417 for eight declared. Brathwaite and Samuels were subjected to some hostile short-pitched bowling from around the wicket by Morne Morkel, who took both West Indian wickets on Sunday. Samuels ducked into a bouncer and was struck a glancing blow on the back of his helmet but both batsmen looked reasonably comfortable. Samuels made 101 off 160 balls with 14 fours and a six before he was leg before wicket to Vernon Philander. Brathwaite’s 106 was made off 186 deliveries with 12 fours. He fell four balls after Samuels, edging Morkel to second slip. Morkel, the pick of the bowlers, had taken three for 55 at tea. PORT ELIZABETH NAMPA/AFP