South Africa on top against West Indies

South Africa took control of the fourth test against West Indies on Saturday, snapping up two wickets in the final five minutes of the second day to leave the home side struggling at 130 for six.

Replying to South Africa's first innings total of 247 all out, West Indies face an uphill task and they will look to Carl Hooper, 16 not out at close of play, for a skipper's innings on Sunday.

South Africa's poor batting on day one was matched by the hosts on day two and they lost their first four wickets to poor shots when consolidation was needed.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Hooper appeared to have stablised the innings while batting through much of the final session, but Chanderpaul edged seamer Justin Kemp to slip and departed for 40 in the penultimate over. Nightwatchman Mervyn Dillon was then bowled by Lance Klusener for a duck.

Earlier, Jacques Kallis -- taking the new ball in place of the injured Allan Donald -- had opener Chris Gayle (11) caught at fourth slip by Shaun Pollock after a flat-footed waft outside off-stump to leave the home side on 13 for one.

Pollock claimed the second wicket when Wavell Hinds (9) also failed to move his feet in playing an off-drive and wicketkeeper Mark Boucher held a straightforward edge.

SUPERBLY CAUGHT

Brian Lara slashed Makhaya Ntini for six over third man, but lack of foot movement in the top order looked to be becoming contagious when he drove poorly at a Justin Kemp delivery and was superbly caught by Neil McKenzie at extra cover for 19.

Ramnaresh Sarwan (25) was the first to fall after tea, once again caught at square leg attempting to hook a Kallis bouncer.

The 20-year-old right hander had been out in identical fashion during the second test in Trinidad, triggering a collapse that gave South Africa victory by 69 runs and a 1-0 lead in the series.

Earlier, South Africa added just 37 runs to their overnight 210 for seven, Pollock finishing unbeaten on a patient 48 from 194 balls with just a single boundary.

Nicky Boje was trapped lbw by Courtney Walsh for 36, although television replays showed Indian umpire Srinivas Venkataraghavan's decision to be harsh with the ball pitching outside leg stump.

All-rounder Kemp, batting at number 10 despite a highest first-class score of 183, made 16 before Mervyn Dillon removed his off-stump with a perfect leg-cutter.

The innings ended with the next ball as Dillon repeated the delivery, with the same result, to regulation tail-ender Ntini.

West Indies are bidding to level the five-match series at 1-1 with the final match in Jamaica just over two weeks away.

Mail Cricket Editor