South Africa take command

South Africa dominated a slow-paced third day in the fourth Test on Sunday, reaching 122 for three by the close after demolishing the West Indies for 140 in their first innings.

Neil McKenzie, unbeaten on 44, and Daryll Cullinan, on 17, had extended the tourists's lead to 229, although only 72 runs were scored in the last two sessions of the day.

The home side, 0-1 down in the series, bowled negatively after lunch and the South African batsmen saw no reason to play at deliveries pitched outside leg-stump.

Captain Carl Hooper's negative tactic of asking leg-spinner Dinanath Ramnarine to bowl into the rough finally paid off when Herschelle Gibbs (45) was caught by Chris Gayle at slip.

Gibbs was clearly unhappy after patiently surviving for 195 balls, and television replays indicated the ball hit him on the chest, rather than taking an edge.

Left-hander Nicky Boje was promoted to number four in a bid to upset the rhythm of Ramnarine and Hooper. But he went down the pitch to the West Indian captain next over and edged a far more obvious chance to Sylvester Joseph at slip. Boje failed to score.

GLOVED BOUNCER

Opener Gary Kirsten fell in the first session for nine after gloving a Courtney Walsh bouncer to Ramnaresh Sarwan at short leg.

Earlier, West Indies had finished 107 behind on first innings after resuming at 130 for six.

Hooper added just a single to his overnight 16 when a nasty off-cutter from Lance Klusener leapt off a length and popped to Gary Kirsten at short leg.

Klusener's clever variations, delivered off just six paces, accounted for Neil McGarrell when a faster delivery swung back and trapped him lbw for a 17-ball duck.

Ramnarine was run out for two by a direct hit from mid-off by Neil McKenzie and last man Walsh was trapped lbw by Shaun Pollock for four.

Mail Cricket Editor