Windies on verge of famous victory

South Africa lost three vital wickets before the close of play on the fourth day of the fifth test against the West Indies at Sabina Park on Sunday.

The tourists ended the day precariously placed on 140 for three chasing a huge target of 386 for victory.

On a pitch that remains unspoiled by the passage of time South Africa remained positive throughout their innings in the belief they could record the third highest fourth innings total to win a match although the home side are still favourites to win the first test in 15 attempts since June 17 last year.

Opener Gary Kirsten, so often the stalwart of his country's biggest scores, attempted to leave a delivery from Mervyn Dillon which bounced more than expected and brushed the underside of his bat on it's way to wicketkeeper Ridley Jacobs.

Kirsten made 14 but fellow opener Herschelle Gibbs played some majestic cover drives on a pitch that remains almost perfect for batting to reach his fourth half century of the series before sweeping across the line at Carl Hooper's off spin and being bowled for 51.

Gibbs faced 120 balls and struck five boundaries during a second wicket stand of 65 with Neil McKenzie that took the score to 102 for one wicket before Gibbs' loss of concentration.

Daryll Cullinan's tour ended on a disappointing note when he was trapped lbw by Courtney Walsh for 18 with the total on 124. Cullinan scored two centuries and two half centuries in the first three tests but failed to advance past 28 in the final two matches.

By the close of play a patient, confident McKenzie had reached 40 not out while Jacques Kallis, again dropped to number five because of his heavy bowling workload, was unbeaten with five.

Earlier Ridley Jacobs carried his overnight score of 67 to 85 to virtually ensure the home side an unbeatable position as the West Indies second innings ended at 301 all out on the stroke of lunch leaving the tourists to make what would be the third highest fourth innings score by any country to win a test.

Resuming on 255 for seven wickets, the home side lost their first wicket to the third ball of the day in controversial circumstances when Dinanath Ramnarine edged Shaun Pollock to Cullinan at first slip who staggered backwards as he tossed the ball in the air.

Law 32.3 regarding "fair catches" states: "A catch shall be considered fairly made...if...the fielder obtains complete control over both the ball and over his own movement."

Cullinan was never in control of his movement and appeared to be aware of that fact as he scrambled desperately to catch the ball again following his premature celebration but failed to grasp it.

Ramnarine stood his ground but umpire Srinivas Venkataraghavan appeared to err in giving the batsman out.

Jacobs approached his innings in the same, aggressive mood that he employed on the third day but his instincts led to his downfall when he hooked a Lance Klusener bouncer to McKenzie at deep square leg. He faced 191 balls and struck seven fours.

Walsh was greeted by a guard of honour formed by the South African players when he appeared to play his last innings in test cricket and, combined with a standing ovation from the huge George Headley stand, was clearly emotional as he took a moment to clear his eyes and settle.

He quickly showed the style he has produced in 131 previous tests, however, slogging spinner Paul Adams over mid off for three runs and then carving the same bowler to cover point leaving Cameron Cuffy unbeaten on 13.

Mail Cricket Editor