Philander plunges WI into trouble

FE Team | Published: December 20, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00

CENTURION, Dec 19 (AFP): Vernon Philander took four wickets to plunge the West Indies into trouble on the third day of the first Test against South Africa at SuperSport Park Friday.
The West Indies were 184 for six at tea, still 368 runs behind South Africa's first innings total of 552 for five declared.
A double strike by Philander ended a promising opening partnership by the West Indies, with both opening batsmen falling to the accurate fast-medium bowler.
His third wicket was the crucial one, that of West Indian veteran Shivnarine Chanderpaul, and he dismissed Jermaine Blackwood in the last over before tea.
Kraigg Brathwaite and Devon Smith saw off South Africa's new ball attack, putting on 72 for the first wicket before Philander dismissed both in successive overs.
The right-handed Brathwaite looked solid and well-organised from the start, but left-hander Smith survived a confident appeal for leg before wicket by Philander with his score on five in the second over.
Smith was given not out by umpire Billy Bowden. South Africa sought a review. It showed the ball clipping the outside of leg stump and the decision stayed with the umpire.
Smith went on to make 35 before being caught behind off Philander's fourth ball of a second spell.
He was given not out by umpire Bowden but Philander immediately asked for a review which showed a faint bottom edge as Smith played a cramped pull shot.
The catch was taken by AB de Villiers, who took over the gloves after regular wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock sprained his right ankle during the warm-up. Faf du Plessis was also not on the field, suffering from stomach cramps.
Brathwaite fell for 34 in Philander's next over, edging a low catch to Hashim Amla at first slip.
Philander took two for two in four overs in his second spell.
Tea West Indies 184 for 6 (Ramdin 9*, Philander 4-29) trail South Africa 552 for 5 dec (Amla 208, de Villiers 152, van Zyl 101*) by 368 runs.