WI face tough task in second Test

PORT ELIZABETH, Dec 24 (AFP): The West Indies face a daunting task when they take on South Africa in the second Test at Port Elizabeth's St George's Park Friday.

The tourists were outplayed in the first Test at Centurion, where they were beaten by an innings and 220 runs, with the match ending before lunch on the fourth day.

It was such a one-sided contest that South Africa will again be strong favourites, even though there are several factors that favour the West Indians in Port Elizabeth, where the pitches usually offer minimal seam movement and less pace than other South African venues.

It was in the coastal city seven years ago that the West Indies gained their only win in 13 Test matches in South Africa.

Three of the current squad played significant roles, with Shivnarine Chanderpaul (104) and Marlon Samuels (94) the mainstays of a strong first innings, while fast bowler Jerome Taylor had match figures of six for 112.