Cricket

South Africa's dominance continued on day two of the second Test against West Indies in Guyana, as they extended their lead to 239 runs with five wickets remaining.After dismissing West Indies for 144 in the first innings, South Africa openers Aiden Markram and Dean Elgar put on a solid 79-run partnership. Markram went on to score 51 before being dismissed by Alzarri Joseph, while Elgar fell for 35 to Jayden Seales.Kyle Verreynne and Keegan Petersen then steadied the innings with a 45-run stand. Petersen was dismissed for 22 by Seales, but Verreynne continued to impress, reaching his half-century off 100 balls.Wiaan Mulder joined Verreynne at the crease and the pair put on an unbeaten 84-run partnership to further strengthen South Africa's position. Verreynne remained not out on 50, while Mulder was unbeaten on 44.For West Indies, Seales was the pick of the bowlers with 3-52, while Motie took 2-61.Earlier, West Indies had fought back in the first innings thanks to a defiant 54* from Jason Holder. The West Indies captain shared a 40-run partnership with Shamar Joseph for the last wicket, which helped them reduce the deficit to 16 runs.However, South Africa's bowlers, led by Lungi Ngidi (4-32) and Marco Jansen (3-49), proved too strong for the West Indies batting lineup.With a substantial lead and five wickets in hand, South Africa are in a commanding position heading into day three. However, West Indies will be hoping to make early inroads with the ball and give themselves a chance of chasing down a challenging target.

The South African20 (SA20) league is gearing up for its third season, set to take place from January 9 to February 8, 2023. The six participating teams have finalized their pre-signings and retentions, adding a star-studded roster to the tournament.League commissioner Graeme Smith expressed his satisfaction with the caliber of players joining the SA20, stating that it reflects the league's commitment to creating a world-class experience. Among the notable signings are Joe Root, Dinesh Karthik, Ben Stokes, Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Rashid Khan, Devon Conway, Azmatullah Omarzai, Jonny Bairstow, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz.Smith emphasized the importance of having both international stars and local heroes on the teams, highlighting the presence of Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, and Heinrich Klaasen. He also praised the retention of domestic players, including rookies who have been promoted to fully-contracted status for Season 3.As of now, the teams have between 14 and 17 players on their rosters, with the remaining spots to be filled at the auction in Cape Town on October 1. Each team can have a maximum of 19 players, including one wildcard and one rookie player. Of the remaining 17, a minimum of ten must be South African, while a maximum of seven can be from overseas.The SA20 2023 squads are as follows:* Durban's Super Giants: Brandon King, Quinton De Kock, Naveen ul Haq, Kane Williamson, Chris Woakes, Prenelan Subrayen, Dwaine Pretorius, Keshav Maharaj, Noor Ahmed, Heinrich Klaasen, Jon-Jon Smuts, Wiaan Mulder, Junior Dala, Bryce Parsons, Matthew Breetzke, Jason Smith, Marcus Stoinis* Joburg Super Kings: Faf Du Plessis, Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Maheesh Theekshana, Devon Conway, Gerald Coetzee, David Wiese, Leus Du Plooy, Lizaad Williams, Nandre Burger, Donavon Ferreira, Imran Tahir, Sibonelo Makhanya, Tabraiz Shamsi* MI Cape Town: Rashid Khan, Ben Stokes, Kagiso Rabada, Trent Boult, Azmatullah Omarzai, Dewald Brevis, Ryan Rickelton, George Linde, Nuwan Thushara, Connor Esterhuizen, Delano Potgieter, Rassie Van Der Dussen, Thomas Kaber, Chris Benjamin* Pretoria Capitals: Anrich Nortje, Jimmy Neesham, Will Jacks, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Will Smeed, Migael Pretorius, Rilee Rossouw, Eathan Bosch, Wayne Parnell, Senuran Muthusamy, Kyle Verreynne, Daryn Dupavillon, Steve Stolk, Tiaan van Vuuren* Paarl Royals: David Miller, Mujeeb Ur-Rahman, Sam Hain, Joe Root, Dinesh Karthik, Kwena Maphaka, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Bjorn Fortuin, Lungi Ngidi, Mitchell Van Buuren, Keith Dudgeon, Nqaba Peter, Andile Phehlukwayo, Codi Yusuf, John Turner, Dayyaan Galiem, Jacob Bethell* Sunrisers Eastern Cape: Aiden Markram, Zak Crawley, Roelof van der Merwe, Liam Dawson, Ottneil Baartman, Marco Jansen, Beyers Swanepoel, Caleb Seleka, Tristan Stubbs, Jordan Hermann, Patrick Kruger, Craig Overton, Tom Abell, Simon Harmer, Andile Simelane, David BedinghamThe schedule of matches for the SA20 2023 season will be announced at a later date.

Shamar Joseph's five-wicket haul marked a memorable Test debut on home soil, but South Africa fought back with a vengeance as 17 wickets fell on a dramatic opening day of the second Test in Guyana.Joseph's incisive pace and full length proved too much for the Proteas, who were dismissed for 160 after opting to bat first. The Guyanese pacer removed opener Adrian Markram early and received excellent support from Jayden Seales (3 for 45).However, South Africa's Wiaan Mulder responded with a superb spell of four for 18, ripping through the West Indies top order. Burger struck first, dismissing Mikyle Louis, before Mulder's introduction proved decisive. The medium-pacer's movement and seam position left the hosts reeling at 56 for six.Jason Holder (33 not out) and Gudakesh Motie (11) offered some resistance, but Motie's dismissal in the final over to Keshav Maharaj left the West Indies in a precarious position.Joseph, who missed the rain-affected first Test in Trinidad, recaptured the form that earned him a seven-wicket haul in Brisbane earlier this year. His performance was a welcome boost for the West Indies, who endured a disappointing two-Test series in England.Mulder's career-best bowling performance was a testament to his ability to adapt to the conditions. "I just tried to replicate what Shamar did earlier in the day by bowling a length which made it difficult for the batters to score," he said.With the West Indies trailing by 63 runs, Holder and the tailenders will need to bat resolutely on the second morning to minimize the deficit.

In the highly anticipated first Test match at Guyana since 2011, South Africa has opted to bat first after winning the toss against hosts West Indies. The match marks a crucial encounter for both teams, with South Africa aiming to secure a spot in the World Test Championship final and West Indies seeking to improve their position on the points table.South Africa's lineup features two notable changes: left-arm seamer Nandre Burger and offspinner Dane Piedt. Burger replaces Lungi Ngidi, while Piedt, who last played a Test in 2018, joins Keshav Maharaj as the team's second specialist spinner. Allrounder Wiaan Mulder will bat at No. 7.West Indies, on the other hand, has made only one change from the drawn Trinidad Test. Shamar Joseph, who will be making his international debut at home, replaces Kemar Roach. The team retains its three-seamer, two-spinner combination, with Gudakesh Motie holding his place despite going wicketless in the previous match.With the first Test ending in a draw, this match becomes a winner-takes-all affair. For South Africa, it is the first of seven must-win Tests if they hope to qualify for the World Test Championship final without relying on other results. West Indies, currently ninth on the points table, will be eager to secure a victory to improve their chances of reaching the final.The Providence Stadium, which is hosting its third Test match, is expected to witness a thrilling contest between two evenly matched teams. South Africa's batting lineup, led by Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma, will face a stern test against the West Indies bowling attack, which includes the experienced Jason Holder and the promising Jayden Seales.The match promises to be a captivating spectacle, with both teams determined to emerge victorious and secure a crucial advantage in the series.

West Indies and South Africa are eager to secure a victory in the second Test match of their series in Guyana, following a rain-affected draw in Trinidad. Both teams have areas to improve upon, particularly in converting starts into substantial scores.West Indies, currently at the bottom of the World Test Championship standings, will be determined to secure their second win. They will rely on the likes of Kraigg Brathwaite and David Bedingham, known for their patience and ability to hold their ground.South Africa, on the other hand, faces a must-win situation in each of their remaining seven Tests in this World Test Championship cycle. They may consider fielding only six batters, placing pressure on Kyle Verreynne to deliver significant runs.Alick Athanaze, who impressed in Trinidad with his composure and ability to handle short balls, could be a key player for West Indies. He has a strong record at the Providence Stadium, where the second Test will be played.South Africa may opt to include Nandre Burger or Dane Piedt in their lineup, sacrificing a batter for additional bowling firepower.The Providence Stadium pitch is expected to provide challenges for batters, with an average first-innings score of 206 in 2023. Both seam and spin bowlers are likely to find success.

Keshav Maharaj, South Africa's premier spinner, embodies the unwavering passion and dedication that drives his exceptional performances on the cricket field. His love for spin bowling knows no bounds, as he would gladly start a spell even in the dead of night.In the recently concluded first Test against West Indies in Trinidad, Maharaj showcased his remarkable endurance by bowling 40 overs in the first innings, the second-longest spell by a bowler in men's Test cricket since 2001. Despite the absence of a second specialist spinner in the South African XI, Maharaj embraced the challenge, having prepared diligently for such a workload during the preceding months of white-ball cricket.Maharaj's unwavering commitment to his craft extends beyond the physical demands of bowling. He meticulously maintains his workload, regardless of the format, ensuring that he is always ready for the rigors of Test cricket. His consistency and ability to bowl for extended periods are a testament to his dedication and unwavering desire to contribute to his team's success.On the docile pitch in Trinidad, Maharaj's discipline proved crucial in South Africa's 124-run first innings lead. However, the constant rainfall throughout the match hindered the wicket's deterioration, making it more favorable for batting. Despite the challenging conditions, Maharaj remained optimistic, believing that the wicket would have become more spinner-friendly had the rain not interrupted play.Despite opting for an XI with only Maharaj as a frontline spinner, South Africa's decision proved to be sound. Aiden Markram's exceptional performance as the fourth bowler created opportunities and sparked a West Indian collapse, setting the stage for South Africa to push for a win.However, the match ultimately ended in a draw, leaving Maharaj and his teammates disappointed. South Africa's limited schedule in the current World Test Championship cycle means that they must strive to win every remaining match to enhance their chances of reaching the final.Maharaj remains undeterred, vowing to continue bowling his best ball and being a "wily old character" on the field. His unwavering passion and dedication serve as an inspiration to his teammates and a testament to the enduring spirit of Test cricket.

Alick Athanaze's valiant 92 propelled the West Indies to a hard-fought draw against South Africa in the rain-marred first Test at Queen's Park Oval. The Proteas set a daunting target of 298, but Athanaze's resilience and a crucial partnership with Jason Holder kept the hosts in contention.Athanaze, batting at a precarious 18 for two, displayed remarkable patience and composure. He faced 116 deliveries, hitting nine boundaries, and anchored the West Indies' innings for over three hours. His partnership with Holder, worth 65 runs, lifted the hosts from a shaky 127 for four to a more stable position.However, as the close of play approached, Athanaze's concentration wavered. Eager to reach his century, he top-edged a sweep off Keshav Maharaj to Ryan Rickelton at backward square-leg. Maharaj, who finished with match figures of eight for 164, proved to be the most potent threat to the West Indies.Earlier in the day, Tristan Stubbs led South Africa's charge for quick runs with an aggressive 68 off 50 balls. Stubbs' maiden Test half-century, coupled with contributions from Tony de Zorzi (45) and Aiden Markram (38), allowed South Africa to declare their second innings at 173 for three.West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite, who fell cheaply in the first over, expressed confidence in his team's ability to chase down the target. "We knew it wasn't going to be easy, but my message to the boys was to back themselves and fully commit to their plans at the crease," he said.However, rain played a significant role in the match, with more than two days of playing time lost. This raises concerns for the second and final Test, scheduled to take place at the Guyana National Stadium from Thursday.

The fourth day of the Test match between South Africa and West Indies at Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago witnessed a dramatic turn of events, setting the stage for a thrilling final day. Despite rain interruptions and a delayed start, South Africa seized control of the game, leaving West Indies facing an uphill battle.After bowling out West Indies for 233 in their first innings, South Africa gained a 124-run lead. The Proteas then added 30 runs in five overs before the close of play on Saturday, putting themselves in a strong position to push for a victory.On Sunday, with a yellow-level weather alert in place and heavy rainfall in the area, it seemed that the match would be further delayed or even abandoned. However, after a six-hour delay, play finally commenced. South Africa wasted no time in asserting their dominance, triggering a West Indian collapse of 6 for 60 in just 16.1 overs.The Proteas' bowlers, led by Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, wreaked havoc on the West Indian batting lineup. Rabada claimed three wickets, while Ngidi picked up two. The West Indies were eventually bowled out for 162, giving South Africa a commanding lead of 286 runs.With only one day remaining in the Test, South Africa will be looking to press home their advantage and secure a victory. However, the weather remains a major concern, and further rain interruptions could potentially spoil the Proteas' plans.Despite the challenges posed by the weather, this Test match has been a captivating affair, with both teams showing resilience and determination. The final day promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with South Africa aiming to complete a memorable victory and West Indies fighting to salvage a draw.

Rahul Dravid, the former head coach of the Indian cricket team, recently reflected on his tenure, highlighting the 2021-22 Test series defeat against South Africa as the most challenging moment.In the series, India, led by Virat Kohli, had a golden opportunity to secure their maiden series victory on South African soil. They began with a resounding 113-run victory in the opening Test at Centurion, but the Proteas staged a remarkable comeback, winning the following two Tests by seven wickets each.Dravid attributed the defeat to the absence of several senior players, including Rohit Sharma, and South Africa's resilience. "We were very close, and in both the second and third Test matches, we had a big opportunity," he said. "But South Africa played well and chased back in the fourth innings."Despite the setback, Dravid had an impressive tenure as India's coach. He led the team to an ICC T20 World Cup victory in 2022, a runner-up finish in the 2023 50-over World Cup, and the runner-up spot in the ICC World Test Championship.Dravid's tenure was marked by a focus on player development and a commitment to building a strong team culture. He emphasized the importance of mental toughness and resilience, qualities that were evident in India's performances under his guidance.