Cricket

Keshav Maharaj's masterful spin bowling has propelled South Africa into a commanding position in the first Test against the West Indies at Queen's Park Oval. Maharaj's unwavering accuracy and guile earned him three crucial wickets, leaving the hosts reeling at 145/4 at the end of a rain-marred third day.Maharaj's impressive figures of 3-45 from 28 probing overs underscore his growing importance to a South African team traditionally known for its fast bowlers. On a surface that tested the patience and technique of both batsmen and bowlers, the left-arm spinner skillfully exploited the conditions, claiming the key wickets of Mikyle Louis, debutant Keacy Carty, and left-hander Alick Athanaze.Maharaj's performance was particularly noteworthy as he navigated through three rain interruptions that disrupted the rhythm of play. "It's really about keeping it simple and being consistent and repetitive in conditions like this... and I like repetitions," Maharaj said after the day's play. "There's not much to be had from the wicket, so I am trying to use different variations, different paces and trajectories to make it uncomfortable to score. Sometimes in Test cricket, it's just about bowling in a particular channel and getting the dividends."The only wicket to elude Maharaj was that of West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite, who was run out for 35 after a moment of hesitation while attempting a quick single. Brathwaite's dismissal came off a delivery from pacer Lungi Ngidi, with Wiaan Mulder’s direct hit at the non-striker’s end leaving him millimeters short of his ground. The run-out, which occurred just before another rain break, was particularly frustrating for Brathwaite, as he had earlier survived after being dismissed off a no-ball.Keacy Carty, on his Test debut, showed promise with a composed 42 from 81 deliveries before being trapped lbw by a Maharaj arm ball. Alick Athanaze was also undone by Maharaj, offering a simple catch to Aiden Markram at slip after a tentative forward prod. With the West Indies precariously placed at 124-4, South Africa pushed for more breakthroughs before the close of play. However, the experienced pair of Kavem Hodge and former captain Jason Holder provided some resistance, ensuring no further damage before stumps. They will resume their fight on the fourth day, with the West Indies still trailing by 212 runs.Earlier in the day, the West Indies faced no weather issues as they wrapped up South Africa's first innings, taking the last two wickets for an additional 13 runs. Jomel Warrican, who had impressed with figures of 4-69, claimed the wicket of Kagiso Rabada, while fast bowler Jayden Seales uprooted the off-stump of last man Ngidi, leaving Wiaan Mulder unbeaten on 41.

Fanie de Villiers, a late bloomer in international cricket, made a significant impact on the South African team after the country's return to the global stage. Despite being 29 when he made his Test debut, de Villiers quickly established himself as a formidable fast bowler, taking 85 wickets in just 18 Tests.His most memorable performance came in the second Test against Australia in January 1994, where he claimed 10 wickets to lead South Africa to a historic five-run victory at Sydney. De Villiers's success was not limited to his ability to generate pace; he also possessed exceptional control, variations, and a deadly off-cutter.Growing up in the apartheid era, de Villiers faced challenges in pursuing his cricketing dreams. However, he credits the knowledge and skills he acquired from senior professionals and international coaches for his eventual success. He emphasizes the importance of specialized swing bowling coaches to develop young pacers.De Villiers's expertise in death bowling was another key factor in his success. He developed his signature yorkers through extensive practice, aiming at a Coke tin placed on a yorker length. He also studied the angles and footwork necessary to execute effective swing bowling.Among the current generation of fast bowlers, de Villiers admires Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh for their swing bowling abilities. He believes that swing bowling is a science that should be taught and practiced diligently.De Villiers's journey to international cricket was not without its obstacles. He had to balance his cricketing aspirations with a full-time job as a teacher. However, his determination and hard work paid off when he was selected for the South African team in 1992.Despite missing the 1992 World Cup due to a broken foot, de Villiers remained focused on his goal. He trained relentlessly and eventually made his Test debut in 1994. His impact was immediate, as he played a pivotal role in South Africa's historic victory over Australia.De Villiers's advice to young bowlers is to embrace the challenges and seek guidance from experienced coaches. He believes that a solid system and a focus on fundamentals are essential for success in fast bowling.

South Africa's captain, Temba Bavuma, once again fell short of a century but emerged as the top scorer as the Proteas reached 344-8 at the end of the second day of the first Test against the West Indies at the Queen's Park Oval.Bavuma contributed a valuable 86 runs before being dismissed leg before wicket to a full toss from Jayden Seales that swung away. Opener Tony de Zorzi also made a significant contribution, scoring 76 runs.At the close of play, Wiaan Mulder (37) and Kagiso Rabada (12) remained unbeaten and will resume batting on Friday. The hosts will be eager to dismiss the remaining batters quickly and gain an advantage in the match.After South Africa resumed on 45-1, with most of the first day's play lost due to rain, several batsmen made useful contributions. De Zorzi, who was 32 not out overnight, quickly reached his half-century off 78 balls.However, his partner Tristan Stubbs was the first to be dismissed, caught at first slip off Kemar Roach for 20. De Zorzi followed soon after, gloving a reverse sweep off spinner Jomel Warrican to leg slip. David Bedingham was out for 29, caught at deep forward square leg off Seales.Bavuma and Ryan Rickleton added 57 runs for the fifth wicket before Rickleton was trapped leg before wicket by Roach for 19, immediately after the new ball was taken. Bavuma's dismissal highlighted his ongoing struggle to convert half-centuries into Test hundreds, having only two centuries in 57 matches for South Africa.In the final 20 minutes of play, Warrican claimed two wickets in consecutive deliveries, both caught and bowled. Kyle Verreynne was out for 39, ending a 57-run partnership with Mulder, and Keshav Maharaj was dismissed for a first-ball duck. Rabada survived the hat-trick ball but nearly edged Warrican's next delivery to the slips.The flat track made it a challenging day for the bowlers, with Warrican's figures of 3-66 being the best among them. The Proteas will be hoping to build on their solid start and post a competitive total in the first innings.

West Indies' Jayden Seales and Gudakesh Motie put on a bowling masterclass against South Africa's Tony de Zorzi and Aiden Markram in the ongoing Test match. Seales, in particular, was exceptional, delivering a maiden over and consistently keeping the batters in check.Seales' first over was a testament to his accuracy and control. He bowled a series of full and on-middle deliveries, forcing de Zorzi to block them out. Motie, on the other hand, started off with a slightly fuller length, allowing de Zorzi to work the ball to mid-wicket for a single.However, de Zorzi soon found his rhythm and hit a boundary off Motie's overpitched delivery. Seales responded with a good-length ball that de Zorzi shouldered arms at. The left-hander then timed a perfect drive past cover for another boundary.Motie continued to bowl full and into the stumps, but de Zorzi was able to defend solidly. Seales, meanwhile, kept the pressure on with a series of deliveries that angled into the left-hander and forced him to stab them down the deck.In the ninth over, Motie bowled a full ball that de Zorzi flicked into the leg side. The following over, de Zorzi showed his attacking intent by lofting a full ball over long on for a maximum. He followed it up with another six, this time off a tossed-up delivery.Kemar Roach, who had been economical in his previous overs, also joined the party with a peach of a delivery that beat de Zorzi's defense. Roach continued to bowl a tight line and length, giving away only five runs in his four overs.As the innings progressed, Seales and Motie continued to dominate the South African batters. Seales bowled a maiden over in the 12th over, while Motie kept the runs in check with his accurate spin bowling.

South Africa's decision to bolster their batting lineup with Ryan Rickelton at No. 6 has resulted in a 7-4 split in their playing XI for the opening Test against West Indies in Trinidad. The move forced the Proteas to bench a bowler, with left-arm seamer Nandre Burger missing out.Wiaan Mulder will operate as the third seamer alongside Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, while Keshav Maharaj will be the lone specialist spinner. West Indies, on the other hand, have handed a debut to batter Keacy Carty and opted for a twin spin combination of Gudakesh Motie and Jomel Warrican. Shamar Joseph has been omitted from the XI.Kemar Roach returns to the West Indies side after missing the series against Australia earlier this year and will lead the attack in the absence of Alzarri Joseph. Both teams are eager to revive their World Test Championship campaigns, with South Africa currently seventh and West Indies ninth in the standings.South Africa's batting lineup boasts a mix of experience and youth, with Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, and Tristan Stubbs at the top of the order. Temba Bavuma will captain the side, while David Bedingham and Ryan Rickelton provide depth in the middle order. Kyle Verreynne will don the wicketkeeping gloves.West Indies' batting lineup will be led by Kraigg Brathwaite, who will open alongside Mikyle Louis. Keacy Carty will make his Test debut at No. 3, followed by Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, and Jason Holder. Joshua Da Silva will be responsible for the wicketkeeping duties.The bowling attack for West Indies will be spearheaded by Kemar Roach, who has 253 Test wickets to his name. Jayden Seales, Gudakesh Motie, and Jomel Warrican will provide support.The match marks the first Test between South Africa and West Indies in Trinidad since 2005. West Indies have not beaten South Africa in a home Test since 2001 and have not won a Test against them in 17 years.

The once-fierce rivalry between South Africa and West Indies has waned in recent years, with South Africa dominating the head-to-head record. However, as both teams enter a rebuilding phase amidst the expansion of T20 leagues, the upcoming Test series in Port of Spain promises to be more competitive than it has been in decades.South Africa, once a formidable force in away Tests, has lost its edge in recent years. Their provincial players have limited red-ball experience, and the team has prioritized investing in lucrative T20 cricket. In contrast, West Indies continues to invest in developing their first-class game, despite the high costs associated with their island geography.Despite their domestic system's challenges, West Indies has shown signs of improvement. They defeated Australia in a Test earlier this year and have not lost a series against a World Test Championship team since 2022. South Africa, on the other hand, has not won a Test series against England since 2012 and recently lost a series to New Zealand.Both teams have similar personnel profiles, with young batters looking to establish themselves and experienced seamers leading the attack. West Indies will rely on Kavem Hodge, who has been their most consistent performer in recent Tests. South Africa will look to David Bedingham, who has been in exceptional form in the county circuit.The pitch in Port of Spain is expected to be slow and dry, favoring spinners. Both teams have the option of playing an extra spinner, but they may also consider a fourth seamer to counter the threat of rain.With both teams desperate for points in the World Test Championship cycle, the upcoming series promises to be a hard-fought contest. It could mark the beginning of a more competitive rivalry between these two historic cricketing nations.

Ravi Shastri, India's former head coach, has hailed Jasprit Bumrah's exceptional performance in the T20 World Cup, describing him as a "magician with the ball." Shastri highlighted two pivotal moments in India's triumph: their victory over Pakistan in the group stage and their unexpected win against South Africa in the final.In the India-Pakistan clash, Bumrah's dismissal of Mohammad Rizwan turned the tide in India's favor, as Pakistan was comfortably placed at 80/3. In the final against South Africa, Bumrah's game-changing spell in the 16th over, conceding only four runs and dismissing Marco Jansen, put the Proteas on the defensive.Shastri praised Bumrah's ability to control the flow of the game, comparing him to legendary bowlers like Shane Warne, Wasim Akram, and Waqar Younis. He noted that Bumrah's wicket of Rizwan in the final was crucial, as it shifted the momentum in India's favor.Shastri also lauded Suryakumar Yadav's spectacular boundary catch that dismissed David Miller, bringing South Africa down to 161/7 with five deliveries remaining. He emphasized that Miller's dismissal was a game-changer, as he is known for his big-hitting abilities.Furthermore, Shastri expressed admiration for Rishabh Pant's resilience in returning to top-level cricket after a near-fatal car accident. He praised Pant's exceptional keeping skills, noting that he hardly missed a catch despite the pressure of the tournament.

Kemar Roach is set to make a triumphant return to the West Indies Test side for their upcoming home series against South Africa. The experienced fast bowler missed the recent tour of England due to a knee injury sustained during the County Championship.Roach's return bolsters a West Indies bowling attack that has been depleted by the absence of Alzarri Joseph, who has been rested for this series. Wicketkeeper-batter Joshua Da Silva has been appointed as the new vice-captain in Joseph's stead."We have decided to rest our vice-captain Alzarri Joseph for this series," explained head coach Andre Coley. "Alzarri has had a considerable workload recently, and this break will allow him to recuperate and return to peak performance."Coley has emphasized the importance of managing Joseph's workload, stating that "it always helps to have a period of time away from the game to work on your individual skills."Offspin-bowling allrounder Kevin Sinclair remains sidelined due to a fractured left forearm suffered during the England tour. However, uncapped offspinner Bryan Charles, pace-bowling allrounder Justin Greaves, and left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican have been included in the 15-member squad.Jeremiah Louis and Akeem Jordan, who were both part of the England tour, have been omitted from the squad. Zachary McCaskie, Kirk McKenzie, and Akeem Jordan have also been left out."The selection process for this squad was led by our Head Coach, Andre Coley," said Miles Bascombe, CWI's director of cricket. "This is pending the implementation of our new selection process, which will be rolled out in the coming days."West Indies will be eager to bounce back from their 3-0 whitewash in England, which has left them languishing at the bottom of the World Test Championship table. The two Tests against South Africa will be played in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, from August 7 to 11 and in Providence, Guyana, from August 15 to 19.

South Africa and Afghanistan are set to embark on a historic three-match ODI series in Sharjah from September 18 to 22. This marks the first-ever bilateral series between the two nations, a testament to the growing stature of Afghanistan cricket.The series was not initially part of the Future Tours Programme (FTP), but the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) reached an agreement to host the event. CSA Chairman Lawson Naidoo hailed the series as a "significant milestone" in the partnership between the two boards.Afghanistan's recent performances in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 and ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 have earned them widespread recognition as a competitive all-round team. Naidoo expressed excitement about facing such a formidable opponent.ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf echoed Naidoo's sentiments, stating that the series would provide Afghanistan with an opportunity to host and play against a top-ranked team like South Africa. He expressed hope for regular future encounters between the two nations.Before heading to the UAE, South Africa will face West Indies in a two-Test and three-T20I series in the Caribbean starting August 7. For Afghanistan, the South Africa series comes on the heels of their maiden Test against New Zealand in Greater Noida, India, scheduled for September 9 to 13.The South Africa-Afghanistan ODI series will provide both teams with valuable preparation ahead of their respective international commitments. South Africa will face Ireland in a two-T20I and three-ODI series in Abu Dhabi starting September 27, while Afghanistan will participate in the Asia Cup 2024 in September.