GROS ISLET, St Lucia, CMC – South Africa ‘A’ lower order batsmen Ruan de Swardt and Schalk Engelbrecht both hit fighting half-centuries to maintain the upper hand against West Indies ‘A’ at the end of the second day of their unofficial ‘Test’ on Monday.
De Swardt scored an unbeaten 83, while Engelbrecht finished on 77 not out to help South Africa ‘A’ to 324 for seven and give them a handy first-innings lead of 104 heading into Tuesday’s third day at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium.
Resuming the day on 44 for two in response to the Windies’ first innings total of 220, the visitors found themselves reeling on 167 for seven following a brace of wickets from pacer Justin Greaves. At the same time, Anderson Phillip and Jomel Warrican took a wicket apiece.
Despite Nqaba Peter hitting an even half-century off 108 balls, the West Indies looked set to claim a slender first-innings lead.
However, de Swardt and Engelbrecht, batting at eight and nine, respectively, joined forces in an unbroken partnership of 157 to frustrate the Windies and help their side earn a valuable first-innings lead.
De Swardt has so far faced 135 balls and struck seven fours, while Engelbrecht’s innings has spanned 174 balls, inclusive of 12 boundaries.
For West Indies, ‘A’ Phillip has taken 3-63 and Greaves 2-48.
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