West Indies v South Africa

3rd Test, Bridgetown, Barbados

MATCH DRAWN
South Africa lead series 1-0

THE WEST INDIANS GREAT ESCAPE

South Africa were the superior outfit in Bridgetown, but their hosts caught glimpses of victory, before a final afternoon collapse and eventual defiance ensured a draw. The series, technically at least, is still alive.

Darryl Cullinan's fourteenth Test century crowned a solid first day for South Africa, closing at 244-5. Cullinan's chanceless ton set up a commanding total for the tourists to build on. Despite a deadly spell from Courtney Walsh, the tail wagged significantly. In particular Shaun Pollock's 100 not out was greatly assisted by Allan Donald's dogged two-hour 37. The pair adding 132 for the ninth wicket and pushing the West Indies further behind.

Yet the West Indies, for once did not buckle under the weight. Beginning the third day at 7-0, a lively Chris Gayle 40 got the ball rolling. Then Lara was joined by Hooper for a mid-afternoon stand of 116. At the close they stood 252-5, in a competitive position.

Day four saw wicket-keeper Ridley Jacobs take up the challenge, confirming his abilities with the bat with an unbeaten century. By the time they were dismissed, Kallis having six wickets, West Indies only trailed by 67, a valiant effort.

Second time around South Africa were less assured, closing the penultimate day at 52-3. By the drinks break they had slumped to 97-6, only 164 ahead, as spin-twins Dinesh Ramnarine and Carl Hooper brought the game nicely to the boil. But Shaun Pollock shouldered the weight of it all, adding 70 with the thorn in West Indies side all tour, Cullinan. They edged toward safety, and by the time Donald was dismissed, their lead was 264.

This time the West Indies adhered to their current form book, and crashed to within minutes of defeat. Gayle again balzed away merrily, for 48 in 39 balls. Did anyone tell him the game lasts five days? When Boje undid Hooper and Jacobs, the home side looked sunk, yet Merv Dillon and Ramnarine dragged out the final session with some less than admirable time-wasting tactics snd saved their teams blushes.

Richard Kendall