West Indies v South Africa

4th Test, St. John's, Antigua, Barbados 6-10 April 2001

SOUTH AFRICA WON BY 82 RUNS
& Lead Series 2-0

ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST
AS POLLOCK TURNS UP THE HEAT

Not even the inclusion of two spinners could save West Indies at St John's. Solid scoring from Gibbs, McKenzie and Pollock put South Africa in control, whereupon the West Indian batsmen were not up to a fight, and folded twice to hand south Africa the series.

Merv Dillon again bowled well and Neil McGarrell on debut snared four top order wickets as South Africa wobbled at 148 for seven. Enter Captain Shaun Pollock who had a plan as usual. He added 75 with Nicky Boje to bring the Proteas back into contention. In reply West Indies could not occupy the crease for anything near a competitive length of time, and when a late burst from Klusener sent them to 140 all out, the stage was set for a south African kill.

That they scored 215 runs in 123 overs attempting to set up a victory charge was more down to Dinesh Ramnarine's ability to make overs last a lifetime, than South African laziness. He conceded 55 runs in 42 overs, but pitched most of his deliveries outside leg stump. Admittedly the West Indies were hampered by relying solely on Courtney's pace after Dillon went off with an injured thumb. A one man West Indies pace attack, now that must have been something to behold.

Wickets were thrown away in reply as a target of 323 was but a dream for West Indies batsmen, Lara apart who showed a glimpse of greatness with 91, containing 8 four's and 4 sixes.

Pollock was a deserved man of the match for his two 40's and five wickets, but Boje had the first three of the final innings and also contributed with the bat. As for the West Indies, the bad old days returned and another series was lost.

Richard Kendall