After a dull rain-affected Test in Trinidad, the second Test between the West Indies and South Africa in Guyana was an enthraling one. Although the Test ended inside three days, it was a roller-coaster.
The pitch assisted bowlers right from the outset as the West Indies bowled out the visitors for 160 in the first innings. The home team themselves were bundled out for 144 in respose.
West Indies fell short of the target of 262 set by South Africa by 40 runs aas the visitors won the two-match Test series 1-0.
On that note, here’s a look at three reasons behind the West Indies’ Test series defeat to South Africa:
#1 Lack of runs from openers and batters not occupying the crease for long periods
The West Indies top order failed to live up to expectations in the two-match Test series. Apart from the 53-run stand in the first innings in Trinidad, the duo of Kraigg Brathwaite and Mikyle Louis had partnerships of 0, 2 and 12 in the remaining three innings.
Skipper Kraigg Brathwaite managed only 63 runs across four innings at a poor average of 15.75. Brathwaite has played 94 Tests, and the team was dependent on him to provide the momentum, which he failed to. Mikyle Loius, playing only his second Test series, scored 48 runs at an average of 12.
In contrast, South African openers had solid opening partnerships of 43, 78 and 79 in three of the four innings.
Apart from the openers, the remaining West Indies batters failed to apply themselves and occupy the crease for long periods. In the Guyana Test, the home team batted for only 108 overs across both innings compared to 134.4 by South Africa.
#2 Poor bowling form of Jason Holder
Before the start of the Test series against South Africa, Jason Holder had played 67 Tests and was expected to spearhead the bowling attack. However, the former West Indies skipper had a disappointing outing with the ball.
Holder bowled 46 overs in the two Tests and managed two wickets at an average of 51.50. The other pacers from the West Indies were impressive, though. Jayden Seales picked up 12 wickets in the series, while Shamar Joseph picked up a fifer in the only Test he played in the series.
#3 West Indies’ inability to pick up the last wicket in the first innings of the Guyana Test
Shamar Joseph rattled South Africa on the first day of the Guyana Test by picking up five wickets and had the visitors reeling. South Africa were reduced to 97-9 when No. 10 Dane Piedt was joined at the crease by No. 11 Nandre Burger.
However, the duo added 63 valuable runs for the last wicket in 101 balls. Piedt was unbeaten on 38, while Burger contributed 23, which eventually proved to be key.