Shamar Joseph’s five-wicket haul marked a memorable Test debut on home soil, but South Africa fought back with a vengeance as 17 wickets fell on a dramatic opening day of the second Test in Guyana.
Joseph’s incisive pace and full length proved too much for the Proteas, who were dismissed for 160 after opting to bat first. The Guyanese pacer removed opener Adrian Markram early and received excellent support from Jayden Seales (3 for 45).
However, South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder responded with a superb spell of four for 18, ripping through the West Indies top order. Burger struck first, dismissing Mikyle Louis, before Mulder’s introduction proved decisive. The medium-pacer’s movement and seam position left the hosts reeling at 56 for six.
Jason Holder (33 not out) and Gudakesh Motie (11) offered some resistance, but Motie’s dismissal in the final over to Keshav Maharaj left the West Indies in a precarious position.
Joseph, who missed the rain-affected first Test in Trinidad, recaptured the form that earned him a seven-wicket haul in Brisbane earlier this year. His performance was a welcome boost for the West Indies, who endured a disappointing two-Test series in England.
Mulder’s career-best bowling performance was a testament to his ability to adapt to the conditions. “I just tried to replicate what Shamar did earlier in the day by bowling a length which made it difficult for the batters to score,” he said.
With the West Indies trailing by 63 runs, Holder and the tailenders will need to bat resolutely on the second morning to minimize the deficit.
