Twitter Reactions: Keshav Maharaj’s late goals give South Africa the advantage against the West Indies on Day 3

Day 3 of the first Test between South Africa and the West Indies in Port of Spain, Trinidad, would close with the South Africans feeling more satisfied than before thanks to a fantastic spell from Keshav Maharaj.

With Kagiso Rabada and Wiaan Mulder at the crease, South Africa opened the third day at 344/8. Mulder was left on 41 as the Proteas were bowled out for 357, having only managed to add 13 runs to their overnight total. With statistics of 4/69 in 22 overs, Jomel Warrican proved to be the most effective bowler among the group. Following his injury return, Kemar Roach claimed two wickets, and Jayden Seales also made an impressive three-for. Jason Holder also contributed with a single wicket.

Kraigg Brathwaite and Mikyle Louis put on 53 runs in 27 overs as the hosts got off to a leisurely start. However, Keshav Maharaj removed Louis after he reached 35 from 90 balls.

Alongside his captain, rookie Keacy Carty scored 61 runs off of 136 balls to help the West Indies reach 114/1. The Caribbean side was reduced to 124/4, though, as three wickets went in quick succession.

The combination of Kavem Hodge and the seasoned Jason Holder helped the West Indies weather the storm when it was really bad. Together, they scored 21 runs off of 63 balls batted. The Windies were remained 212 runs behind South Africa’s first innings total at the end of the day, at 145/4.

For South Africa, Maharaj was the main attraction. The West Indies hitters were well-matched to the left-arm spinner, who skilfully altered his pace and angles on a track that offered little turn. He waved Alick Athanaze, Carty, and Louis away.

But the biggest blow to the home team on Day 3 came from their skipper, who appeared to be a little careless when slipping his bat in.

Also Read: Tony de Zorzi said of his key knock against the West Indies in the opening Test, “Happy with my contribution.”

Before being bowled out, Brathwaite was well established at the crease, scoring 35 runs off 121 balls. Because they are trailing this game by a considerable margin, the West Indies will want their overnight pair to add as many runs as they can on Day 4. South Africa is undoubtedly in the driver’s seat.

Here’s how ‘X’ users reacted to the action on Day 3:

West Indies did well to restrict South Africa to 357 on this docile pitch, up to their batsmen now to apply themselves & score big. For South Africa to win, Keshav Maharaj will have to play a big part with this 3 & a half man bowling attack. Aiden Markram may need to chip in too.

— Vipul Ghatol 🇮🇳 (@Vipul_Espeaks) August 9, 2024

Keshav Maharaj is such a quality spinner 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

— ChallengeCupChamps 🦈 (@The2ndMjanji) August 9, 2024

Who’s this commentator calling Keshav Maharaj “Kesav Maharaz”

😫😫😫✋️ #WIvSA pic.twitter.com/LvnzICdjoD

— Queen Charlotte (@LadyCharlotte01) August 9, 2024

Keshav Maharaj has bowled 28 overs today and almost certainly be in from the first over tomorrow morning

— Aryan Persaud (@gyav8r) August 9, 2024

Keshav Maharaj was the vital cog to the South Africa attack given the makeup of their team.

3/45 off 28 overs is a brilliant return on day 3 which gives his team a chance of forcing a win on the final 2 days. 👏#WIvSA

— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) August 9, 2024

Best bowling average in test cricket by active bowler : (minimum 200 wickets)

22.06 – Kagiso Rabada
22.53 – Pat Cummins
23.75 – Ravichandran Ashwin#SAvWI #CricketTwitter

— KH Naeem (@Khnaeem962) August 9, 2024

Weat Indies spinners taking 4+ wickets in an innings v SA in tests:

Jimmy Adams 4/43, 1992
Ramnarine 5/78, 2001
McGarell 4/72, 2001
Gayle 4/50, 2005
Benn 5/120, 2010
Benn 6/81, 2010
Warrican 4/69, 2024

–x– #SAvWI #SAvsWI #warrican #Caribbean #testcricket #Olympics

— Eye of Sauron (@cricketsauron) August 9, 2024

Test Matches in West Indies in this time of the year are always interrupted by Rain. It’s Day 3 and only one innings has completed, Windies have just started theirs.

Just because of this Rain, India slipped from No.1 in 2016 and Pakistan became No.1 for 2 months#WIvSA #SAvWI pic.twitter.com/7wHZDLJoxr

— Abhijeet ♞ (@TheYorkerBall) August 9, 2024

Barathwaite back to normal with test cricket :). #SAvWI

— Sourabh Sanyal 🇮🇳 (@sourabhsanyal) August 9, 2024

STUMPS ||

WI end day 3 on 145-4 (67) still trailing by 212 run in their 1st innings.

Hodge 11*
Holder 13*

Maharaj 3-45 (28) #SAvWI #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/dwryrsUxic

— Lawrence Bailey ⚪ 🇿🇦 (@LawrenceBailey0) August 9, 2024