• As many as 16 wickets fell on Day 2 of the first Test between South Africa and West Indies.

  • Anrich Nortje returned with impressive figures of 16-5-36-5.

Twitter reactions: Anrich Nortje’s 5-fer gives South Africa control on a 16-wicket day in Centurion Test
Anrich Nortje puts South Africa on top

A dominating spell from pacer Anrich Nortje saw South Africa gain a big lead in the first innings on an exciting second day of the ongoing first Test against West Indies at SuperSport Park in Centurion. The tourists, who were 169/3 at one stage, witnessed a huge collapse, with the team getting bundled out for 212, which helped the hosts take a massive 130-run lead.

Nortje was the chief architect behind West Indies’ collapse, taking five wickets for 36 to count his fourth five-wicket haul in the longest format. Nortje first dismissed Jermaine Blackwood (37) to end the crucial 61-run third-wicket partnership with Raymon Reifer. The right-arm pacer then picked up four more wickets in his three successive overs to further derail the Windies’ batting.

Like the Proteas’ pace battery, the West Indies bowlers also fared in the second innings, reducing South Africa to 49/4 at stumps on Day 2. The lead of the hosts now stands at 179 on a pitch that is quite challenging, as 16 wickets fell on the second day.

Earlier in the day, South Africa resumed their first innings at 314/8 but could only manage to add just 28 more runs to their overnight score. Marco Jansen provided some late contributions with an unbeaten 43-ball 23, including 4 boundaries.

“I really enjoyed it, it was so much fun. Just tried to stick to our lengths and execute our plans. Tried to build some pressure and take it from there. I think the rhythm is feeling good. Need to adjust every now and then. It’s just about finding that rhythm every time I bowl,” said Nortje after the end of the day’s play.

Here is how Twitter reacted:

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AKSHAT GAUR
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