WI vs SA [WATCH]: Jayden Seales escapes injury scare after a dragonfly strikes his eye while bowling in the 2nd Test

West Indies pacer Jayden Seales survived an unusual eye injury scare during Day 2 of the second Test against South Africa at Providence Stadium in Guyana on Friday (August 16). The incident took place during the Proteas’ second innings. The 22-year-old fast bowler had been instrumental in the first Test, taking 3 wickets in the opening innings at Port-of-Spain in Trinidad and continuing his strong form into the second Test.

Jayden Seales’ unusual incident with a dragonfly

During South Africa’s second innings, as Seales was running up to bowl, he was unexpectedly hit in the eye by a dragonfly, forcing him to pull out of his run-up. A video of the incident was shared by Windies Cricket on social media, where Seales can be seen visibly disturbed by the insect’s unexpected interference. The post was humorously captioned, “Dead ball by Dragonfly attack! Seales pulls out of his run-up after crossing paths with a Dragonfly.” Despite the bizarre interruption, Seales had already made a significant impact with the ball in the first innings, returning with figures of 3/45.

Here’s the video:

Dead ball by Dragonfly attack!🪰

Seales pulls out of his runup after crossing paths with a Dragonfly.#WIvSA #MenInMaroon pic.twitter.com/AP67Pz8RHN

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) August 16, 2024

Also WATCH: WI vs SA : Shamar Joseph claims Aiden Markram with a peach for his maiden home Test wicket | Day 1, 2nd Test

Seales’ performance and the match context

Despite the odd disruption, Seales continued to impress with the ball. The 22-year-old had a stellar first innings, finishing with figures of 3/45, dismissing key South African players Tony De Zorzi, Wiaan Mulder and Kagiso Rabada. His efforts contributed significantly to the West Indies’ bowling performance, which saw South Africa bundled out for 160 in their first innings. Shamar Joseph, playing his first Test on home soil, was the star with a fifer, while Seales’ disciplined bowling kept the pressure on the Proteas.

In response, the West Indies struggled with the bat, getting all out for 144 in 42.4 overs. Jason Holder top-scored with a resilient 54 off 88 deliveries, but the hosts fell short of South Africa’s total, trailing by 16 runs. South African bowlers Mulder, Nandre Burger and Keshav Maharaj combined effectively to restrict the Windies, with Mulder taking 4/32.

South Africa’s commanding start and West Indies’ bowling resilience

South Africa took control with a solid opening partnership of 79 runs, followed by crucial half-centuries from Aiden Markram and Kyle Verreynne. The unbeaten 84-run stand between Verreynne and Mulder, the highest of the series so far, further strengthened their position. Despite that, West Indies fought back strongly with their bowling attack, led by hometown hero Alzarri Joseph and Seales, who took 2 for 7 in a crucial third spell. South Africa, after a solid start of 120/1, experienced a mini-collapse, losing 4 wickets for 19 runs in just nine overs. South Africa ultimately finished the second day at the score of 223/5 with a lead of 239.

Also READ: WI vs SA: Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verreynne put South Africa in charge on Day 2 of Guyana Test