Twitter Reactions: South Africa amble along after Dean Elgar and Quinton De Kock’s fifties

After a dominating show in the opening Test, South Africa made a cautious start in the second Test at the Daren Sammy National Stadium, Gros Islet in St Lucia. After 82 overs on the first day, the Proteas ambled along to 218 for five. The Caribbean bowlers, who were taken to the cleaners in the first match, made a strong comeback and didn’t leak a whole lot of runs this time around.

South Africa come back after a poor start

The decision to field first paid immediate dividends for the hosts as Shannon Gabriel picked up the wicket of Aiden Markram. Gabriel had made a comeback into the squad and he replaced Rahkeem Cornwall in the playing eleven. For the visitors, Keegan Peterson and Rassie van der Dussen fell prey cheaply as well. Thereafter, skipper Dean Elgar and Kyle Verreynne steadied the ship to some extent.

The duo put on 87 runs for the fourth wicket before Gabriel picked up his second wicket in the form of Verreynne, who was batting on 27 with two fours. In the meantime, Elgar made amends after his five-ball duck in the opening Test. The southpaw played brilliantly and notched a patient half-century off 147 balls. He didn’t play a shot in anger and kept the scoreboard going for the visiting team.

De Kock joins in

Just when it seemed that Elgar would stay unbeaten at the end of the day’s play, Kyle Mayers accounted for his wicket in the 78th over. Nevertheless, Elgar’s 237-ball 77 with eight fours resurrected the innings for the Proteas. For the visiting team, Quinton de Kock played in his own merry way. The left-hander carried on from where he left in the first Test where he got a ton.

Though he wasn’t as fluent as he was the first time, De Kock made sure of scoring a half-century off 89 balls. He ended the day on 59 runs and along with him is Wiaan Mulder. The West Indies bowlers were accurate as they bowled as many as 24 maidens. In the second day’s play, Kraigg Brathwaite and Co would be hoping to get rid of De Kock and made inroads into South Africa’s tail.

Here’s how the netizens reacted to the day’s play:

Yet another half century for Quinton de Kock. He is still Unbeaten at the end of Day 1,he scored Unbeaten 59* runs from 103 balls including 5 fours against WI in 2nd Tests. in the first test match he scored Brilliant 141* and now 59* runs in this match so far. Well played. #WIvSA pic.twitter.com/gaeJgk249T

— CricketMAN2 (@man4_cricket) June 19, 2021

Sarel Erwee, Anrich Nortje, Wiaan Mulder, Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram stand with a raised fit. Everyone else in the SA camp has taken a knee. Quinton de Kock and Marco Jansen have stood. The entire West Indian contingent have taken a knee. #blacklivesmatter

— Firdose Moonda (@FirdoseM) June 18, 2021

Elgar and de Kock going along nicely..🤞 #WIvSA

— Gillian Price (@Gillian_Price) June 18, 2021

Back-to-back fifty plus scores for Quinton de Kock!

He's back baby! #WIvSA pic.twitter.com/um8VniTEeB

— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) June 18, 2021

Well played, Dean Elger. He played a pure Grit and pure determination Knock. He Scored 77 runs from 237 balls including 8 fours against WI in 2nd Test match. Superb innings from the Elgar. #WIvSA pic.twitter.com/df3BnQ5shm

— CricketMAN2 (@man4_cricket) June 19, 2021

Superb Knock. Well played Dean Elgar 77 and @QuinnyDeKock69 59*.@OfficialCSA #WIvSA @Titans_Cricket

— JaayShaan(Shankar) (@JaayShaan) June 19, 2021