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SA vs WI, Session Report: Elgar, Markram Push Toothless West Indies On Backfoot


image-leo3bdptElgar has reached his fifty [AP Photo]

The newly appointed South African Test captain, Temba Bavuma couldn't have asked for a better start after winning the toss.

This is the South Africa we all know. They showed grit, determination, and character to push West Indies on the back-foot at the end of session 1 on Day 1.

It won't be an understatement to say that West Indies' bowling attack lacks the cutting-edge to trouble the home team, and openers Dean Elgar, and Aiden Markram have taken full advantage of it. 

Changes are already evident under the new coach, Shukri Conrad. The Proteas openers have looked positive and have not afraid to put away the bad deliveries, something which was missing on their last tour of Australia.

A couple of deliveries did scoot past the outside-edge, but other than that, South Africa's opening duo have looked unfazed by the Windies' bowling attack. In Test cricket, it is important to seize important moments, and West Indies failed to do so, when Jermaine Blackwood dropped Elgar at the third slip.

Elgar flashed hard at a Kyle Mayers delivery and the edge was almost taken by Blackwood at third slip. But that was the only loose shot played by the former South African skipper as he went on to notch-up a statement fifty. 

He's been amply supported by the returning Markram (42*), who has looked rock solid so far.

Talking Points

  • Elgar's dropped catch: A difficult chance for Blackwood, but he got a hand to it. Elgar flashed hard and a half-chance was dropped at third slip. He went onto breach the 50-run mark.
  • Markram's comeback: After being dropped for the Aussie tour, Markram was back in the side, and made a solid statement. He has looked unfazed and is set for a big total

Expectations

Expect South Africa to continue the good work in the next session. The pitch will ease out and both Elgar and Markram will be eyeing a big score.