Proteas labour towards 350 in first Test against West Indies

With most of the opening day rained out, the visitors began the day on 45/1 on the sticky surface. Tristan Stubbs was the first to go, getting lured into a false stroke by veteran quick Kemar Roach and nicking off.

Tony de Zorzi continued to look organised until he gave his wicket away trying to reverse sweep spinner Jomel Warrican, dejectedly departing the scene for 78, leaving the Proteas 137/3.

Captain Temba Bavuma and the free-flowing David Bedingham put on 50 runs together before the latter holed out in the deep for 29 while chasing a short ball.

And so the trend continued. Just as South Africa wrestled back control on the slow wicket, the hosts would break the partnership. The new ball did the trick for the West Indies, with another pearler from Roach trapping Ryan Rickelton in front for 19.

Bavuma looked to be plodding towards another hundred but was caught out by a surprise full-toss from Jayden Seals, clipping the front pad as it went through. He was convinced to review the lbw decision by partner Kyle Verreynne, but was off the field by the time he was given out. 86 and oh so close to a ton.

That brought the under-pressure Wiaan Mulder to the crease. Together with Verreynne, they toiled through the afternoon to put on 57 runs together, taking the Proteas well past the 300 mark.

Warrican then spun the hosts back into the game, picking up two wickets in two balls. Verreynne prodded the ball right back to the spinner, then Keshav Maharaj came out and repeated the feat in a carbon-copy dismissal.

Kagiso Rabada then nudged and nurdled around to finish on 12 not out, while Mulder looks good for his 37. Both will have a big job to do - with the bat and ball - on day three.

READ MORE: Rain plagues opening day of Proteas' first Test against West Indies