Cullinan century rescues Africa
Agence France Presse

BRIDGETOWN, March 29: Daryll Cullinan hit his second century in successive Tests as South Africa recovered from early setbacks after being sent in on the first day of the third Test against the West Indies at the Kensington Oval. Cullinan made an unbeaten 108 in a total of 244 for five at close of play.

South Africa had been 58 for three on a pitch which had early life. A fourth wicket stand of 149 between Cullinan and Neil McKenzie (72) wrested the initiative away from the West Indies. It was a fourth wicket record for South Africa against the West Indies.

For Cullinan, 34, it was a continuation of the form he showed when he made 103 and 73 and was named man of the match when South Africa won the second Test in Port of Spain, Trinidad, by 69 runs.

McKenzie played some sizzling offside drives off both the front and back foot and was strong on the hook and pull. His six came when he pulled a short ball from Mervyn Dillon over midwicket.

The breakthrough came in surprising fashion when West Indian skipper Carl Hooper called on Wavell Hinds to bowl gentle medium-pacers at a time when Cullinan and McKenzie were in complete control.

With his eighth delivery, Hinds made a breakthrough when McKenzie pulled a short ball straight to Mervyn Dillon at midwicket. Cullinan went on to his century after batting for 238 minutes, facing 189 balls and hitting 11 fours. It was Cullinan’s 14th Test century, extending his own South African Test record. Cullinan and McKenzie came together with South Africa struggling after being sent in.

Hooper’s decision to bowl first paid off almost immediately when Courtney Walsh had consistent opening batsman Gary Kirsten caught off his gloves for nought off the third ball of the match, the ball lifting sharply. Herschelle Gibbs and Jacques Kallis put on 53 for the second wicket but both were out in consecutive overs from fast bowler Dillon.

Cuffy, 31, recalled for just his fourth Test, was unlucky. He had both Gibbs and McKenzie dropped and troubled Cullinan at times. He gained some reward when, with the second new ball, he had Mark Boucher caught behind.

Scoreboard
South Africa (1st Innings): Gary Kirsten c Gayle b Walsh 0; Herschelle Gibbs c Hooper b Dillon 34; Jacques Kallis c Jacobs b Dillon 11; Darryll Cullinan not out 108; Neil McKenzie c Dillon b Hinds 72; Mark Boucher c Jacobs b Cuffy 3; Nickey Boje not out 3; Extras (b4, lb2, nb7) 13
Total (for 5 wickets in 90 overs) 244
Fall of wicket: 1-0, 2-53, 3-58, 4-207, 5-230; Bowling: Walsh 20-4-44-1, Dillon 18-1-75-2 (5b), Cuffy1 6-5-36-1 (2nb), Ramnarine 23-6-56-0, Hooper 8-3-17-0, Hinds 5-2-10-1

Copyright © 2001 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.