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Windies struggle as Zondeki stars for South Africa A

Fast bowler Monde Zondeki took five wickets as the touring West Indians made a stuttering start on the first day of a four-day match against South Africa A at Buffalo Park on Wednesday.

The tourists were bowled out for 193 after winning the toss and batting in their only first-class fixture before a three-Test series which starts in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday. South Africa A were 78 for one at the close.

Runako Morton top-scored for the West Indians with 54. His team slumped to 112 for seven before lower order batsmen Darren Sammy and Rawl Lewis enabled them to make a partial recovery. Both scored 40.

Zondeki, 25, played the most recent of his five Test matches three seasons ago but has been the outstanding bowler in South African domestic first-class cricket this season with 44 wickets in seven matches.

His return of five for 39 was his fifth five-wicket haul of the season.

NEW ACTION

Troubled by injuries and inconsistent form, the fast bowler re-modeled his action during the South African winter, passing up an opportunity to tour Australia with the South African Emerging Players team in order to get better alignment in his delivery.

He had been landing on the outside of his right foot and was putting stress on his back with a twisting action.

Zondeki struck in the fifth over when he had Grenadian opening batsman Devon Smith caught behind.

In his second spell he claimed three top-order batsmen in the space of nine deliveries, including the key wicket of star batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

The veteran left-hander was caught at third slip by off-spinner Johan Botha without scoring off only the second ball he faced.

CARELESS DRIVING

Morton followed in the next over when he drove pace bowler Charl Langeveldt to mid-off after an 88-ball innings during which he hit ten fours.

At that stage the tourists were 95 for six.

South Africa A lost an early wicket when Alviro Petersen was bowled by St Lucian all-rounder Sammy for eight.

However, wicketkeeper Morne van Wyk, who opened the batting, and captain Neil McKenzie steadied the ship by putting on an unbeaten 63 for the second wicket.

Van Wyk ended the day on 25 not out while McKenzie was unbeaten on 43.

The West Indies are scheduled to play three Test matches and five one day internationals on their tour of South Africa which ends in February.
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