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South Africa clinch series win

Shaun Pollock signs autographs on Saturday during the second day of the third Test between South Africa and West Indies at the Kingsmead cricket ground in Durban, South Africa. Pollock retired from Test cricket after the match. PHOTO: AFP

Marlon Samuels made a defiant century but the searing pace of Dale Steyn secured a series victory for South Africa on the third day of the third Test against West Indies at Kingsmead on Saturday.

Steyn took six for 72 as South Africa bowled out the West Indies for 317 to win by an innings and 100 runs.

They won the series 2-1 and gave veteran all-rounder Shaun Pollock, playing in his last Test, the perfect farewell.

South African captain Graeme Smith congratulated his bowlers.

"To win the Test match in three days on a really good wicket, probably the best we've had in South Africa for a while, and to bowl as well as we did is all credit to the bowlers," Smith said.

For much of the day, though, Samuels frustrated the South African bowlers with a career-best 105.

The second new ball proved his undoing. He was bowled by Steyn's third delivery, a fast ball which straightened off the pitch and hit the top of the off stump.

Steyn shot out Darren Sammy and Daren Powell in his next over and finished off the match when Fidel Edwards was bowled in his third over with the new ball.

Samuels and captain Dwayne Bravo threatened to take the match into a fourth day with a fourth wicket stand of 144.

That too was ended by Steyn, who trapped Bravo leg before in the first over after tea.

With Shivnarine Chanderpaul unable to bat because of illness, the resistance was effectively ended when Andre Nel had Denesh Ramdin caught behind after a bright innings of 25.

The West Indies were 230 for three at tea, still needing 187 to avoid an innings defeat but having recovered some pride after a miserable first two days in which they were totally outplayed.

The first three wickets fell early in the day before Samuels and Bravo came together to defy the South African bowlers for almost three hours..

Smith paid tribute to Pollock, who announced his retirement from Test cricket on Friday.

"It's very important that people celebrate what he's given to South African cricket and what he's achieved as an individual. He's been unbelievably consistent and a true professional," he said.

Pollock took only one wicket in his final innings, trapping Runako Morton with his second ball of the day.
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