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The West Indies (WI) and South Africa (SA) played out a tame drawn encounter in the first Test of the two-match bilateral series at the Queen's Park Oval in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, earlier this month. Helped considerably by rain, neither side could get a clear advantage over the other, although the hosts did seem to be in distress when they batted in the first innings and were bowled out for a tame 233.
The second Test of the series is slated to start on Thursday, August 15, at the Providence Stadium in Guyana, and the visitors will be keen on picking up a win and taking the series. The hosts, however, will have something to say about that.
In this listicle, we take a look at three things to watch out for in the second Test of the series:
#1 Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs' batting
One of the first things that the neutral spectator will be keen on looking out for in the second Test is the skilful batting display of South African youngsters Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs.
De Zorzi, opening the batting alongside Aiden Markram in the first Test, registered scores of 78 and 45 while Stubbs scored 20 in the first innings and a 50-ball 68 in the second that helped the Proteas declare early.
Both these youngsters are exciting strokemakers, and the Windies bowlers have struggled to get their lines right to them. It will be quite a challenge for the latter in the second Test as well.
The duo just have a combined seven Tests between them, and despite their lack of experience on the big stage, have shown considerable composure in the middle and batted with elegance.
#2 Jomel Warrican's bowling
West Indies' left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican starred in both innings of the first Test for them, picking up 4-69 in the first innings and then returning with 2-57 in the second. He will play a big role for them in the second Test as well.
Warrican's ability to hit the right areas at all times despite not tossing the ball up too much or giving it enough air for the batter to use his feet is what makes him such a dangerous proponent of his art.
He bowled with the new ball in the second innings of the first Test and this ability of his to control his lines is what endears him to skipper Kraigg Brathwaite. Having picked up 52 wickets so far in his career, the 32-year-old has a long way to go.
#3 Mikyle Louis' solidity at the top
West Indies opener Mikyle Louis has often showcased his ability to bat with solidity at the top and play each ball on its merit. Although he has just one fifty to his name in the four Tests he has played so far, one expects a big score soon.
Some of the cover drives he played in the first Test were elegant beyond measure and made spectators stand up and take notice of the special talent that he possesses.
Born in St. Kitts and Nevis, the 23-year-old is a refreshing potential on the horizon for West Indies cricket given how composed and solid he is at the top of the order along with skipper and fellow opener Brathwaite.
Louis has often got off to good starts in the eight innings that he has played in his Test career so far but failed to convert them into big scores; the second Test promises to be the right platform for him to express himself.
