Taylor's strike trembles SA innings

Cape Town:

West Indian fast bowler Jerome Taylor struck shortly before lunch to break a solid South African opening partnership on the second day of the second cricket Test at Newlands on Thursday.

South Africa were 52 for one wicket at the interval in reply to the West Indies total of 243.

Taylor had Neil McKenzie caught at slip for 23 after McKenzie and South African captain Graeme Smith put on 46.

McKenzie, in his return to Test cricket after an absence of three-and-a-half years, looked comfortable in the unaccustomed role of an opening batsman as he made 23 off 54 balls.

But then he got a good ball from Taylor, being drawn forward to one that moved away just enough to find the edge, with West Indian captain Chris Gayle taking the catch at first slip.

The West Indies suffered a setback when opening bowler Fidel Edwards had to leave the field with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

Edwards was running in to bowl what would have been the final ball of his fifth over when he pulled up shortly before reaching his delivery stride.

Earlier, it took South Africa just three overs to wrap up the West Indian first innings. The tourists added only three runs to their overnight 240 for eight.

Andre Nel claimed both the last two wickets. Daren Powell was caught at second slip and Edwards at third slip, leaving Shivnarine Chanderpaul unbeaten on 65.

Nel finished with three for 61.