Alick Athanaze missed out on a maiden Test century but played the key role in ensuring the safety of a draw for the West Indies against South Africa on the final day of the rain-affected first Test of a two-match series at Queen’s Park Oval on Sunday. Set the unlikely victory target of 298 after the Proteas declared their second innings at 173 for three just before lunch, Atahanze’s determined 92 and a fifth-wicket partnership of 65 with Jason Holder (31 not out) guided the hosts from the discomfort of 127 for four just after tea to 201 for five at the end of play.

As in the first innings, Keshav Maharaj presented the greatest threat to the hosts, the left-arm orthodox spinner claiming four for 88 to finish with match figures of eight for 164.

Coming to the crease with the West Indies in trouble at 18 for two just after lunch due to early strikes by Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada, Athanaze displayed admirable restraint in an innings spanning over three hours during which he faced 116 balls and stroked nine fours.

However that discipline wavered with the end of play in sight as the 25-year-old left-hander from Dominica, clearly keen to get to the landmark, top-edged a sweep off Maharaj to give Ryan Rickelton a comfortable catch at backward square-leg.

“It was just about dragging the length back and trying to exploit the rough outside his off-stump,” said player of the match Maharaj in explaining his plan to claim Athanaze’s wicket.

“Full credit must go to him though for the way he played. I just tried to stick to my plans and utilise different angles from the crease.”

Earlier, Tristan Stubbs‘ aggressive 68 off 50 balls (six fours, two sixes) led the Proteas’ pursuit of quick runs on a bright, sweltering morning. 

‘Not enough time’

His maiden Test half-century was supported by openers Tony de Zorzi (45) and Aiden Markram (38) in scoring at almost a run-a-ball before captain Temba Bavuma declared when Stubbs was bowled by veteran seamer Kemar Roach.

“We expected the wicket to break up a little more than it did,” Bavuma said.

“In the end we just didn’t have enough time, plus the elements got in the way of what could have been a really good competitive game of cricket.”

West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite, who fell in the first over of the innings, slicing an ambitious lofted drive to cover off Maharaj, was not thinking about a draw when he walked out to bat with opening partner Mikyle Louis.

“We believed we could have gotten the runs,” he stated bluntly.

“We knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but my message to the boys was to back themselves and fully commit to their plans at the crease.”

Given the significant interruptions by rain – more than two days’ playing time was lost – there is already concern the second and final Test, scheduled for the Guyana National Stadium from Thursday, will also suffer a similar fate.

It again raises questions about the wisdom of scheduling international cricket – especially Test matches – in the southern Caribbean at the heart of the rainy season.

James Anderson may be retiring after the first Test between England and West Indies, but he reminded everyone that class is permanent on Day 2 of the match. Anderson came back to bowl after England achieved a 250-run lead in the first innings. Opening the bowling, Anderson struck first, sending back West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite with a superb inswinger. Having claimed only one wicket in the first innings, Anderson produced the special delivery he’d been searching to cap off an incredible Test career.

Watch: Anderson knocks over Brathwaite with unplayable delivery

Jimmy Anderson, there are no words pic.twitter.com/bBRCS1uykD

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 11, 2024

Bowling the ninth over of the West Indies second innings, Anderson’s ball dipped low and swung back in towards the right-handed Brathwaite, who was completely foxed. It was Anderson’s 702nd Test wicket.

“Top class from James Anderson. Finally, the good bowlers will find a way through,” remarked Ian Bishop from the commentary box.

Anderson would strike again later in the day, picking up his 703rd wicket by dismissing Alick Athanaze. West Indies ended Day 2 on 79/6, staring at an innings defeat.

However, with only four more wickets left, Anderson cannot touch Shane Warne‘s tally of 708 Test wickets, and eclipse him to become the second-highest Test wicket-taker. Muttiah Muralidharan still maintains the lead at 800 Test scalps.

Atkinson steals the show in Anderson’s farewell game

As Anderson prepared to bid goodbye, another pacer saying hello to the world of Test cricket took the England-West Indies game by storm. 26-year-old pacer Gus Atkinson – making his debut – ran through the West Indies batting, picking up seven wickets in the first innings.

Atkinson’s remarkable debut helped England bundle out the Windies for a paltry 121. In reply, England put up 371, courtesy of half-centuries from Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook and another debutant Jamie Smith.

Atkinson had been picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of IPL 2024, but did not play a game and eventually withdrew from the squad.