South Africa A, De Swardt & Cele Dominate Day 1 Against West Indies A

De Swardt, Cele Shine as South Africa A Dominate Day 1 in Saint Lucia

In what turned out to be another promising day for South Africa A, all-rounder Ruan de Swardt and pacer Okuhle Cele starred with the ball to give the visitors a clear edge over West Indies A on Day 1 of the second four-day unofficial Test at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Saint Lucia on Sunday, June 8.

Having already taken a 1-0 lead in the series with a crushing innings win in the first game, South Africa A carried their momentum into this second fixture. Skipper Marques Ackerman’s decision to bowl first proved to be a wise one, as his bowlers showed clinical discipline and kept the West Indies A batters under constant pressure throughout the day.

Ruan de Swardt Leads from the Front with the Ball

De Swardt, continuing his fine form, was the standout performer with an impressive spell of 4 for 62 in 18.1 overs. The right-arm seamer's probing lines and variations were too much for the West Indies A middle and lower order. He struck crucial blows after the opening partnership had laid a steady platform and was instrumental in restricting the hosts to a modest 220.

De Swardt first removed opener John Campbell and then returned to dismiss Kevlon Anderson cheaply. He later picked up the dangerous Justin Greaves through a run-out and delivered a sharp caught-and-bowled to send back Tevin Imlach for a duck. His performance not only broke the backbone of the West Indian innings but set the tone for South Africa A’s bowling dominance on the day.

Okuhle Cele’s Consistency Supports the South African Cause

While De Swardt delivered the killer blows, it was Okuhle Cele who sustained the pressure from the other end. The Dolphins’ pacer delivered with a controlled and skillful spell of 3 for 52 in 15 overs. He dismissed the promising Jewel Andrew and later removed the set Alick Athanaze just as he was beginning to anchor the innings. Cele’s ability to generate bounce and movement made him a constant threat.

Together, De Swardt and Cele shared seven wickets and played the key roles in keeping West Indies A in check despite the efforts of Athanaze and Greaves.

Athanaze and Greaves Steady, But Not Enough

The only resistance from the home team came in the form of Alick Athanaze (65 off 94 balls) and Justin Greaves (57 off 100 balls), who stitched together a crucial 71-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Both batted with aggression and intent, with Athanaze hitting eight boundaries and two sixes, while Greaves played a more measured knock. However, just when it seemed the West Indies A innings was stabilizing, Cele struck again, and the innings fell apart rapidly.

Despite the setbacks, Athanaze and Greaves also played a role in the field, taking key catches in the final overs to ensure South Africa A didn't run away with the game early in their own innings.

South Africa A Lose Two Late Wickets

South Africa A's reply with the bat began positively as openers Jordan Hermann and Lesego Senokwane appeared confident, guiding the score to 44 without loss. But a late twist saw both batters fall within the last few deliveries of the day. Hermann was trapped by Johann Layne for 18, while Senokwane was dismissed on the final ball of the day by Anderson Phillip for 23.

Even with the late setbacks, South Africa A ended the day 176 runs behind with eight wickets in hand and look well-placed to push for another commanding first-innings total. Their depth in batting and an already dominant position with the ball gives them a clear Day 1 advantage heading into Day 2.

Series Context and What Lies Ahead

After an emphatic innings-and-88-run win in the first unofficial Test, the South African camp is brimming with confidence. Head coach Malibongwe Maketa’s troops have displayed maturity and skill, particularly from young talents like De Swardt, Cele, and Mpongwana.

With a victory in this match, South Africa A can seal a 2-0 series win over West Indies A, a result that would reinforce the strength and depth of South African cricket’s next generation. The final three days of this encounter promise to be engaging, especially if the hosts manage to claw back through their bowlers.

For now, though, the first day belongs to South Africa A thanks to the tireless and impactful spells from De Swardt and Cele.