South Africa clinches series 2-1

Samuels struck a belligerent hundred and shared a 142-run partnership with stand-in skipper Bravo to resist the South African challenge before Steyn wrecked havoc with the second new ball claiming four quick wickets to wrap the series on Day 3 of the final Test at Kingsmead, Durban.

Dale Styen was deservedly awarded Man of the Series for his consistent performance. South Africa to an extent have a found a replacement to fill in the shoes of Pollock. Prince was adjudged Man of the Match for his fantastic unbeaten century in the first innings.

It was an emotional moment for Shaun Pollock, who has served the Proteas for a long time, to bid adieu to international cricket. Not many are fortunate to claim 400 plus wickets in Test cricket and almost the same number of scalps in ODIs.

With Chris Gayle missing out on account of injury and Caribbean talisman Shivnarine Chanderpaul battling flu, the home team launched its bowling attack with an aim to clinch the Durban Test within three days.

South Africa strikes early

Dale Steyn looked destructive in the morning session, generating huge amount of swing. The fast bowler bowled in the right areas to trouble Ganga and Parchment, who resumed the West Indies innings from its overnight total of 23. The young quickie showed that he is rapidly learning the tricks of trade as he bowled fiery out swingers and coupled it with the incoming delivery to trap Parchment for 20.

Four overs later Ntini dismissed the second opener, as Ganga (11) was caught at slips by Kallis off Ntini. Ganga looked comfortable for most part of the innings and showed sound technique. The right hander however was guilty of lapse in concentration. The 28-year old with slight change in temperament can prove to be a consistent performer for West Indies as he has the talent and looks compact while batting. With both the overnight batsmen dismissed in quick succession West Indies was reeling at 49-2.

Runako Morton looked unfazed with the fall of wickets and was joined by another attacking batsman Marlon Samuels. The former started off by scoring shorts and was unafraid to pull as the South African bowlers tested him with shorter deliveries.

Pollock delights
Shaun Pollock, who announced his retirement on Day 2 was brought in as first change bowler and the move immediately paid off as the veteran dismissed Morton LBW for 26 in his very first over to leave tourists struggling at 88-3. Each over of Pollock was very well applauded by the Kingsmead crowd.

Samuels-Bravo fightbackTaking cue from Morton's play, Bravo started on a similar note striking the ball hard, taking advantage of the attacking field. He brought up the 100 on the board for West Indies with a four off Andre Nel.

The hosts however, were firmly in control at Lunch needing seven more wickets to wrap up the series. The post lunch session clearly belonged to the visitors as Samuels and Bravo built a steady partnership. Bravo, who is also leading the side in Gayle's absence was particularly explosive and brought up his 11 Test fifty.

The duo also shared a 100-run partnership as the strip seemed to ease out for batting. South African skipper Smith tried every trick to break the stand as even part-timer Amla was introduced in the attack. Complimenting his skipper well from the other end was Samuels, who has had a good series so far. The right-hander carried his consistent form to register his 7th Test fifty. West Indian batters led the fightback and played out the entire second session, which yielded 96 runs from 27 overs without losing any further wickets.

New ball does the trickThe 144-run stand between Samuels and Bravo was finally ended as Steyn bowled a tight first over in the final session to dismiss Bravo. He was out LBW to an incoming delivery for 75 runs. Ramdin, who kept the scorecard ticking, struck five fours before he played a loose shot on 25 to award his wicket to Andre Nel. However, the charged up Steyn dismissed the tail to finish the game for South Africa under three days.