Good news for West Indies

South Africa makes a poor start in the opening day of the first Test against the West Indies.

Tony de Zorzi removed Aiden Markram cheaply, and Tristan Stubbs ensured the visitors made it to lunch without more loss. De Zorzi was hitting 32. The rain delayed the start after lunch.

South Africa were 45/1 at lunch on the first day of the first Test against the West Indies in Port of Spain on Wednesday.

Tony de Zorzi removed Aiden Markram cheaply, and Tristan Stubbs ensured the visitors made it to lunch without more loss. De Zorzi was hitting 32. Rain delayed the start after midday.

Both teams are seeking to restart their World Test Championship campaigns, with South Africa in seventh place and West Indies in ninth. They’ve only won one match each.

West Indies’ challenge is perhaps more difficult: they have not beaten South Africa in a home Test since 2001, and they have not won a Test against them in 17 years.

The hosts handed a debut to batter Keacy Carty and went with a twin spin combination of Gudakesh Motie and Jomel Warrican, which meant Shamar Joseph had to miss out. Kemar Roach makes his return to the XI after last playing against Australia earlier this year.

South Africa lengthened the batting line-up with the inclusion of Ryan Rickelton at No. 6 and benched a bowler.

Brief scores: SA 45/1 (Tony de Zorzi 32 batting).