Rain delayed South Africa’s rapid push to a likely winning position on the fourth day of the third Test against the West Indies at Newlands today, but they made up for it in the post-tea (taken early) session to end the day at a strong 335 for 3, 440 runs ahead with a day’s play left.South Africa were 188 for two in their second innings when rain brought an early tea, with an overall lead of 293. Only 40 of the day’s scheduled 90 overs had been bowled at the stoppage.At that stage, Herschelle Gibbs was batting on 82, and Jacques Kallis on 63, a stand of 138 for the third wicket to ensure South Africa retained the initiative after losing two wickets in the first three overs of the day. After the break, Gibbs and Kallis continued the good work, scoring fine centuries to extend their stand to 251 runs before Gibbs went for the jugular, holing out to Chris Gayle off part-time spinner Ramnaresh Sarwan. Gibbs had scored 142 at that stage. Gibbs hit 15 fours and four sixes in his knock.The normally staid Kallis was also in a punishing mood as he ended on 131 from 191 deliveries, the knock laced with seven boundaries and five sixes. The duo, and Gary Kirsten later, also benefited from a spate of missed catches from the West Indians, who made simple chances appear difficult and muffed up chance after chance to peg the rampant hosts back.Though only 26 overs were played after the resumption, the Safs managed to score at a fast clip and hit up 147 runs in that space. As things stand at the moment, it appears that Graeme Smith will invite the West Indians to bat first thing in the morning, and like at Sydney, spectators will be in for a rousing last day’s play.
