The rain was the big winner in the first test between the West Indies and Proteas, which ended in a draw at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad & Tobago.

Despite losing numerous sessions to rain in Port of Spain, South Africa was always in control.

The Proteas declared their second innings on 173/3, setting the Windies 297 runs for the win on day five. Tristan Stubbs scored a sublime 68 off 50 while Tony de Zorzi scored 45 and Aiden Markram scored 38.

Keshav Maharaj. Photo: Cricinfo

The Windies managed to score 201/5 with Alick Athanaze top-scoring with 92 runs, while Jason Holder scored 31 not out when play was called. The spinner, Keshav Maharaj, took 4/88 in 26.2 overs, and this along with his 4/76 in the first innings earned him the man of the match accolade.

The Proteas captain, Temba Bavuma, said there were positive signs from the bowling united throughout the Test, but due to losing seven sessions to rain, it was always going to be difficult to force a result.

Alick Athanaze. Photo: Cricinfo

“We tried our best from our side to really make the most of what was put in front of us,” said Bavuma, who scored 86 runs in the first innings. “I think at the end of the day, the elements, the weather, probably got the best of what could have been a really good competitive game of cricket.

“From a betting point of view, if I look at the way we went about our business in the second innings we came out with good positive intent, tried to buy ourselves as much time by taking on the game.

“Then with the bowling, look, it was always going to be tough with the limited time we had. I think the guys gave it a good shot. Keshav again, a strong, valiant effort from him, supported by KG as well, who seemed to kind of get something out of the wicket every now and then.

“Then obviously the supporting it from the other guys. But, look, I think at the end of the day, we would have wanted to have a little bit more time. Losing seven sessions is always going to be tough.”

The second test in Guyana will get underway at 16:00 on Thursday.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mc