Twitter Reactions: Quinton de Kock’s ton pushes West Indies further back in opening Test

After gaining a crucial 31-run lead on the opening day itself, South Africa made sure of turning the screws on the West Indies on the second day as well. With three days left in the first Test at the Daren Sammy International Cricket Stadium, the Proteas, well and truly, have the upper hand. Bearing in mind the match situation, the visitors are expected to wrap things up on the third day.

South Africa post humongous lead

Rassie van der Dussen, one of their overnight batters, couldn’t survive long as he perished after scoring 46 runs with five fours. After his dismissal, it was Quinton de Kock, who came to the party with his sixth century in Test cricket. De Kock didn’t let the Caribbean bowlers settle down as he managed 141 runs off 170 balls with 12 fours and seven sixes and even went on to stay unbeaten.

Though he didn’t get much support from the lower order, he made sure of playing at a strike rate of 82.94, helping South Africa to a lead of 225 runs in the first innings. Wiaan Mulder looked promising for his 57-ball 25 before Jason Holder got rid of him. Even as it was Jayden Seales, who did most of the work on day one, former skipper Holder took charge on the second day as he got four wickets.

West Indies keep straining

West Indies’ travails with the bat continued as they ended the day with a trail of 143 runs with six wickets left in their second innings. Kraigg Brathwaite succumbed to back-to-back failures as he got out to Kagiso Rabada. Kieran Powell, Shai Hope, and Kyle Mayers reached the double figures and gave their wickets away. The story of their batters getting set, and then getting out, continued.

Roston Chase and Jermaine Blackwood also reached the double digits, but they stayed unbeaten by the close of play. Anrich Nortje and Rabada picked up two wickets each. Lungi Ngidi who picked up five wickets in the first innings, remained wicketless in the second after seven overs. Keshav Maharaj, the lone Proteas’ spinner, rolled his arms over for only one over.

Here’s how the netizens reacted to the days’ play:

Another tough day at the office for WI but credit to Quinton De Kock on that phenomenal innings.

Average of 12 in the 6 innings in 2021 but does what every great player does and comes back with a massive century.

Outstanding player 🙌 #WIvSA

— Nikhil Uttamchandani (@NikUttam) June 11, 2021

My word QDK
One of the finest test knocks ever!!#SavWi #Cricket #WivSA #SAvWI #WestIndies #SouthAfrica #quintondekock

— Rajeev Saraf (@sarafrajeev10) June 11, 2021

💯 Quin-TON

The helmet comes off as Quinton de Kock scores his 6th Test century and what a knock it's been! It's taken 148 balls and includes 11 fours and 3 sixes#WIvSA #ThatsOurGame pic.twitter.com/AohnRlQPe7

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) June 11, 2021

Hundred with a six by De Kock, what a knock, what a knock, South Africa was 4 for 119 then De Kock smashed 103* runs from 148 balls including 11 fours and 3 sixes – this is vintage QDK. #WIvSA pic.twitter.com/E8z4Pk4hH1

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 11, 2021

Sixth test 100 with six !!

Quinton dekock !!!! Mass !! #Quintondekock#WIvSA

— Kepke 🧢 (@imraj264) June 11, 2021

#WIvSA Quinton De Kock's counter punching innings of 141, his highest test score helped SA with a very handsome lead in the 1st innings v West Indies in the 1st test.

— Ram (@ram574) June 12, 2021

Game pretty much out of the control of West Indies. Very ordinary batting and bowling by them. Full credit to South Africa for all-around performance. SA totally nailed WI at home #WIvSA #testcricket

— SirDonBradman (@BradmanSir) June 12, 2021

Excellent spell. Well bowled @Jaseholder98 4/75.@windiescricket #WIvSA @wiplayers

— JaayShaan(Shankar) (@JaayShaan) June 12, 2021

I'm old enough to remember when the West Indies could play Test cricket#WIvSA

— daniel (@DHikisz) June 12, 2021

Welcome back, Quinton de Kock. No captaincy, no worries.#WIvSA #WIvsSA

— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) June 11, 2021