The first Test between South Africa and West Indies began on Wednesday, December 17, at the St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth. South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first.

The Proteas have made two changes to their squad, with Anrich Nortje and Keshav Maharaj replacing Lungi Ngidi and Dane Piedt. The West Indies have made one change, with Rahkeem Cornwall replacing Shannon Gabriel.

South Africa got off to a good start, with openers Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram putting on a solid partnership of 56 runs. Elgar was the first to go, dismissed for 28 by Rahkeem Cornwall. Markram and Rassie van der Dussen then put on a partnership of 64 runs before Markram was dismissed for 44 by Alzarri Joseph.

Van der Dussen and Faf du Plessis then put on a partnership of 57 runs before Van der Dussen was dismissed for 56 by Joseph. Du Plessis and Temba Bavuma then put on a partnership of 33 runs before Du Plessis was dismissed for 44 by Joseph. Bavuma and Quinton de Kock then put on a partnership of 33 runs before Bavuma was dismissed for 33 by Joseph.

At the end of the day, South Africa were on 224/5, with De Kock on 33 and Keshav Maharaj on 0. Alzarri Joseph was the pick of the bowlers for the West Indies, taking 4/51.

It was a good day for South Africa, as they were able to put on a solid partnership and put themselves in a good position. However, the West Indies bowlers were able to keep the runs down and take wickets at regular intervals. The Proteas will need to continue to build partnerships if they are to post a big total. The West Indies will need to take wickets early on Day 2 if they are to have any chance of winning the match.