Du Plessis reaches hundred before rain

PORT ELIZABETH: Faf du Plessis completed his fourth Test century and was dismissed immediately afterwards on a rain-hit second morning of the second Test between South Africa and the West Indies at St George´s Park on Saturday.

Play in Port Elizabeth delayed the start by 90 minutes and returned after six overs had been bowled in half an hour, causing lunch to be taken.

South Africa moved from their overnight 270 for two to 289 for three before the stoppage.

Du Plessis, on 99 overnight, flicked Jerome Taylor´s first ball of the day for four runs to raise his century off 229 balls.

He hit 13 fours and two sixes. But he was out to the next ball, a perfect outswinger which found such a faint edge that umpire Paul Reiffel remained unmoved as wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin and the bowler celebrated.

The West Indians sought a review and Reiffel was forced to change his decision when ´Snicko´ revealed the tiniest of scratches off the bat.

AB de Villiers joined captain Hashim Amla and hit two handsome drives for four off Jason Holder. He was on nine not out and Amla was unbeaten on 23. (AFP)