KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna's first member of the Proteas cricket team, Tristan Stubbs (24), played a gem of a Test innings (68 runs off 50 balls) against the West Indies at the Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain this past weekend. His innings, which was also his maiden Test 50, included two sixes and six fours.

Proteas Test coach, Shukri Conrad, earlier made his intentions for Stubbs' new role in the team known, entrusting him with the coveted No 3 batting position.

Since Proteas great, Hashim Amla retired in 2019, no batter thus far has been able to own the position.

This innings from Stubbs will go a long way in reassuring his critics that he is up for the task at international level.

Stubbs, until recently, was predominantly seen as a white ball cricketer, with few expecting him to one day make a play for the Test side, let alone take the No 3 position.

In the weekend's match against the Windies, Stubbs played the match situation to a tee, scoring at a brisk rate without playing recklessly.

The Proteas batted first and posted 357 all out in their first innings, with the home team replying with 201/7.

With the match frequently interrupted by rain, the Proteas were under pressure on the fourth and fifth day of the Test to score quickly in an effort to make the men in maroon bat again.

The Proteas eventually declared their second innings on 173/3, leaving the Windies 298 runs to score for a victory in two sessions. The Proteas bowlers tried their hardest to dismiss the West Indian batters, but to no avail. A stubborn, though brilliant 92 runs from 116 balls by Alick Athinaze played a huge role in ensuring the first Test match ended in a draw.

At stumps on the fifth and last day of the Test, the Windies were at 201 runs for the loss of only five wickets.

The final Test between these two countries will start on 15 August (today) at the Guyana National Stadium (also known as the Providence Stadium).

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