Morkel century holds up West Indies

Close West Indians 334 and 27 for 0 lead Easterns 313 (JA Morkel 132) by 48 runs
Scorecard

A second first-class century from Albie Morkel rescued Easterns and put them back on an even keel in their tour match against the West Indians at Benoni. After Easterns had crashed to 81 for 6 earlier in the day, Morkel, with some help from his younger brother, Morne, came to the rescue to help his side within 21 runs of West Indies, who then closed on 27 for 0.

Ravi Rampaul did his chances of a Test debut no harm with three quick wickets to put the West Indians well on top early on. He took the early scalps of Zander de Bruyn, Daryll Cullinan - the former Test batsman - and Pierre De Bruyn to put Easterns firmly on the back foot. Andre Seymore, the opener, did his best to hold things together before he was caught behind by Carlton Baugh off Corey Collymore for 34.

Easterns were wobbling, but Morkel and Geoffrey Toyana added a valuable 56. O'Connor then chipped in with a handy 22, and Morne kept Albie company in a 141-run stand which breathed some life back into Easterns. Albie hit 17 fours and two sixes in his impressive 132 before he was caught behind to become Rampaul's fourth victim. Morne, on his debut, ended on 44 not out as Easterns were all out for 313.

Chris Gayle and Daren Ganga batted out the remaining 12 overs of the day with no alarms and an interesting day's play beckons tomorrow.