Smith surprised by West Indies' bowling tactics

Graeme Smith, the South African captain, was pleasantly surprised at West Indies's bowling tactics on the second day of the third Test in Barbados. After being dismissed for 296 early in the day, West Indies managed to capture only one wicket as Smith and AB de Villiers cruised to hundreds.

"I was a bit surprised that they started with some part-timers after breaks and didn't really use their seamers, especially with the new ball," Smith was quoted as saying in The Trinidad Express "Maybe the heat took its toll. It definitely took its toll on us. Those first two sessions were really warm. It was surprising at times."

Smith, who reached his tenth Test century, was hoping to gain a huge first innings lead. "Tomorrow is a day where it's important we start well against the new ball. We've got some real exciting batters to come and hopefully they can play positively. We are looking to be positive and get a good lead and that's obviously how you would look at things but execution of it is important."

Smith was also involved in a 191-run partnership for the first wicket with de Villiers, who made his second hundred and was unbeaten on 122 at stumps. "To set up the Test is crucial and there was probably a period late in the day when AB and myself could have been a little bit more positive and maybe I got out trying to do that, but it was a solid day and I am very happy with the way we played today. It's important tomorrow that, obviously with the new ball up front, be strong against it and look to be positive."