CAPE TOWN — Dale Steyn became South Africa's second highest wicket taker as West Indies reached 276 for six on the first day of the third Test Friday. Steyn caught and bowled captain Denesh Ramdin for 53 five overs from the close to claw back some of the advantage produced by a spirited West Indian batting performance in near perfect conditions at the iconic Newlands ground. Ramdin looked to be vindicated in his decision to bat first as Leon Johnson, Devon Smith, Marlon Samuels and Jermaine Blackwood weighed in with runs before Steyn claimed his second wicket of the day. The fast bowler moved past Makhaya Ntini on to 391 Test victims, now only behind Shaun Pollock in the list of South Africa's all-time best bowlers. Johnson top-scored for the tourists with 54 off 84 balls, surviving a review by a matter of millimeters when he padded up to an inswinging ball from Morne Morkel when on four. Ramdin's defiance of the much-vaunted home attack followed similar displays from teammates throughout the opening day. Samuels was out for 43 after an injudicious shot saw him caught in the covers off part-time bowler Stiaan van Zyl, who claimed a first Test wicket. Blackwood, recalled to the team, will resume Saturday on 45 not out. Steyn, who also had opener Kraigg Brathwaite caught for seven, was overshadowed by debutant Simon Harmer, who finished with figures of three for 67. The off-spinnner bowled Smith for 47 on the stroke of lunch before having Johnson trapped lbw in the second session. Harmer also claimed the prized wicket of veteran Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who slipped and was stumped for just nine. A home series win will ensure South Africa remain the top ranked Test-playing nation. — Reuters
