South African batsman Jacques Rudolph celebrates reaching his century in the third Test against the West Indies yesterday. - Reuters
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, CMC:
SOUTH AFRICA batsman Jacques Rudolph, who stroked a century against the West Indies on the opening day of the third Test at Newlands yesterday, said the Caribbean produced an improved bowling performance.
The South Africans, holding an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the four-match series, tumbled badly late in the day from 304 for three to close at 308 for six and Rudolph credited the West Indies bowlers for lifting their game.
"You could see in the length and the line that they were bowling, there was a bit more discipline than in the first two Test matches," said Rudolph, who scored 101.
It was the left-hander's second Test hundred, following a double against Bangladesh in Chittagong in April last year, and he conceded that the bowlers forced him to work hard for his success.
"Some of the bowlers had good spells against me and I just had to stay professional at the time. Obviously they were trying to get my wicket through pressure but yes they bowled a lot better in this Test match," Rudolph said.
Rudolph said it was "a bit unfortunate" that they lost the three wickets near the end of the day but he remained optimistic that the home side can still post a formidable first innings total.
"Those three wickets will have lifted their spirits and given them (West Indies) confidence to go out there tomorrow and come blazing at us.
"When we go out tomorrow morning we've got to really start working hard again, maybe go through the new ball which is just around the corner. I think they will take the new ball early tomorrow morning, we've just got to work through that.
"One or two big partnerships will get us over 400," he said.
