Tony de Zorzi reflects on crucial knock against West Indies in 1st Test

South Africa's opener, Tony de Zorzi, has spoken out after his crucial contribution to the team's first-innings total in the ongoing Test match against West Indies. The first Test of the two-match series is being played at Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

De Zorzi, who opened the innings alongside South Africa's white-ball captain Aiden Markram, expressed satisfaction with his performance, though he admitted he wished he could have scored more. Despite losing Markram early, de Zorzi looked comfortable at the crease, forming valuable partnerships with young Tristan Stubbs and captain Temba Bavuma.

De Zorzi, who scored 78 off 145 balls, spoke about the challenging nature of the pitch, comparing it to conditions in Cape Town and Paarl in South Africa.

“I thought it was alright. I would have liked to have kicked on a bit. Temba and I had a nice partnership there after Tristan (Stubbs) went out, so it was important for us to consolidate, so I’m happy with my contribution towards the team (total),” Tony de Zorzi said.

“We do have a couple of coastal wickets that tend to play like this as the games go on for four day cricket. Even in Cape Town and Paarl — which is not really a coastal wicket — but it starts to play similar, so I’d say we have a few,” he further added.

The left-handed batter was eventually dismissed while attempting a reverse sweep off West Indies spinner Jomel Warrican. His innings included 7 fours and 2 sixes, and he played both pace and spin with equal skill.

Following de Zorzi's departure, skipper Temba Bavuma anchored the innings with a well-crafted 86 off 182 balls. The South African middle order, however, struggled to convert starts into significant scores. Warrican was the pick of the West Indies bowlers, taking 4-69, while Jayden Seales chipped in with 3 wickets.

In response, West Indies reached 145-4 at stumps on Day 3, despite a solid start. Keshav Maharaj was instrumental for South Africa, bowling a marathon 28-over spell and taking 3-45 to keep the West Indies in check.