Simmons fails to spark

ST AUGUSTINE, Trinidad (CMC):

Lendl Simmons was the only casualty as rain allowed just 35 minutes play on the final day of the two-day match between Trinidad and Tobago and South Africa yesterday.

Heavy overnight and early morning rain delayed the start at the Sir Frank Worrell Ground until 10:30 a.m., but by 11:05 a.m., the adverse weather had returned, forcing players to take an early lunch.

They never returned to the field as rain continued, prompting umpires to abandon the game.

In the time available, Simmons was dismissed for 12 with Trinidad and Tobago reaching 18 for one from 4.4 overs in response to South Africa's 347 for five declared.

The right-hander, hoping to catch the attention of West Indies selectors after being overlooked in recent months, looked good early on as he reeled off a few attractive shots.

He collected a pair of off-side-driven boundaries off pacer Dale Steyn, but perished looking for another, caught at the wicket flashing outside the off-stump off the same bowler.

The premature end to the game would have been a disappointment for the visitors ahead of Thursday's start of the first Test against the West Indies.

SCOREBOARD

SOUTH AFRICA 1st Innings 347 for five (Alviro Petersen 65, Dave Mohammed 1-19)

T&T 1st Innings

L Simmons c wkpr Boucher b Steyn 12W Perkins not out6

Extras (0)

TOTAL (1 wkt, 4.4 overs)18

Fall of wickets: 1-18.

Bowling: Steyn 2.4-0-11-1, Morne Morkel 2-0-7-0.

Result: Match abandoned.

Umpires: Anthony Creed, Hayden Bruce.