Du Plessis leads South Africa fightback

By Mark Gleeson CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - Faf du Plessis led the South African fightback against the West Indies on the second day of the third and final test with a brisk half-century that helped cut the deficit to 194 runs. The hosts, who lead the three-match series 1-0, were 135 for two at tea with Du Plessis 51 not out and captain Hashim Amla on 16. West Indies were earlier bowled out for 329 after adding 53 runs to their overnight total of 276 for six. The only wicket to fall after lunch was South Africa opener Alviro Petersen, run out on 42 after an injudicious call for a quick run that was no match for a direct hit from Jermaine Blackwood at backward point. Petersen and Du Plessis put on 56 runs for the second wicket after West Indies bowler Jason Holder took the wicket of opener Dean Elgar on the stroke of lunch, trapping him lbw for eight. The tourists lost their remaining four wickets inside the first hour at Newlands, where early cloud was quickly replaced by bright sunshine. Fast bowler Dale Steyn claimed two more wickets as West Indies spent just 49 minutes at the crease, enough time for Blackwood to top score with 56. The tail folded quickly, although the last three wickets were interspersed with some lusty blows off the South African pace attack. Morne Morkel took the last two wickets as the West Indies innings was concluded one ball short of 100 overs. Steyn took two wickets on Friday to become his country's second highest wicket taker in tests and two more on Saturday increased his career tally to 393, 28 behind Shaun Pollock's record of 421. South Africa lead the three-test series 1-0 after success in the first test in Pretoria and a rain-affected draw in the second match in Port Elizabeth.