Lara lets West Indians build up a big lead

Day 3 Close West Indians 618 and 39 for 2 lead Free State 264 (Venter 79, du Preez 56, Rampaul 5-55) by 405 runs
Scorecard

The West Indian tourists pressed home their advantage on the third day at Bloemfontein, taking their lead over Free State to an imposing 405 by the close.

It might have been worse for Free State, who were tottering at 114 for 7 at one stage, after an incisive spell from Ravi Rampaul, the young but rapid 19-year-old from Trinidad. Free State's blushes were saved by Kosie Venter, who cracked 79 from No. 7 - he hit ten fours from 124 balls, and helped the last three wickets more than double the score. Dillon de Preez, at No. 10, contributed 56.

Brian Lara decided not to enforce the follow-on, despite a lead of 354, but Chris Gayle couldn't capitalise: he was bowled by Cliff Deacon in the first over of the second innings. Wavell Hinds was also out before the close, by which time the West Indians had added 39 to that lead in 15 overs.