Samuels lifts West Indies

Marlon Samuels survived a controversial television umpiring decision and lifted the West Indies to a competitive total in the third one-day international against South Africa at St George's Park.

Samuels made 98 off 88 balls in a West Indian total of 252 for seven after the tourists won the toss.

He slammed seven fours and four sixes, enabling the West Indies to boost a flagging run rate and to score 91 runs off the last ten overs.

Samuels survived a chance to wicketkeeper Mark Boucher, standing up to Shaun Pollock, when he had 19. He also seemed lucky to survive an appeal for a catch behind by Boucher off fast bowler Dale Steyn when he had 37.

On-field umpire Daryl Harper referred the decision to television umpire Brian Jerling in line with a provision in the regulations that a review can be sought if there is a possibility of a "bump ball".

The replays showed the ball carried to Boucher after passing the bat but Jerling gave it not out which is provided for if it is clear to the third umpire that the ball did not hit the bat.

Although the replays were inconclusive it seemed likely that the ball had deflected off the bat.

Samuels, who made 94 and was man of the match when the West Indies won the first Test at the same venue last month, took full advantage.

He reached his half-century off 62 balls and then launched a savage assault on some wayward bowling on a good batting pitch.

Inexperienced batsmen Sewnarine Chattergoon (52) and Patrick Browne (35) provided a solid foundation for the innings, putting on 75 for the second wicket off 103 balls.

The left-handed Chattergoon, playing in his fifth one-day international, looked a capable, compact player in an 81-ball innings, hitting seven fours and a six.

Browne, who joined the tour as back-up wicketkeeper to Denesh Ramdin, was selected to make his international debut as a batsman in place of Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who had a knee injury.

The tourists were already without tour captain Chris Gayle who returned home before the one-day series because of a broken thumb. Browne hit two sixes and two fours off 54 balls.