PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa (CMC) – Bad light has forced a premature end to the third day of the second Test, with West Indies battling their way back into contention against South Africa at St George’s Park.

When the players were forced off at 5:45 pm, West Indies were rallying at 147 for two, courtesy of unbeaten half-centuries from opener Kraigg Brathwaite and middle order batsman Marlon Samuels.

Brathwaite was on 65 and Samuels, 60, with the two involved in a 92-run third wicket stand which pulled the innings around from a position of 55 for two just before tea.

Fast bowler Morne Morkel has so far taken two for 24.

He knocked over opener Devon Smith (22) and Leon Johnson, without scoring, in successive deliveries in the third over before the tea break.

Earlier, South Africa declared their innings on 417 for eight, about half-hour after lunch, after a cameo from Dale Steyn hurt West Indies momentum.

Resuming at 289 for three, South Africa lost four wickets in the morning session to be 369 for seven at lunch but Steyn’s 28-ball 58, which included six fours and five sixes, turned the tide back their way.

Seamers Kenroy Peters (2-69), Shannon Gabriel (2-80) and Jerome Taylor (2-114) all picked up two wickets apiece.