By BV Swagath
South Africa are in a commanding position in the opening Test at The Oval with an imposing total of 403 for 2 in reply to England’s 385 by the close of play on Day 3. Skipper Graeme Smith became only the 8th player to score a hundred in 100th Test. He is also the first ever South African to achieve this rare feat.
This was the 25th Test century for the 31-year-old Graeme Smith. The South African Skipper finished with a score of 131 (from 273 balls with 20 fours) dragged a Tim Bresnan delivery onto the stumps at the stroke of Tea. Smith’s partnership with Amla was worth 259 runs while leaving England wicketless for around 85 overs!
Hashim Amla batted out the entire day to remain unbeaten on 183 (from 369 balls with 22 fours). He got into another big partnership that of 143 runs for the unbroken 3rd wicket stand with Jacques Kallis (82* from 161 balls with 10 fours). For the record, this is the 15th Test century for the 29-year-old Hashim Amla.