Captain Graeme Smith scores his 24th Test Century for South Africa!
9 March 2012Captain Graeme Smith (115) and Jacques Kallis (107 not out) combined for a 200-run partnership as the tourists virtually batted the Kiwis out of the test.
South Africa took control with both Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis going to centuries as they reached 268 for three at stumps on the third day of the first test against New Zealand in Dunedin on Friday.
G Smith 24th Test Century -scored the most double centuries for SA!
71st over – Smith steps down the pitch and works the probing left-arm spin of Vettori through the packed leg-side field for a single that brings up his 24th test century! Coming off 201 balls, in five-and-a-quarter hours, it’s a fitting reward for a magnificent effort by the captain. How can anyone not want him in the team?
A stressed New Zealand team could not claim a wicket in the session as Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis took South Africa to 175 for two at tea on the third day of the first test in Dunedin on Friday.
Smith and Kallis preferred the slow-kill as they patiently put together their third-wicket stand of 128, showing astute shot selection and staying in their areas of strength. For Smith, that was as usual on the leg-side and even the many balls New Zealand insisted on bowling well outside off stump often travelled in that direction as the left-hander went into the break on 80 not out. Kallis, as usual, was an agent of immense calm as he overcame a tricky start after his first-innings duck to stride to 66 not out at tea.
With a lead of 140 runs and eight wickets in hand, South Africa are well on top, but their two most senior batsmen will feel the responsibility is on their shoulders to bat New Zealand totally out of the game. Congratulations to KES Old Boy Graeme Smith-we salute your efforts!