South Africa's Hashim Amla plays a shot on his way to a
century day one of the second test against New Zealand in
Port Elizabeth. REUTERS/Rogan Ward
Hashim Amla plundered yet another century to lead South
Africa to a commanding 325 for four on the first day of the
second and final test against New Zealand at St George's Park.
The 29-year-old Amla was unbeaten on 106 at the close of
play, his 19th test century, and was once again the rock of
the innings as he shared in three big partnerships after the
home team won the toss and elected to bat.
The right-hander, who went to the crease with the score 29
for one, had a lucky escape on 48 when he was dropped in the
gully by Kane Williamson off left-arm paceman Trent Boult.
The elegant Amla began slowly, bringing up his half-century
off 92 balls, and only hit eight fours all day.
He was aided in his efforts by Graeme Smith, AB de Villiers
and Faf Du Plessis who all made half-centuries on a slowish
wicket which offered increasing spin and variable bounce as
the day wore on.
South Africa, 1-0 up in the series, lost opener Alviro
Petersen for 21 before Smith and Amla combined for a
second-wicket partnership of 92.
Captain Smith was then caught down the leg side by keeper
Bradley-John Watling off left-arm seamer Neil Wagner.
Smith struck 54 off 88 balls with eight fours and New
Zealand's spirits were further lifted when Jacques Kallis
departed for eight soon after.
De Villiers and Amla steadied the innings with a
fourth-wicket stand of 86 with the former reaching 6,000 test
runs. He made 51 before he slapped a delivery from
off-spinner Jeetan Patel to Williamson at mid-wicket.
WONDERFUL AMLA
"He (Amla) is a wonderful player," De Villiers told
reporters. "I love batting with him, he is a really calm man.
"He is the rock at number three for us. The whole lineup fed
off him today and it got us into a strong position."
The dismissal of De Villiers left South Africa on 223 for
four and Amla and Du Plessis then combined for an unbroken
fifth-wicket partnership of 102.
Du Plessis was in a particularly positive frame of mind as he
thumped 69 not out with eight fours and a six.
Paceman Doug Bracewell was the pick of New Zealand's attack
with two for 70.
"Hashim batted really well and it shows that against a good
side you have to create more opportunities by stringing a lot
more good balls together for a period of time, said Wagner.
"The key word today for us was execution and it wasn't always
there. You are never out of it though - we have to fight back
tomorrow and be ruthless."
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.