Share

Records tumble at Centurion

Pretoria - Hashim Amla on Thursday in Centurion, notched up the highest score for a South African captain on home soil, contributing 208 to the 552 runs the Proteas reached for five, before declaring at stumps on day two of the first Test against the West Indies.

LIVE: Proteas v West Indies - Day 2

Amla's score was also the highest ever at the ground, as well as against the West Indies in all Tests between the nations.

Rain brought a premature end to play on the day when the heavens opened straight after South Africa declared their innings closed.

Stiaan van Zyl also impressed, as he brought up his maiden Test century on debut, sharing in a 155 run stand from 221 balls with Amla for the fifth wicket.

Amla was dropped on 180 shortly after the lunch break when he attempted to clear midwicket, but Leon Johnson could not take the diving catch.

The 371 ball stay at the crease, lasting nearly eight hours, came to an end for Amla when he was caught on the long on boundary off the bowling of Sulieman Benn. In total, Amla struck 22 fours in his record-breaking innings.

Van Zyl ended on 101 not out from 130 balls, striking 15 fours when the declaration came. Quinton de Kock was also unbeaten, on 18, at the other end.

With 20 minutes left in the session, rain started to fall and tea was taken early while the covers came on the ground.

In the first session of play, AB de Villiers was out for 152 from 235 balls, playing a flashy drive off Benn and was caught at point.

De Villiers finished with 16 fours and two sixes, managing a commendable strike rate of 64 against a tiring West Indies attack.

The wicket also brought down the curtain on the 308-run record fourth wicket partnership in Tests for South Africa between Amla and De Villiers.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1185 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1375 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2100 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE