PICTURES: Elgar ecstatic in celebrating century

Cape Town - Opener Dean Elgar anchored the Proteas on the first day of the third Test against Australia at Newlands on Thursday.

LIVE: Proteas v Australia, 3rd Test

He grafted a cool, calm and collected unbeaten ton, as the Proteas won the toss and batted first under sunny skies. 

Elgar, who also passed the 3000-run mark, hit his 11th century off 179 balls.

It wasn't enough to save the Proteas from a late wobble, though. 

South Africa went from 220/2 just after tea to 266/8 at stumps. 

Elgar, though, finished the day undefeated on 121*

Play on Friday will start at 10:30.

We'd thought you'd enjoy a gallery taken by ASHLEY VLOTMAN of his majestic ton:

Images: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo