Smith puts South Africa in command
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (Reuters) -- Graeme Smith's powerful century led South Africa to 368 for three on the first day of the first test against West Indies in Johannesburg.
Captain Smith's 132 and half-centuries by Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis and Martin van Jaarsveld put the hosts in a commanding position.
Smith was at the crease for more than four hours in which he faced 184 balls and hit 22 fours, passing 1500 runs in tests.
Gibbs, who scored 60, and Smith put on 149 for the first wicket, a record for South Africa against West Indies.
Kallis was 87 not out at the close with Van Jaarsveld on 69, his maiden test half-century, the pair sharing an unbroken fourth-wicket stand of 128.
West Indies' problems increased when Chris Gayle pulled a hamstring chasing a Gibbs shot to the boundary shortly after lunch. The injury will be assessed overnight and Gayle may not be able to open the innings when West Indies bat.
Copyright 2003
Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.