Smith, Gibbs in record run spree
CENTURION, South Africa (Reuters) -- South Africa openers Graeme Smith and Herschelle Gibbs became the first pair to share three triple-century test partnerships by putting West Indies to the sword on the first day of the fourth and final test.
Smith and Gibbs piled on 301 for the first wicket as South Africa, who batted first after losing the toss, reached 302 for one when bad light ended play 22.5 overs early.
The hosts lead the series 2-0.
The partnership was the 10th of more than 300 for the first wicket in test cricket history. Smith and Gibbs shared 368 against Pakistan in Cape Town last January, and added 338 against England in Birmingham in July.
Although South Africa's openers dominated the opening day, they both agreed that batting had been no easy task on the Centurion pitch.
"We're 302 for one, but I don't think the wicket is that good," Smith told reporters. "It got a little bit up and down, a couple of balls stayed low.
"It might be a blessing in disguise that we've batted well on day one.
"This is the wicket with the most in it this series, and the cracks are making it a little bit up and down. I thought it was going to be a 280 to 300 wicket," added Smith.
"I scored quickly, but I felt like I had to work hard all day. You would hit a four, but you couldn't get momentum going."
Copyright 2004
Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
