Smith hits ton as Windies crumble

12 April 2012

A dominant unbeaten century from captain Graeme Smith capped a near perfect day for South Africa as they went for a series victory in the decisive third Test against West Indies.

Smith reached the milestone, his sixth ton against the Windies, in just 112 deliveries as the Proteas established a 74-run lead at stumps on day one in Durban.

Earlier, returning paceman Shaun Pollock had taken four wickets as the hosts made the most of the absence of visiting skipper Chris Gayle to rip through a fragile Windies batting order for just 139.

Dale Steyn was first to strike, removing Daren Ganga for three, before Pollock announced his return from a one-year Test absence with a quick double. He trapped Runako Morton for a single before tempting Gayle's replacement, debutant Brenton Parchment (11), into an outside edge which Herschelle Gibbs held at gully.

Makhaya Ntini took care of Marlon Samuels (six), but it was his removal of Shivnarine Chanderpaul for a duck, caught by Kallis at second slip, which left the tourists in a perilous position at 33 for five.

It was Pollock who stole the show, though, registering four for 35 in 11 typically disciplined overs.

Smith then took over, helping his side to tea for the loss of only the wicket of Gibbs. The pair had put on 53 when Gibbs attempted a pull shot off Daren Powell, only to edge the ball onto his stumps when on 27.

That proved to be the extent of the tourists' success though as the Proteas piled on the runs in relentless fashion.

Hashim Amla joined Smith at the crease, but he played second fiddle to his captain, who brought up his century at nearly a run a ball.

Bad light brought an end to the Windies' misery soon after with Smith unbeaten on 122 and Amla beside him on 55, the pair having compiled an unbroken partnership of 160. The three-match series is level at 1-1.

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