CENTURION, South Africa (AP) – Hashim Amla hit his third Test double-century as South Africa declared their first innings on 552 for five before rain prevented further play on day two of the first Test against West Indies at Centurion today.
Amla scored 208 and put on a record 308 for the fourth wicket with AB de Villiers, who contributed 152, while Stiaan van Zyl became the fifth South African to score a ton on debut.
Van Zyl was unbeaten on 101 from just 130 balls when Amla announced the declaration shortly before tea.
However, the South African bowlers were denied the opportunity to make inroads into the West Indian batting when dark clouds rolled over the ground and heavy rain wiped out the third session of play.
The Proteas began the day on 340 for three, and De Villiers added just 11 runs to his overnight score before he was dismissed by offspinner Sulieman Benn.
South Africa was soon back on track, though, as Amla added 155 for the fifth wicket with Van Zyl and surpassed Graeme Smith’s record of 183 for a South African captain on home ground.
The 31-year-old went on to mark his first home Test as captain with a double-century, suggesting that he remains unaffected by the added responsibility.
Summarised scores: South Africa 552-5 (Hashim Amla 208, AB de Villiers 152, Stiaan van Zyl not out 101, Dean Elgar 28, Alviro Petersen 27, Quinton de Kock 18*; Kemar Roach 2-52, Sulieman Benn 2-148) vs West Indies.
