MICHAEL FINCH, Durban | Sunday 6.00pm.
NASSER Hussain became the first batsman for almost a year to score a first-class century for England as his side laboured to a first innings lead on the third day of their match against KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday.
The England captain’s 103 was the first since Alec Stewart’s 107 in the Melbourne test last December.
It helped England reach 401 for eight in their first innings, a lead of 91, at the close.
After England had resumed on 163 for two Hussain and Michael Vaughan made heavy work of the bowling, scoring just six runs in the first 12 overs and 68 in a first session of 40 overs for the loss of Vaughan and Chris Adams.
Both were out in the 29th over of the morning when off-spinner Kevin Pietersen had Vaughan caught behind and then bowled Adams two balls later.
Hussain eventually reached his century off 270 balls in a 5-1/2 hour stay at the crease. He lasted only a further seven balls before Pietersen picked up his fourth wicket with a flighted delivery which bowled Hussain as he attempted to drive.
Hussain’s watchful innings was by far his best of the tour, bettering the 41 he scored against a Free State/Griqualand West side three weeks ago. It included 10 fours and a six.
He put on 115 for the third wicket with Vaughan (46) and 61 for the fifth wicket with Darren Maddy (38).
In the afternoon session in-form Andrew Flintoff continued his run of good scores by reaching 74 off 109 balls with 11 fours and by the close he and Alex Tudor (40) had put on 85 for the ninth wicket.
The match is England final warm-up before the second test starting in Port Elizabeth on Thursday. South Africa won the first by an innings and 21 runs. — Reuters