Jacques Kallis warmed up for next week’s fifth Test against England with the first double century of his career against Derbyshire in Derby on Saturday.
All-rounder Kallis made exactly 200 in the tourists’ total of 460 for seven declared although the Western Province star’s runs did come against an under-strength Derbyshire attack.
In reply the hosts made 136 for four declared with swing bowler Charl Willoughby taking three for 31.
But that performance is unlikely to see Willoughby force his way back into the Test team in time for the fifth Test at the Oval starting on Thursday, where South Africa will be looking to extend an unbeatable 2-1 series lead.
There was little chance of a result in this three-day match after Thursday’s opening day was completely washed out.
Kallis gave only one chance, when he was dropped at slip on 166.
He surpassed his previous career-best score of 189 against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo in October 2001 with a six off Nathan Dumelow.
He then swept the off-spinner for four to go to 200. But next ball he top-edged Dumelow to Chris Bassano at cover. Kallis faced 305 balls with one six and 27 fours.
Reserve wicket-keeper Thami Tsolekile also cashed in with 90 off 112 balls, sharing a stand of 169 in 36 overs with Kallis, before he too fell to Dumelow.
If Derbyshire’s thoughts were elsewhere that was no surprise.
Club captain and former England all-rounder Dominic Cork, who has been rumoured to be leaving Derbyshire, missed this match with an ankle injury.
But he told club officials he would be fit for Sunday’s match against Durham.
However, Derbyshire’s greatest immediate worry was the health of their former Gloucestershire batsman Dominic Hewson.
On Saturday, Hewson — who requires drugs for an irregular heartbeat condition — was taken to hospital for the second time this season.
He was kept in for observation overnight and was due to have treatment to return his heartbeat to normal. — Sapa-AFP