Jacques Rudolph and Neil McKenzie defied growing speculation that they were incapable of realising their true potential to spur South Africa to a dominant position on the first day of the first cricket Test at Newlands on Friday.
At stumps, South Africa had progressed to 308 for six, the final session ruined somewhat for the hosts by losing three wickets in the final four overs. One of the wickets was night watchman Paul Adams.
The first of those wickets to fall was that of Rudolph dismissed for 101, the second Test ton of his career and his first since his double hundred against lowly Bangladesh in Chittagong in April.
Rudolph added 142 for the fourth wicket with his provincial teammate McKenzie, who was out for 76 as South Africa slipped from 304 for three to 306 for six. The pair came together with South Africa at 162 for three and with Jacques Kallis retired hurt and rushed to hospital. Kallis was hit on the right elbow after attempting to hook a short pitched delivery from West Indies opening bowler Fidel Edwards.
Although he did not suffer any fractures, the arm is both swollen and bruised.
With none of the other batsmen going on to make big scores after making solid starts, the pair quashed any hope of a Windies revival with the ball.
Against a mediocre attack weakened further by the surprising omission of the experienced Mervyn Dillon — and finally thrust into a situation this series that required them to actually make runs — Rudolph and McKenzie cashed in.
While Rudolph was slightly more circumspect, McKenzie tore into the attack, blazing 10 fours and an enormous straight six off Dave Mohammed.
Going into the Test, McKenzie was perhaps under even more pressure than Rudolph to hang onto his place in the playing XI.
He responded by temporarily silencing his detractors and in the process ensured another successful day with the bat for the hosts.
When Herschelle Gibbs and Graeme Smith were dismissed before lunch, however, the notion that South Africa possesses a far superior batting line up wavered.
After Kallis was taken to hospital, Gary Kirsten was out for 16, reviving West Indies spirits before McKenzie joined Rudolph. – Sapa