Graeme Smith and Herschelle Gibbs raced to their third double century stand as South Africa’s dominance over the West Indies continued on the first day of the fourth cricket Test against the West Indies on Friday.
At tea, South Africa had charged to 241 without loss, with Smith unbeaten on 118 and Gibbs on 102.
Of the two, Smith was by some margin the more aggressive. He brought up his seventh Test century in only 125 balls, striking 17 fours and a six.
In stark contrast, Gibbs took 116 balls to reach his half century and 183 to attain his 13th Test ton.
In between those quiet periods though Gibbs played the most sumptuous strokes — square driving and cutting with enormous power and grace.
Smith, however, is a touch fortunate still to be at the wicket after a mix up with Gibbs.
Smith, on 23, had pushed the ball to point and was halfway down the pitch when Gibbs sent him back.
Ramnaresh Sarwan, after scooping up the ball and running in from point, missed the stumps from little more than a metre.
South Africa made one change to the side that drew the third Test in Cape Town.
Wrist spinner Paul Adams, who failed to take a wicket in either innings, was dropped and replaced by all-rounder Andrew Hall.
The Windies made three changes after Wavell Hinds returned home with a groin injury and Dave Mohammed and Adam Stanford were axed.
Mervyn Dillon, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Corey Collymore, who were all suffering injuries, were recalled to the squad. – Sapa