/ 5 January 2006

Gibbs’ half century boosts Proteas

Herschelle Gibbs clouted nine boundaries in an unbeaten half century on Thursday that lifted South Africa's second innings from 6-2 to 65-2 on day four of the third Test against Australia. At lunch on the penultimate day, the Proteas had an overall lead of 157 runs with five sessions remaining.

Herschelle Gibbs clouted nine boundaries in an unbeaten half century on Thursday that lifted South Africa’s second innings from 6-2 to 65-2 on day four of the third Test against Australia.

At lunch on the penultimate day, the Proteas had an overall lead of 157 runs with five sessions remaining.

Gibbs was on 53 from 58 balls and Jacques Kallis was not out on four after a sessions that started late and finished early due to rain.

Gibbs had a reprieve on 34, and the total at 45, when he edged Glenn McGrath to first slip, where Shane Warne put down a one-handed chance.

On 46, he drove Brett Lee uppishly to cover, where the ball landed just short of Justin Langer. Gibbs stroked a boundary to raise his 20th Test 50 just before rain returned to force an early interval.

Seeking steady runs and a lead in excess of 300 before a possible declaration on day four, South Africa lost skipper Graeme Smith (5) after only seven balls to another contentious lbw decision.

South Africa coach Mickey Arthur said umpires erred on three lbw calls in favour of the hosts on Wednesday, when Australia rallied from 54-3 to 359 replying to 451-9 declared.

South Africa’s frustrations intensified when Smith was adjudged leg-before after a McGrath ball hit him well above the knee roll with the addition of only two runs to the overnight 4-1.

Complaints about umpiring decisions and allegations of a racial taunt against white South African fast bowler Andre Nel overshadowed Australian skipper Ricky Ponting’s hundred in his 100th Test on Wednesday.

Ponting scored 120, his 27th Test hundred, and Adam Gilchrist contributed 86 in three tailend partnerships that added 133 after Australia lost three wickets for four runs to be reeling at 226-7.

Lee trapped AB De Villiers (2) lbw in the over before stumps on Wednesday, restricting South Africa’s overnight lead to 96. – Sapa-AP