Thursday, September 9, 2010

Jacques Kallis hailed his strike partner  Hashim Amla after the pair overcame a  shaky start to slam unbeaten centuries and give South Africa the momentum on the opening day of the first Test against India.

Kallis scored 159 and Amla made 115 as the tourists recovered from a nervy six for two to reach 291 for two at stumps after electing to bat at the Vidarbha Cricket Association stadium in Nagpur.

The duo shared 285 runs for the unbroken third wicket to post South Africa’s highest partnership against India for any wicket, and Kallis was happy he and his partner were able to steady the ship.

“It was a good batting track,” said Kallis, whose 34th Test ton put him joint third on the list of all-time top century-makers, with India’s Sunil Gavaskar and West Indian Brian Lara.

“In the first hour the ball did something and unfortunately we lost two quick wickets but after that me and Amla could build a big partnership and carried the bat through the day.

“The message from the dressing room was keep going till the end (of the day). So our plan was to carry the bat through the day and it fell through.”

With lots of batting to come in the visitors’ innings, Proteas skipper Graeme Smith said his side would look to post a big total to put pressure on the Indians.

“We will try to bat as long as possible today and see how it goes. We would want a big score,” he said.

India’s bowlers laboured in the morning session, before pace spearhead Zaheer Khan (two for 30) sent back openers Ashwell Prince and Graeme Smith.

Prince was out for a duck, caught behind by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, and the pace ace struck again to remove Smith (six).

But then Kallis and Amla steadied the innings, putting on 103 runs after lunch in and another 98 in the final session.

Cricket fans in the UAE should be bowled over by ticket prices for the upcoming WorldCall T-20 Challenge between Pakistan and England, which will take place at Dubai Sports City on February 19 and 20.  

Tickets for the opening match start from dhs75; with second match prices only dhs50.

Tickets are now available through www.ticketingboxoffice.com, www.boxofficeme.com or by calling the ticket hotline on 04 367 6520.