Thursday, September 9, 2010

South Africa are in a strong position to nick the world No.1 Test ranking back off India after Hashim Amla destroyed the home bowlers on day two of the first Test in Nagpur.

Amla smashed his maiden double century, which included 22 fours, as he finished unbeaten on 253 when South Africa captain Graeme Smith declared late in the day with his side on 558 for six.

India managed to get through the last 20 minutes without any damage, with Gautam Gambhir (12 not out) and Virender Sehwag (nine) at the crease with the score on 25 for 0.

But the day belonged to Amla, whose stunning knock came off 473 balls during a stay of more than 11 hours at the crease.

The right-hander shared 340 runs for the third wicket with Jacques Kallis (173) and another 108 runs for the fourth with AB de Villiers (53) as India’s bowlers toiled.

Amla reached his 200 in stunning fashion, driving Sehwag through the covers for four. And after his stunning knock, he said: “A double century is always special, be it any opposition.

But obviously it feels great that it came on Indian soil.

My game plan was to stay at the wicket for as long as possible and put the team in a strong position.”

Despite his side being in a precarious position, India coach Gary Kirsten insisted he could not fault his players.

“Our bowlers bowled their hearts out,” he said.

“You have days when you do not really get the results that you want, but from my point of view, I am very happy with the effort.

“If the batting from the other side is really good, you must acknowledge that.

Amla played a superb innings.

Both Kallis and he batted well.

“Full credit to them, they did a fantastic job considering they came in to bat when they were two down for six.”

After toiling without success for two sessions on Saturday, India finally got the key wicket of Kallis yesterday, when Harbhajan Singh had him caught by Murali Vijay as he chased his first Test double ton.

Amla was lucky to survive after Vijay dropped a sitter off Harbhajan when the batsman was on 149. Sehwag got rid of the impressive De Villiers, while Zaheer got reward for his patience when he removed Mark Boucher, before Smith’s declaration.

But South Africa will be looking to strike early today as they chase victory that would put them back on top of the rankings.