ADELAIDE, Nov 23: Skipper Graeme Smith survived two close shaves to reach a resolute century and give South Africa a sturdy start today after Australia’s big first innings in the second Test in Adelaide.
Smith anchored the Proteas’ reply with his 26th Test hundred as the world’s top-ranked team lost just two wickets in two sessions on a docile pitch.
At close on the second day, Smith was unbeaten on 111 with Jacques Rudolph not out 25 in South Africa’s 217 for two, 333 runs behind the home side’s 550.
Encouragingly for South Africa, the Proteas have not lost the match in the previous 25 Tests in which Smith has scored a century.
Smith had two big moments in his innings before reaching triple figures.
He advanced down the wicket to spinner Michael Clarke on 46 but was given a let-off when wicketkeeper Matthew Wade badly fumbled the stumping chance.
The Proteas skipper was later given out caught behind off James Pattinson on 78 but the review’s Hot Spot infra-red imaging system could not detect any touch and umpire Richard Kettleborough’s decision was reversed.
Smith raised his ton off 199 balls when he tucked spinner Nathan Lyon behind point for four with seven overs left in the day.
Alviro Petersen was run out for 54 by a direct throw from Mike Hussey at mid-on after he lost ground in avoiding a mid-pitch collision with Smith to end a 138-run opening stand.
Part-time leg-spinner David Warner snared the big wicket of Hashim Amla inside the final hour with wicketkeeper Wade stumping the accomplished number three for 11.
It was Warner’s fourth Test wicket and came with the penultimate delivery of his opening over to gain a vital breakthrough on a flat batting pitch.
Australia’s hopes of making a first innings total around 600 evaporated when South Africa finally removed skipper Clarke early on the second morning. (Agencies)
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