Smith rides luck for fighting ton in 2nd Test
Skipper Graeme Smith survived two close shaves to reach a resolute
century and give South Africa a sturdy start Friday 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.
AFP |