McKenzie renaissance continues unabated

Neil McKenzie took his rejuvenated Test career another important step forward when he and captain Graeme Smith established the perfect springboard today for the Proteas Test squad to get into a strong position in the first Test in the three-match series against India.

The pair followed up their world record stand of 415 against Bangladesh at Chittagong with another substantial partnership - this time of 132 -that enabled the Proteas to pass 300 for the loss of only four wickets on the opening day after Smith had won what may turn out to be an important toss.

McKenzie hit no fewer than 11 fours in his first 50 runs and set the early pace before being overtaken by Smith in the post-lunch period when the South African captain bludgeoned Indian spearhead Sreesanth for four fours in one over.

Smith has scored 8 000 first-class runs
Smith also achieved the landmark of 8 000 first-class runs and claimed yet another South African record when the partnership reached three figures. It was the 14th Test century opening partnership in which Smith had been involved which was one more than the record he previously shared with current India coach Gary Kirsten.

Both batsmen looked in total control and their dismissals were as surprising as they were frustrating because both players looked set to go the century mark and beyond.

Smith misjudged the bounce of an Anil Kumble delivery to be caught at short midwicket while McKenzie edged Harbhajan Singh's arm ball into the safe hands of Rahul Dravid at slip.

For once Jacques Kallis and Ashwell Prince did not make major contributions but they were nevertheless still involved in partnerships of more than 40 runs with anchor man Amla.

Amla and AB de Villiers will take the Proteas into the second day with every indication that a first innings total of 450 to 500 runs is well within reach. - Sapa