Amla hits double century before declaration

FE Team | Published: December 19, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00

South African Captain Hashim Amla celebrates after scoring a double century . — AFP Photo

CENTURION, Dec 18 (AFP): Hashim Amla hit his third Test double century and Stiaan van Zyl made a hundred on his debut before South Africa declared their first innings at 552 for five on the second day of the first Test against the West Indies at SuperSport Park Thursday.
Amla made 208 and the left-handed Van Zyl hit an unbeaten 101 before Amla declared half an hour before the scheduled tea break, with the interval being taken early.
It was another day of suffering for a depleted West Indian bowling attack.
Left-arm spinner Suleiman Benn ended a South African record fourth wicket stand of 308 between Amla and AB de Villiers when De Villiers sliced a drive to point after making 152 off 235 balls with 16 fours and two sixes.
He followed up by having Amla caught on the long-on boundary as he was forced to toil for 46 overs, taking two for 148 but not before the South African captain had added 155 for the fifth wicket with Van Zyl.
The West Indies were without fast bowler Kemar Roach, who left the field Monday afternoon after injuring his right ankle.
A team spokesman said scans had revealed no significant damage and it was hoped he would be able to bowl later in the match.
Roach's injury left the tourists with only three front-line bowlers, with Jerome Taylor and Sheldon Cottrell providing pace and Benn needing to tie up one end with spin.
Tea South Africa 552 for 5 dec (Amla 208, de Villiers 152, van Zyl 101*) v West Indies.