Cricket: Another century for eager Gibbs

New Zealand 222 South Africa 235-2

HERSCHELLE GIBBS' second successive century guided South Africa to a commanding first innings total of 235 for 2 on the second day of the third Test against New Zealand in Wellington yesterday.

Gibbs followed his unbeaten 211 in the second Test with 115 not out as the tourists pushed their remarkable aggregate in the Test series so far to 1,298 runs for the loss of just eight wickets. Taking an hour to finish off the home side's first innings from their overnight 211 for 6 to 222 all out, the tourists now lead by 13 runs and are well placed for their third consecutive total in excess of 400.

Only two wickets fell in the afternoon session, including that of the opener Gary Kirsten, who was given a harsh send off by some members of the New Zealand team following a few moments of ill-feeling in the morning session when the batsman was given not out by third umpire Brent Bowden.

Kirsten edged a delivery from Simon Doull to Chris Harris at first slip but, in attempting to take the catch, Harris knocked the ball up in the air and Bryan Young dived from second slip to catch it.

Kirsten, on 11 not out, refused to walk and Bowden added to the drama by viewing a poor quality television replay several times before making his decision. The New Zealand players were clearly furious.

When he was finally bowled by Shayne O'Connor for 40, he stopped twice on his way to the pavilion to demonstrate his disapproval at the behaviour of the fielders, notably Doull. The only other casualty of the afternoon was Jacques Kallis, who top-edged a hook off Dion Nash to fine leg, where Matthew Horne held the catch.

Earlier Shaun Pollock claimed all four remaining New Zealand wickets in 20 balls while conceding just one run to destroy the remainder of the innings and finish with 5 for 33, his ninth five-wicket Test haul.

Scoreboard, Digest, page 25