Amla and Kallis plunder tons as India's toothless attack wilts

India 136 South Africa 366

Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis hit majestic centuries as South Africa heaped misery on the hapless India bowlers to reach 366 for two on the second day of the opening Test in Centurion yesterday.

The experienced pair continued their tremendous form to secure a 230-run lead with eight wickets remaining. Kallis (102 not out) hit nine fours and three sixes, while Amla (116 not out) recorded nine fours and one six. Captain Graeme Smith (62) and Alviro Petersen (77) also contributed as South Africa replied to India's 136 all out.

The Proteas had a productive first session with openers Smith and Petersen scoring 111 runs in 26.3 overs as India's bowlers toiled in the absence of Zaheer Khan – missing due to a hamstring injury. Smith eventually fell to Harbhajan Singh, but his 87-ball innings, which included 11 boundaries, put South Africa in charge.

India's misery continued after lunch. Petersen brought up his maiden 50 on home soil, but Harbhajan struck again after Petersen offered a bat-pad catch to Gautam Gambhir at short leg.

At 166 for 2, Kallis joined Amla in the middle. The former hit a flurry of boundaries just before tea which helped him to reach 1,000 runs in the 10 Tests he has played in 2010.

Amla and Kallis reached their half-centuries either side of the break and the pair wore out India's bowlers, who could not generate reverse swing. Though Harbhajan troubled the batsmen with his turn and bounce, lack of support at the other end eased the pressure.

Amla and Kallis adopted a cautious approach as they both inched closer to the three-figure mark. Kallis was the first to reach a century, his 38th in Tests, from 122 balls, his fastest in his 143 Tests. Amla brought up his 12th century in style by pulling Ishant to the mid-wicket boundary as the home side cruised past 350.