3 tons as SA declare at 600 for 3

South Africa, boosted by three century-makers, declared their first innings closed on an imposing 600 for three on the second day of the first Test against Zimbabwe on Saturday.

Gary Kirsten top-scored with 220, Herschelle Gibbs made 147 and Jacques Kallis was left 157 not out to mark the sixth time in Test cricket that the top three batsmen in an innings have all reached three figures.

Captain Shaun Pollock called a halt to the innings 25 minutes before the scheduled tea interval, which was then taken.

Zimbabwe need to score 401 to avoid the prospect of following on.

Kallis was just four runs away from a Test-best score when the declaration came, with all-rounder Lance Klusener eight not out after being promoted up the order as South Africa chased quick runs.

Kallis was at the crease for more than six hours for his eighth century at Test level, facing 272 balls and hitting 16 fours and five sixes.

South Africa had resumed on 414 for one, and lost their second wicket three balls after the morning drinks break when debutant medium pacer Doug Hondo drew Kirsten into a drive with a wide delivery.

The left-handed opener was caught behind by wicketkeeper Andy Flower after a stay at the crease of more than seven hours. He had faced 286 balls and hit 33 fours and a six.

The dismissal ended a second-wicket partnership of 199 between Kirsten and Kallis.

Kallis and Neil McKenzie then added 127 for the third wicket before McKenzie skied a delivery from fast bowler Travis Friend to Hondo at fine leg.

McKenzie's 52, his fourth Test half-century, came off 109 balls and included six fours and a six.

Friend was the only bowler to take more than one wicket with two for 147, while Hondo had a much improved second day to finish with figures of one for 87 in 18 overs.

Mail Cricket Editor