Sixth is the best, says centurion Gibbs

Opener Herschelle Gibbs has put the 104 he scored against Australia in the third Test on Sunday at the top of his list of six Test centuries.

Gibbs's innings, his fourth century of the season and his first against Australia, guided South Africa to within 71 runs of victory in the third Test.

The home side were 264 for four at stumps on the third day in search of the 335 they need to register a face-saving win over the world champions, who have already won the three-match series after victories in the first two Tests.

"I'd say it was my best hundred, probably because they have the best bowling attack in the world," Gibbs told reporters. "I felt good throughout the innings, so it was a matter of keeping my head. You've got to combine aggression with patience.

"This innings was a big stepping stone for me against Australia. You don't often get a bad ball to hit against them."

Gibbs made clear his respect for the Australian attack.

"Gary (Kirsten) and I have this saying that they wouldn't give you ice in winter," Gibbs said. "Glenn McGrath bowls one half volley a month, and while Shane Warne doesn't have the variation he used to he still puts six balls out of six in the right area."

Gibbs scored most of his runs in an opening stand of 142 with Kirsten, who was run out for 64.

"When you're chasing any target it's always important for someone to get in," Gibbs said. "Obviously the opening partnership was crucial.

"The run out was a bit of a silly call - there was never a run on there. But we got the start we needed. It's always nice to stay in the middle, because a lot of nonsense gets spoken in the dressing room anyway."

Australia have won the other five Tests the teams have contested this season and Gibbs said a win would boost the home side.

"Any win is a good win, especially being five-love down," Gibbs said. "It shows a lot of guts and balls from the team, the management and the supporters. It would be a huge victory for us.

"They are the number one Test team in the world. They've proved that to us time and time again."

Mail Cricket Editor