4 Jan 2012

Two centuries put South Africa in control in Newlands

6:23 am on 4 January 2012

Jacques Kallis and Alviro Petersen hit centuries as South Africa dominated the first day of the third and final cricket Test against Sri Lanka to be 347 for 3 at stumps in Newlands after being sent in to bat.

Kallis, playing in his 150th Test match, was on 159 not out.

He and Petersen (109) put on 205 for the third wicket, a record for South Africa against Sri Lanka.

It was a triumphant return to his home town for Kallis after making the first 'pair' of his career during South Africa's defeat in the second Test in Durban.

It was Kallis' 41st Test century, his ninth at Newlands - and his first against Sri Lanka.

He joined Gary Kirsten, the current coach, as the only South Africans to hit centuries against all nine possible Test opponents.

Petersen scored a century on his debut against India in Kolkata in 2009/10 but made only three half-centuries in eight subsequent appearances and was replaced as captain Graeme Smith's opening partner by Jacques Rudolph at the start of this season.

However, Rudolph was shifted to No.6 in the batting order to make way for Petersen, who was rewarded for strong domestic form.

Petersen took full advantage of his recall with an authoritative innings which included 13 fours and a six.