Amla-De Villiers record partnership put South Africa on top

17th December, Centurian (CRICKETNMORE) - An unbroken fourth-wicket partnership of 283 off 452 balls between skipper Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers helped South Africa to reach 340 for three at stumps on the first day of the first test against the West Indies at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Wednesday.

Amla was at 133* off 242 balls with 17 fours while De Villiers was on 142* off 211 deliveries with 15 fours and two sixes.

Quotes

AB de Villiers: It was difficult today. Got to give credit to the bowlers. They did well at the start. We took it one ball a time. That was the game plan. We tried to keep it light hearted. Amla is a really funny guy, he is quiet out side the field. I love batting with him. I love playing in front of my home crowd, hopefully a few more runs tomorrow. We prepared really well. We felt comfortable with our game plan. Simplicity was the key.

Hashim Amla: I try to get a single and give AB the strike. It was a good partnership. We wanted to hang on as long as possible. Fortunately we got a partnership going. The second session was where the track flattened out a bit. We capitalised on it. It was tough at the start, it was nipping and shaping away well, the track had lot of juice in it. We have to see how it will play out tomorrow. I certainly hope we get more. 340 is a good total, close to 500 is a good total on this track.