LONDON, 5 September 2003 — Herschelle Gibbs’ 183 guided South Africa into a commanding position on the first day of the fifth Test against England at The Oval here yesterday.
At stumps South Africa, 2-1 up and needing only a draw to ensure their first series win in England since 1965, were 362 for four.
Jacques Kallis was 32 not out but Neil McKenzie was out for nine to the last ball of the day, caught by wicketkeeper Alec Stewart, England’s most-capped player, appearing in his 133rd and last Test before international retirement, off James Anderson.
But in every session England’s mediocre attack conceded over 100 runs. Gibbs’s Test-best score against England came as South Africa took advantage of captain Graeme Smith’s decision to bat first on a typically good Oval pitch.
The Proteas scored 244 runs in boundaries - 67 percent of their total. Together with Western Province teammate Gary Kirsten (90), Gibbs put on 227 in 329 balls. Despite his run-glut, Gibbs received a dressing-down from Kirsten during his innings.
“Herschelle hit three fours in a row and I had a go at him because he was getting loose and I thought he was able to get 200,” said Kirsten. “I told him to wait for the right ball to hit and take it easy.
“It’s a great batting wicket. There’s not much sideways movement for the bowlers.”
Gibbs, who made 179 in the drawn first Test at Edgbaston, was eventually bowled by Ashley Giles after missing an ugly slog at the left-arm spinner. Opener Gibbs faced 258 balls with 146 of his runs (35 fours and one six) in his five-and-a-half hour innings coming in boundaries.
South Africa were now 345 for three in the 79th over, Gibbs and Kallis putting on 55 in 56 balls as England’s attack wilted on a sun-drenched day. Giles, recalled after being dropped for South Africa’s 191 fourth Test win at Headingley, was the only England bowler to take wickets finishing with a respectable two for 75 from 21 overs.
But usually economical pace bowling all-rounder Andrew Flintoff conceded 73 runs from 14 overs. At tea South Africa were 230 for one with Gibbs 122 not out and Kirsten 71 not out. Kirsten was in sight of his 19th Test hundred when he surprisingly lost concentration. On 90, he missed a sweep against Giles and was lbw.
But the runs kept coming, Kallis lofting Giles for a huge straight six. Gibbs had already advanced down the pitch to drive Giles for four. And four balls later again used his feet to loft Giles for a magnificent straight driven six on the biggest Test ground in England.
An on-driven boundary off England captain Michael Vaughan’s occasional off-spin took Gibbs to his hundred.
