Smith's 21st ton puts South Africa in command on day one against Windies

Melbourne, Jun 19 (ANI): Skipper Graeme Smith made his 21st Test hundred to lead a strong South Africa batting performance in the second Test against West Indies on Friday.

Smith struck nine fours and three sixes from 189 balls in just over five hours, as the South Africans reached 296 for three in their first innings when bad light stopped play 15 minutes early on the opening day at Warner Park.

The left-handed opener got good support from Alviro Petersen (52), Jacques Kallis (45 not out) and Hashim Amla (44).

"That was the key for us, to start this Test match well and not to fall into a complacent mindset at the back-end of the tour," The Age quoted Smith, as saying.

"We have done this, and set up a good first day for us, and hopefully (on Saturday) we can build on it," he said.

Smith swept part-time off-spinner Narsingh Deonarine to fine leg for three to reach his milestone.

Kemar Roach got the crucial wicket of Smith. South Africa had the well-set Kallis at the crease at the end, with AB de Villiers for company.

Smith also became the third South African batsman to pass 7,000 Test runs, when he lofted Deonarine for a pair of sixes over long on to move from 81 to 93. (ANI)