Kirsten hits record century

South Africa's Gary Kirsten became the first batsman to hit centuries against nine Test opponents when he reached 100 not out on the first day of the first Test against Bangladesh at Buffalo Park on Friday.

South Africa made 369 for two by close of play after being sent in, with Graeme Smith scoring 200 and Kirsten not out on 113.

Although they had first use of a well-grassed pitch at Buffalo Park, the Bangladeshi bowlers seldom posed any threat as left-handers Smith and Kirsten reached personal landmarks in the first Test between the two countries and the first Test staged in East London.

Smith, 21, hit his maiden Test century in his third match and went on to become South Africa's youngest double centurion.

The 34-year-old Kirsten overtook Steve Waugh of Australia and Indian star Sachin Tendulkar, who have made hundreds against eight opponents.

Waugh has made centuries against all eight teams he has played against but Australia have not yet played against Bangladesh, the newest Test nation.

Tendulkar played in the first Test match played by Bangladesh, in Dhaka in 2000/01, but was out for 18 in his only innings against them.

The left-handed Kirsten reached his 15th Test century in 226 minutes off 160 balls.

Kirsten, normally an opening batsman, went in at number three today after an opening stand of 87 between Graeme Smith and Herschelle Gibbs.

Mail Cricket Editor