Hashim Amla, Quinton De Kock put South Africa in driver's seat

Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock shared an unbroken century stand as South Africa advanced to 179 for two at tea on the first day of the second Test against England at Trent Bridge yesterday

SA's Hashim Amla plays a straight drive on Day 1 of the 2nd Test v England yesterday. Pic/AFP

Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock shared an unbroken century stand as South Africa advanced to 179 for two at tea on the first day of the second Test against England at Trent Bridge yesterday.

Amla was 65 not out, having become just the fourth South African after Jacques Kallis, Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers to score 8,000 Test runs, and free-scoring left-hander de Kock, promoted to number four, 68 not out.

Their partnership was so far worth 113. South Africa's sound position was a vindication of returning captain Faf du Plessis's bold call to bat first after winning the toss, with the Proteas 1-0 down in the four-match series after a 211-run defeat inside four days at Lord's last week.

South Africa did lose an early wicket, however, when Dean Elgar pushed out on six to James Anderson and was well caught by a diving Liam Dawson at backward point to leave the Proteas 18 for one. Amla, pulled fast bowler Mark Wood for a four that saw him to 8,000 Test runs.

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