Smith Leads From Front At Somerset

The skipper stroked his way powerfully to 152 off 214 balls after winning the toss against injury-hit Somerset, taking 27 fours off a severely weakened attack as his side ran up 326 for four declared.

More importantly for the tourists, Gary Kirsten marked his first appearance since the World Cup with a polished 66, while Neil McKenzie proved his form ahead of the Test matches with hardly a false shot in his 66 not out.

Given 14 overs to launch their reply, Somerset reached 38 without loss by the close against some lively bowling from Charl Willoughby and Dewald Pretorius.

It had been another tough day in the field for the home side, who had Zimbabwean trialist Gary Gilder opening an attack lacking Richard Johnson, Andy Caddick, Nixon McLean, Simon Francis and Matt Bulbeck.

Left-arm seamer Gilder (28), who has an EU passport, bowled tidily early on, sending down six overs for 18, with two maidens, from the Old Pavilion End.

Steffan Jones made an early breakthrough from the River End as Herschelle Gibbs' problems continued. He was bowled off an inside edge trying to withdraw the bat and missed out on a prime opportunity to bat himself into form.

Smith was soon making use of the short straight boundaries at Taunton as he and Kirsten put together a stand of 163 for the second wicket, neither giving a chance.

Kirsten began watchfully, but was flowing by lunch. In the last over before the break he launched off-spinner Wes Durston over long-off for six as the visitors moved to 127 for one off 30 overs.

Batting looked comfortable in the afternoon session as Kirsten moved to 50 off 92 balls, with seven fours and a six.

But it came as a surprise when he swept at Ian Blackwell and was caught by Durston at square leg.

Smith went on to his century off 137 deliveries, with 17 boundaries, reaching three figures with a savage pull shot for four off Jones. The total was then 191 for two in the 45th over.

Boeta Dippenaar fell cheaply to Durston's flighted off-spin, but McKenzie was soon compiling runs with ease.

He brought up his half-century with a glorious straight drive off teenage seamer Gareth Andrew, having faced 74 balls and played as well as any of his colleagues.

Smith perished the ball after reaching his 150, pulling Keith Parsons to deep square where Andrew took a straightforward catch.

The South African skipper made his declaration soon after he lost his own wicket.

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