Duminy takes his chance to shine

JP Duminy hit 12 fours and a six during his century at New Road.

JP Duminy made the most of a rare outing on tour with 166 against Bangladesh A as the South African top order enjoyed a productive day at New Road. Graeme Smith, Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis also spent time in the middle as runs flowed throughout.

The major problem for South Africa came off the pitch with news that Dale Steyn will miss the third Test with a fractured thumb. It makes the second day of this match much more important as Andre Nel, the most likely replacement, and Monde Zondeki try to find some form.

Duminy has at least bagged himself a long innings in case South Africa need any batting replacements in the remaining Tests. He came into the line-up for Neil McKenzie, who has been rested following the back-to-back Tests, and took his chance. His century came off 166 balls as the Bangladesh A bowlers were put to the sword in friendly batting conditions. The attack couldn't dismiss him and it was eventually a run-out that ended his 234-ball innings, three short of his career-best first-class score.

"I realise that the top six are doing very well at the moment and I must just keep knocking on the door and be ready if the chance comes," Duminy said. "Opening the batting is not ideal but I must be ready to take any place in the top six that becomes available."

Mickey Arthur, the South Africa coach, was also impressed. "I'm hugely comfortable that our batting reserve strength is very, very well looked after," he said. "He's batted out of position. He normally bats at four so I'm happy that he has the ability to step up at any time if there is an injury or loss of form."

Duminy added 155 for the first wicket with Smith, who struck 87 off 88 balls, and a further 137 with Amla (55). Kallis, short of runs in the first two Tests, clocked up his own half-century during the final session and the South Africans have ten more overs to bat before the mandatory close of the innings after 100 overs.