London, June 29: Middle-order batsman Jacques Kallis' 107 was the centrepiece of South Africa's imposing 264 for six against England in the triangular series One-day International at The Oval here on Saturday. The all-rounder’s ninth One-day International hundred came in 129 balls, including 11 fours before he was bowled by Andrew Flintoff, the pick of England’s attack with 3 for 46.
Kallis and wicket-keeper Mark Boucher (55) shared a fine fourth-wicket stand of 111 in the Proteas’ first match of the tournament, after captain Graeme Smith won the toss on a good pitch. Andrew Hall was 23 not out off eight balls including five fours off the first five balls off fast bowler Darren Gough’s last over.


Shaun Pollock chipped in with 12 not out, including a huge straight six off paceman Gough.
Kallis stroke-making reached a crescendo on an inviting wicket at The Oval. He was fluent off either foot, unleashing cover drives and square cuts at will.


Earlier England’s young fast bowler James Anderson, recalled after being rested for England’s four-wicket defeat by Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge on Thursday, bowled Herschelle Gibbs (5) middle stump and had Smith (15) playing on. With a nippy action he was at the throat of the South African bowlers, testing them with his variety.

But there was nothing the 20-year old Anderson could do about Kallis and Boucher. When the Lancashire quick returned he was hit for four by Boucher as the wicket-keeper batsman’s fifty came in 61 balls including six hits to the boundary.


England and lost captain Michael Vaughan before play began when the Yorkshire batsman suffered a back spasm in practice. Marcus Trescothick led the side in his absence with Warwickshire left-hander Jim Troughton, dropped from the team that played Zimbabwe, back in the side. Bureau Report