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Kirsten's double ton earns SA a draw

Gary Kirsten yesterday earned the distinction of playing the second-longest innings in Test history as South Africa drew the third Test against England at Kingsmead.

The 32-year-old batsman played for 878 minutes as he made 275, which equalled the South African Test record held by teammate Darryl Cullinan.

South Africa scored 572 for seven, their highest total against England, after being forced to follow-on 210 runs behind.

The draw kept South Africa 1-0 ahead in the five-match sreies.

Hanif Mohammad, who batted for 970 minutes when he scored 337 for Pakistan against the West Indies in Bridgetown in 1957/58, is credited with playing the longest innings.

Kirsten's dour knock ended in anti-climax when he was bowled around his legs by part-time offspinner Mark Butcher.

Kirsten became the third South African to make two double centuries in Tests, joining Dudley Nourse and Graeme Pollock. When he was on 173 he regained the record for most Test runs by a South African from Cronje.

Agencies