Hashim Amla becomes first South African to score a triple ton, Proteas in commanding position

Hashim Amla hit the highest Test score by a South African with an unbeaten 311 to put his side within sight of a crushing victory over England on the fourth day of the first Test at the Oval on Sunday, says a report in The Indian Express, adding that at the close England were 102 for four in their second innings, still trailing by 150 runs.

Jacques Kallis stroked an unbeaten 182, his 43rd Test century, as South Africa reached a commanding 637 for two before declaring at tea. Amla surpassed the previous record of 278 by team mate AB de Villiers. The batsmen’s marathon efforts were then supported by the bowers as England lost Alastair Cook (0), Jonathan Trott (10), Kevin Pietersen (16) and Andrew Strauss (27) before the close.

Meanwhile a DNA report says that Amla surpassed the previous record of 278 by team mate AB de Villiers. "I'm happy, surprised and really excited that I have done something that's never been done before by a South African," Amla told reporters. “But the biggest pleasure is that we are in a really strong position to win this test match. That's my biggest joy."

The batsmen's marathon efforts were then supported by the bowlers as England lost Alastair Cook (0), Jonathan Trott (10), Kevin Pietersen (16) and Andrew Strauss (27) before the close. Cook edged a probing ball on off stump from Vernon Philander to wicketkeeper de Villiers, Trott fell in similar fashion to Dale Steyn, while Pietersen was bowled by a straight delivery from Morne Morkel and Strauss top-edged a sweep to square leg off Imran Tahir.

South Africa, who will leapfrog England at the top of the world rankings if they win the three-match series, now have an excellent chance of taking a 1-0 lead going to Headingley for the second test on Aug. 2.