South African Amla elated after first overseas century

By N.Ananthanarayanan

CHENNAI, India (Reuters) - South African Hashim Amla was elated after scoring his first overseas century in the first test against India on Thursday.

Amla's 159 led the visitors to 540 all out before India reached 82 without loss by the close of the second day.

The number three batsman handled the home spinners and the heat for almost seven hours to register his fourth test century.

"It was a good wicket to bat on but they were the hottest conditions I've ever batted on, that was the most difficult challenge," Amla told reporters.

"It is always special to score a hundred in the sub-continent, it gives you a lot of confidence. It is a special moment because it came away from home."

Amla was eventually run out after a mix-up with Mark Boucher (70).

The 24-year-old centurion said the innings was second only to his career-best 176 not out against New Zealand in last year's home series when he scored hundreds in two successive tests.

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