South African Amla hits 159 in Chennai test

By N.Ananthanarayanan

CHENNAI, India (Reuters) - Hashim Amla recorded his second-highest test score of 159 to put South Africa in command on the second day of the first test against India on Thursday.

The 24-year-old's fourth test century led the visitors to 540 all out before India raced to 82 for no wicket in reply, Virender Sehwag cracking an unbeaten 52 from 61 balls and Wasim Jaffer making 25.

Wicketkeeper Mark Boucher chipped in with 70 for South Africa before India's frustrated bowlers took the last four wickets for 30 runs.

Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh claimed the final three scalps to finish with five for 164, his 21st five-wicket haul.

Amla, batting at three, grabbed the spotlight on another hot day.

Resuming on 85, he looked set to surpass his test-best 176 not out against New Zealand last year until he was run out.

Boucher cut leg spinner Anil Kumble to cover and refused the run late, leaving Amla well short of his ground when keeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni threw the ball to the non-striker's end.

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