McKenzie spurs South Africa in Chennai test

By N.Ananthanarayanan

CHENNAI, India (Reuters) - South African opener Neil McKenzie was out for 94 to lead a solid top order display on the first day of the first test against India on Wednesday.

McKenzie missed out on his fourth hundred before the tourists reached 304 for four at close at the start of the three-match series.

The 32-year-old put on a brisk 132-run opening partnership with skipper Graeme Smith, who stroked 73, before number three Hashim Amla guided the innings after skipper Anil Kumble and fellow spinner Harbhajan Singh struck twice each.

Amla was 85 not out, eyeing his fourth hundred, with AB de Villiers on 10 at stumps.

Smith and McKenzie, fresh from compiling a test world record 415-run opening partnership in the final test in Bangladesh this month, took charge to steer the team to 109 for no loss at lunch.

South Africa were cruising at 206 for two at tea before Harbhajan removed key all rounder Jacques Kallis (13) and the 37-year-old Kumble took a stunning one-handed return catch diving to his left to dismiss Ashwell Prince (23).

Kumble took two for 61 and Harbhajan returned two for 92.

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