London, Jul 22: Hashim Amla broke the record for the highest test score by a South Africa batsman, hitting a triple century as the tourists declared on 637-2 at tea in the first test against England at The Oval—a lead of 252 on day four.
Amla was unbeaten on 311, from 529 balls with 35 fours—beating the previous highest score of 278 not out by AB de Villiers against Pakistan in 2010.
Jacques Kallis was 182 not out, from 326 balls with a six and 23 fours, on a torturous and wicketless Sunday for England's bowlers that saw the batsmen put on an unbroken stand of 377 for the third wicket.
Amla's innings was remarkable for its style and quality.
The South African played few false shots against an England attack whose discipline never wavered—even after 13 hours in the field the run rate was only 3.37.
Before reaching 300 the only real chance Amla offered was when he was on 40 way back on Friday evening—he slashed at a delivery from Ravi Bopara and England captain Andrew Strauss missed a difficult chance to catch him at first slip.
Having already toiled for a day and a half, the torment continued for England's bowlers throughout Sunday.
The morning session amounted to little more than South Africa ticking off a succession of landmarks.
The 150 partnership came off 309 balls and Amla reached his 200 off 392 balls when he pushed a Stuart Broad delivery for three through cover.
Kallis then steered Bresnan to third man to reach his century—his 43rd in tests—from 227 balls.
Amla beat his previous best test score -- 253 not out against India in Nagpur in 2010 -- when he drove Anderson for four early in the afternoon session.
Amla broke de Villiers' record, from 480 balls, with a four off Tim Bresnan and Kallis strolled to 150 from 299 balls with a single from Graeme Swann.
Chances only came after South Africa started to accelerate towards a declaration.
Amla reached his triple century, off 515 balls, with a four off Bopara that just eluded the fielder at cover. Bopara then got a hand to an Amla drive but couldn't hold the catch.
South Africa declared during the tea interval and England will have to bat for 43 overs to take the game into a fifth day.
