I realised about three weeks ago that I was in something of a comfort zone with my batting Jacques Rudolph

Jacques Rudolph made his second century for South Africa to give them the edge on the opening day of the third Test against West Indies in Cape Town.

The left-hander hit 13 fours in his 101 as the home side, already 2-0 up in the series, reached 308-6.

But West Indies hit back in the closing overs as debutant Dave Mohammed removed Rudolph and Neil McKenzie (76).

Jacques Kallis had earlier retired hurt on 26 after being struck by Fidel Edwards but x-rays showed no fracture.

The omens were not good for West Indies at the start of play when batsman Shiv Chanderpaul was ruled out because of a groin injury.

He was replaced by Chris Gayle and Dwayne Smith and Mohammed came into the side to make their debuts at the expense of Carlton Baugh and Merv Dillon.

Graeme Smith and Herschelle Gibbs were soon making hay for South Africa although Gibbs was lucky on 22 when Mohammed dropped an easy chance at gully off Edwards.

Sanford's morning double gave skipper Brian Lara reason to smile

The two openers put on 70 but Gibbs was then caught behind off Adam Sanford for 33 and the same bowler accounted for Smith for 42, with Brian Lara taking the catch at first slip.

An uncharacteristically loose stroke by Gary Kirsten cost him his wicket, caught off Edwards for 16, and when Kallis was forced to return to the pavilion after being hit on the arm, South Africa were on the back foot.

But Rudolph, who has struggled since making 222 against Bangladesh in his debut Test, showed the necessary patience and restraint to rebuild the innings.

His hundred eventually arrived off 196 balls when he hammered a long hop from Sanford to the point boundary.

South Africa progressed to 304-3 before ending the day on a low note as three wickets went down for one run.

Rudolph was given out lbw after missing Mohammed's wrong 'un and night-watchman Paul Adams lasted only four deliveries before being bowled by Edwards.

The onus was on McKenzie to see out the day but a limp defensive prod cost him his wicket as he played on to Mohammed.

Shaun Pollock was two not out at the close with Mark Boucher yet to score and Kallis is expected to bat again later in the innings despite his bruised arm.

South Africa: Graeme Smith (cap), Mark Boucher (wkt), Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Rudolph, Jacques Kallis, Gary Kirsten, Neil McKenzie, Martin van Jaarsveld, Shaun Pollock, Paul Adams, Makhaya Ntini, Andre Nel.

West Indies (from): Brian Lara (capt), Ramnaresh Sarwan, Chris Gayle, Wavell Hinds, Daren Ganga, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Dwayne Smith, Ridley Jacobs, Carlton Baugh, Vasbert Drakes, Mervyn Dillon, Fidel Edwards, Ravi Rampaul, Adam Sanford, Dave Mohammed, Corey Collymore.