Amla looks to drive during his classy century at Uxbridge

Hashim Amla and Ashwell Prince showed their batting was in good order as both notched centuries on day one of South Africa's tour match at Uxbridge.

On a traditionally benign wicket, and against a threadbare Middlesex attack, it was little surprise that the tourists should rack up 339-4.

Amla (161) and Prince (104no) took advantage, after Graeme Smith had returned from injury to make 35.

Neil McKenzie and Jacques Kallis missed out, but both had scored at Taunton.

The left-handed Amla, who made his Test debut on England's 2004-05 tour, appears to be the man in the best form of all.

He made 172 in a single innings in the match at Somerset before stroking a further 22 boundaries and three sixes on Friday.

South Africa captain Smith employed a minimal-risk policy on his comeback from a length hamstring problem.

He wanted time at the crease and to get used to playing cricket with a red ball Ashwell Prince on Graeme Smith

He contributed only 29 to a second-wicket stand of 106 with Amla - before flailing a catch behind from Alan Richardson's loosener straight after lunch.

Prince said Smith would be happy enough with his innings.

"He batted for more than two hours out there, he conscientiously took his time and the ball did go around a little bit this morning," he explained.

"He hasn't batted for a while. But those two hours - and some more in the second innings, we hope - I'm sure that will be enough time in terms of preparation for the Test.

"He wanted time at the crease and to get used to playing cricket with a red ball, the IPL being the last time he batted."

South Africa, who also included pace bowler Dale Steyn for the first time on tour, start the first of four Tests at Lord's next Thursday.