 |  A lot of people say that suits my game, to hang in, to play terribly and to look horrible |
Gary Kirsten acknowledged the importance of his century against England on day one of the fourth Test, but still thinks the home side are on top. Kirsten hit 109 not out, after his team had at one point been 21-4. They reached stumps on 260-7.
The veteran left-hander missed the Trent Bridge Test, which England won to level the series, with injury.
His fighting innings on Thursday showed how badly he had been missed.
"If we can get to 300, it's competitive," said Kirsten.
"It's pretty even. England probably have the edge, in a way.
"It's not ideal but we're happy to get back into the game."
Kirsten came to the crease to face the fifth ball of the morning after Graeme Smith was out in the first over.
"Graeme is a man of extremes. He either makes me wait all day or I get in the first over," Kirsten said.
"We were obviously in a lot of trouble.
"A lot of people say that suits my game, to hang in, to play terribly and to look horrible. I was able to do that.
"That innings was up there with my best. The circumstances dictated that. It's always nice to get runs in adversity."
Missed opportunities
England ended the day at Headingley cursing two missed opportunities.
On 28, Kirsten was caught off Andrew Flintoff at cover only for a no-ball to be called.
On 42, he edged Flintoff through Nasser Hussain's fingertips at gully.
But Kirsten fully deserved his 18th Test hundred, and fifth against England.
Martin Bicknell, who spearheaded England's early burst with the ball, said afterwards: "When you're out there, you're thinking he's just getting in the way and you want to get him out.
"But when you come off you have to be full of admiration for a guy who has stuck it out and got a hundred."
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
