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South African opener Hershelle Gibbs said the seamer-friendly pitch was the main reason behind his unbeaten 155 on the opening day of the second Test against India.

Gibbs hit 21 fours and a six on his way to his fifth Test century against the tourists.

It was his second ton of the series following his 107 from the first Test at Bloemfontein.

Despite winning the toss and putting South Africa into bat, the Indians failed to utilise the green pitch at St George's Park.

"Looking at the wicket, we knew it wasn't going to be easy," said Gibbs, who scored his third three-figure total in four Tests.

"There was a bit of lateral movement but there wasn't a lot of steep bounce and pace.

"On these sorts of wickets you can either approach it in a negative fashion or a in positive way, because you know the wicket is assisting the bowlers quite a lot.

"As long as your feet keep moving and you're being positive and backing yourself, it will help your confidence."

The tourists' most potent threat was Javagal Srinath, who finished the day with figures of three for 51.

But his fellow strike partner, Ajit Agarkar, failed to provide adequate support at the other end, a point which Gibbs acknowledged.