Hashim Amla triple century piles on agony for England

Hashim Amla hit South Africa's first Test triple century as England's bowlers continued to suffer on the fourth day of the first Test match at the Oval, on Sunday.

Amla made 311 not out as South Africa reached 637 for two at tea, a first innings lead of 252. He and Jacques Kallis (182 not out) put on an unbeaten 377 for the third wicket, a record for South Africa against England.

It was another day of toil for the England bowlers, who conceded two successive double century partnerships for the first time in their 924-Test history.

Amla and captain Graeme Smith added 259 for the second wicket on Saturday, also a record against England.

It was a relentless performance by the South African batsmen on a dry pitch which has yet to deteriorate to the extent expected earlier in the match.

Amla, who gave his only chance when he was on 40 on Friday, went past numerous landmarks, lifting the tempo of his innings but seldom playing a false stroke.

He beat his own previous highest score, 253 not out against India in Nagpur, in 2009/10. Next to fall was the highest score against England, 277 by Smith at Edgbaston in 2003. Then a clip through midwicket for four off Tim Bresnan took him past the South African record of 278 not out by AB de Villiers against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi in 2010/11.

England set ultra-defensive fields but could not halt the flow of runs. With Amla on 299, England captain Andrew Strauss brought the field up to stop a single but the batsman played a rare lofted drive for four over cover to earn a prolonged standing ovation from the crowd.

Kallis reached his 43rd Test century in measured style off 227 balls but then went on the attack as South Africa took the match far beyond England's reach.

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