TAUNTON (England), July 16: South Africa captain Graeme Smith made 152 as the tourists took charge on the opening day of their three-day match against Somerset here on Tuesday.

Smith’s innings was the centrepiece of South Africa’s 326 for four declared as they looked to put last weekend’s triangular series final defeat by England behind them and focus on next week’s first Test.

However, after winning the toss, Smith saw opening partner Herschelle Gibbs’ post another low score.

Gibbs, who managed just one double-figure innings in South Africa’s six one-day matches, was bowled for four by Somerset quick Steffan Jones.

But experienced batsman Gary Kirsten, in his first match following his post World Cup One-day International retirement, found his form quickly with 66.

Neil McKenzie, another included in just the Test squad, made his mark with 66 not out.

At stumps, Somerset were 38 without loss.

Left-hander Smith, at 22 South Africa’s youngest-ever captain, took advantage of a Somerset attack lacking England duo Andrew Caddick and Richard Johnson as well as West Indies’ Nixon McLean.

He faced 214 balls and hit 27 fours before calling a halt to the innings.

Smith and fellow left-hander Kirsten accumulated steadily in a partnership of 163.

But Kirsten, whose fifty came off 92 balls including one six and seven fours, was out when a sweep off left-arm spinner Ian Blackwell was caught by Wes Durston at square leg.

Boeta Dippenaar (17) then fell to Durston’s off-spin before McKenzie injected some impetus during a 97-ball knock featuring two sixes and nine fours.

Meanwhile Smith, shortly after reaching 150, was dismissed when a pull off medium-pacer Keith Parsons to square leg was held by Gareth Andrew.

The declaration was not long in coming and before the close there was time for 14 overs, quicks Dewald Pretorious and Charl Willoughby bowling seven apiece.

After this match, South Africa have one more warm-up fixture, another three-day encounter, against India ‘A’ at Arundel in Sussex, before playing England in the first of five Tests, starting at Edgbaston on July 24.