CENTURION (South Africa), Nov 16: Opener Herschelle Gibbs returned to anchor South Africa’s reply in the second Test against Sri Lanka Saturday.

At stumps, South Africa were 183 for two wickets in their first innings, with Gibbs 76 not out and Jacques Kallis 69, in the unbroken third wicket stand of 112.

Earlier, Sri Lanka were dismissed for 323.

Gibbs was forced out of the first Test shortly before the start of play with a back injury sustained during the warm up but looked in superb touch Saturday, driving crisply through the covers off both front foot and back.

The first South African wicket to fall was that of his opening partner Graeme Smith (15), who appeared to be the victim of a harsh lbw decision off the first ball bowled by Dilhara Fernando.

There was further doubt surrounding the dismissal of Gary Kirsten for 11 when he spliced Dilhara Fernando to gully where Hasantha Fernando dived to claim the catch. Kirsten stood his ground defiantly, but after consultation between umpires Russell Tiffin and Daryl Harper, the South African was given out.

In the morning session Hashan Tillekeratne finished unbeaten on 104 — the first Sri Lankan Test hundred in South Africa. The morning started on a bright note for Tillekeratne when he struck Makhaya Ntini for four behind square to bring up 4,000 runs in Test cricket, the milestone coming in his 73rd Test.

But wickets fell quickly at the other end with Ntini striking three times. First Chaminda Vaas (7) got a good delivery which angled across him and took the edge through to wicket-keeper Mark Boucher.

Ntini then struck with successive deliveries, Chamila Gamage brilliantly caught by Gary Kirsten at short leg for two and Dilhara Fernanado following the next ball, caught down the leg side by Boucher fending away a short delivery.

Muttiah Muralitharan frustrated the South Africans with some unorthodox shots and ensured Tillekeratne reached his century, with a single to third man. The 35 year-old was at the crease for five and half hours in total, facing 231 balls and striking 17 fours.

Kallis eventually ended the innings, clean bowling Muralitharan for 27. The 10th wicket stand of 42 was a record for Sri Lanka against South Africa.