India, South Africa first test ends in a draw

The first test match of the three test match series between India and South Africa ended in a draw on Sunday.

Chennai, Mar 30 : The first test match of the three test match series between India and South Africa ended in a draw on Sunday.

After scoring 627 in reply to South Africa's first innings 540 all out on a flat pitch, India led by Anil Kumble failed to contain South Africa in their second innings as in-form opener Neil McKenzie struck an unbeaten 155.

"Every body in the team had put in their best effort. We should also give credit to the way South Africans batted," said Anil Kumble, Indian Test Captain.

McKenzie claimed his fourth test century to help the tourists to 331 for five in their second innings, a lead of 254 runs, before a draw was called after tea.

The 32-year-old, who notched 226 during a world record 415-run opening partnership with skipper Graeme Smith against Bangladesh earlier this month, hit 13 fours and a six and added 157 runs for the second wicket with Hashim Amla.

Amla, South Africa's top scorer in the first innings with 159 struck a chancy 81.

"I think it was a good batting track throughout the game. Both teams handled the conditions very well in this game. There are few things that we should look at, few things that we have learnt and hope that we can ....that in the next test match," said Graeme Smith, South African Test Captain.

Indian off spinner Harbhajan Singh took three wickets for 101 and claimed eight wickets in the match.

Earlier opener Virender Sehwag hit an Indian record 319 and Dravid 111 for his 25th hundred before fast bowlers Dale Steyn and Makhaya Ntini shared seven wickets to restrict their first innings lead to 87 runs on the fourth day.

The second test will start on Thursday in Ahmedabad.

ANI