Associated Press

St John’s, April 30:

Captain Graeme Smith hit his third consecutive century in Tests and AB de Villiers added his second straight as South Africa dominated the West Indies on Friday on a rain-shortened first day of the fourth and final Test. The visitors, batting first after winning the toss, raced to 214 without loss off 48.5 overs before the day’s fourth rain interruption ended play. Left-hander Smith, who just beat his opening partner to three figures, hit an undefeated 106. The 24-year-old’s 11th century in his 39th match spanned 151 balls and was highlighted with 17 fours. De Villiers hit 12 fours and a six in an unbeaten 103. The 21-year-old right-hander faced 144 balls in registering his third Test hundred. Both batsmen spent 3 1/2 hours at the crease. Wavell Hinds could have given the West Indies a lift in the day’s second over, but his under-arm return from cover missed with Smith a foot short after a mix-up with de Villiers.

De Villiers brought up his half century off 51 balls just before South Africa reached lunch at 114 without loss. Afternoon rain reduced the second session to just 3.1 overs but Smith used the short stint in the middle to pass his 50 off 79 deliveries. He should have been run out the ball before the third rain interval delayed play for nearly three hours. Another mix-up supplied Brian Lara with the chance, but his return to the bowler’s end was dropped by Narsingh Deonarine with Smith well short of his crease.