Gibbs hammers ton

Herschelle Gibbs punished struggling England with his first century for a year to keep South Africa in the hunt after the third day of the fourth Test in Johannesburg on Saturday. Gibbs, dropped off the penultimate ball of the day, was 136 not out at stumps, with South Africa 306 for six in reply to England8217;s first innings of 411 for eight declared.

Gibbs batted for seven hours, facing 272 balls and hitting 20 fours. It was his 14th test hundred. Wicketkeeper Mark Boucher, left out of South Africa8217;s last five Tests, scored 64 in a sixth-wicket stand of 120.

England, hoping for the same damp, overcast conditions of the previous day, had declared on their overnight score, with captain Michael Vaughan on 82 not out.