The Proteas batsman gave the Senwes Park crowd a batting treat today as they posted 298/1 at the end of day 1 in the first test against Bangladesh at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom.

SA’s two openers Dean Elgar (128* off 286) and Aiden Markram (97 off 152) took control from ball one as they cruised to a 196 run opening partnership. Markram was though cruelly run-out on 97 as miscommunication saw Markram halfway down the wicket that gifted the Bangladeshis their first wicket. If Markram had gotten to a century it would have been the first time since 2008 when both SA openers had scored centuries in a test. Interestingly that was also against Bangladesh when former captain Graeme Smith and Neil McKenzie amassed a World record 415 run opening stand in Chittagong.

Elgar continued on his merry way as he posted his ninth one day century looking untroubled throughout the day.

The Bangladesh has had a nightmare start to their tour after making the error of bowling first of batting friendly wicket. The Bangladesh bowlers lacked fight and spirit in the field as it made it easy for the South Africans to take control.

This error in judgment cost them as South Africa piled on the runs in the sun in front of an appreciative home crowd. Bangladesh used seven bowlers in their attempt to gain a wicket but it was all in vain in a day of Protea domination.

When Hashim Amla (68 off 103) joined Elgar at the crease, the pair put on an assured unbeaten 102 run stand to end unbeaten at stumps on day 1. Amla was by far the aggressor as he hit some smoking pull shots and cut shots in a typical knock. Amla will look to push on to a 27th test hundred tomorrow.

SA are in a marvelous position and will look to drive home the advantage on day two with a big first innings score.

Play will start at 10:00.