A grand tour for Gibbs

Herschelle Gibbs has enjoyed a productive Caribbean tour with the most runs in the five-match Test series against the West Indies but his coup-de-grace came on Wednesday with his fourth One-Day International century.

The dashing opener flayed the West Indies bowling for 104 runs off 141 balls, smashing eight fours and three sixes in a commanding display of batting.

Gibbs, with his second One-Day hundred in 20 encounters with the West Indies, and No 3 batsman Jacques Kallis established a new South African One-Day record stand of 179 runs for the second wicket.

I think, in any form of cricket, partnerships are vital. Especially after losing Gary (Kirsten) quite early, we needed to consolidate. Jacques's got the wealth of experience on his side but at the same time, you have still got to back yourself in how you want to play, Gibbs said.

Obviously it was my day. I had a few close shaves as far as the runouts are concerned and it worked out well, said the only South African to score centuries against the West Indies.

Gibbs knocked West Indies fast bowler Nixon McLean, whose four overs cost 40 runs, out of the attack, but he said it was not really his intention to go after the big Vincentian.

Any bad bowling in any form of cricket has got to be put away. Obviously, he didn't get his length right in the first over and he bowled one wide one. In a One-Day game, that's crucial. You can't really do that.

During the preceding Test series, Gibbs was out three times in the 80s and was happy to finally get to three figures.

I thought of the three 80s that I've got I might have got a hundred, especially on this ground. But all these things I take and learn by and hopefully I don't make the same mistakes in the future but I'm glad to have got this hundred.

Regarded as one of the world's best fielders, Gibbs said he enjoyed the art, just like his batting.

I enjoy both, he said. The fielding is a bit of bonus for myself and I think for the team especially.

Despite his purple patch in the Caribbean, Gibbs does not believe he has reached the peak of his career.

After being suspended for six months last year for his involvement in the Hansie Cronje match-fixing issue, Gibbs said the tour was a very important one for him.

The first month or two after the new year began, I was obviously a bit tense and a bit frustrated but I think the team-mates, all the supporters back home, my family, obviously stood by me and helped me through the bad times.