Smith hits 152 as South Africa take control at Taunton

Somerset 38 for 0 trail the South Africans 326 for 4 declared (Smith 152, Kirsten 66, McKenzie 66*) by 288 runs

Graeme Smith put his Lord's misery behind him with a commanding 152 as the South Africans took charge on the opening day of their three-day match against Somerset at Taunton.

Smith took advantage of a Somerset attack lacking England duo Andrew Caddick and Richard Johnson, as well as Nixon McLean. He faced 214 balls and hit 27 fours and shared a steady partnership of 163 with Gary Kirsten.

Kirsten, playing in his first match following his one-day international retirement, found form quickly with 66 before he was out sweeping Ian Blackwell to be caught by Wes Durston at square leg (173 for 2).

Boeta Dippenaar (17) then fell to Durston's offspin (213 for 3) before Neil McKenzie injected some impetus with 66 not out, including two sixes and nine fours.

Meanwhile Smith, shortly after reaching 150, was dismissed when he pulled Keith Parsons to square leg and was held by Gareth Andrew (312 for 4). Smith's innings was the mainstay of South Africa's 326 for 4 declared, but it was a familiar story for Smith's opening partner, Herschelle Gibbs, who fell early for 4, bowled by Steffan Jones (10 for 1).

Somerset made 38 without loss at the end of play with Matthew Wood and James Bryant making steady starts.