Herschelle Gibbs returned to first-class cricket with a bang in the shape ofa cameo 61, but HD Ackerman stole his his thunder with a measured 128 as Western Province were dismissed for 362 with what became the final ball ofthe day in Port Elizabeth

Telford Vice – MWP28-Oct-2000Herschelle Gibbs returned to first-class cricket with a bang in the shape ofa cameo 61, but HD Ackerman stole his his thunder with a measured 128 as Western Province were dismissed for 362 with what became the final ball ofthe day in Port Elizabeth on Friday.Ackerman’s 14th first-class century, a chanceless innings, came off 177balls and included a full 80 runs worth of fours.Ackerman wasn’t short of attacking intent as he kept on track an inningsthat wobbled from all 10 wickets intact to three down in the space of 48runs and nine overs. Graeme Smith, Andrew Puttick and Gibbs were the men whofurrowed the visitors’ brows in that short time.Gibbs was typically audacious, driving, pulling and cutting with impunitybefore driving uppishly at a ball from Mfuneko Ngam to be caught in thecovers.Ackerman’s trademark patience and composure kept him in control until he wascleanbowled by Nantie Hayward with a delivery that seamed back.Ngam turned in another impressive performance and took four for 78.Gibbs and Smith put on 84 for the first wicket before Ackerman and NeilJohnson shared 92 for the fourth, followed by Ackerman and Ashwell Princeknocking up 78 for the fifth.All of which made nonsense of EP captain Carl Bradfield’s decision to askProvince to bat on the grounds that whatever life there was in the pitchwould quickly disappear. That said, his attack’s inconsistent display didnot aid the skipper.And while the home side will be happy to have removed the last five Provincebatsmen for 60 runs, they will be rather less chuffed with the news thatstar swing bowler Meyrick Pringle is out for six weeks after breaking hisright thumb while fielding in the slips.