Gibbs blamed his limited-overs run-drought on balance problems.

But the speed of his footwork which led to two huge straight sixes in three balls off the left-arm spin of Murali Kartik, coupled with nine fours, suggested he is on the way back.

Chasing a total of 319 all out, Gibbs shared a 150 run partnership with Graeme Smith as South Africa enjoyed a day of batting practice against a modest Indian attack.

Smith looked extremely confident, striking two sixes and eight fours before being trapped leg before by a ball from Irfan Pathan Junior for 79 at 164-2.

Gary Kirsten and Jacques Rudolph then comfortably eased South Africa past the India total during the days third successive left-hand partnership.

Neither batsmen appeared duly troubled during a lucid stand of 171 which suprisingly ended at 335-3 when Kirsten gambled on a misjudged scampered single to mid-on and was run out.

His well-constructed 75 contained a six and six fours, one of which was all run.

Rudolph continued his fine array of shots during the partnership but, with a century beckoning and only three overs of the day remaining, got a nick to a widish ball and was caught behind for 83.

Three balls later, Mark Boucher played all around a full delivery from Salvi, who had also removed Rudolp, and was bowled without scoring as South Africa closed the day on 342-5.

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