Kirsten utilised the knowledge gained from 91 previous Tests to halt England's charge towards a stranglehold on both this Test and the remainder of the series.

His brilliant century, forged over six hours, prevented South Africa from humiliation and ensured they recorded a competitive total of 260 for seven on the opening day just as the decision to bat first threatened to backfire.

Despite local knowledge and overhead conditions suggesting bowling first was the best option at Headingley, South Africa captain Graeme Smith elected to bat and watched his side plunge to 21 for four inside 15 overs.

The tourists, though, always knew they could rely on the resolve of Kirsten, who returned to their line-up after being sidelined with an arm injury, and produced a trademark performance, although England twice dropped him.

His unbeaten 109 prevented South Africa from capitulating completely and his experience helped Jacques Rudolph and debutant Monde Zondeki, playing only his 16th first-class match, to add valuable runs down the order.

Facing a new England all-seam attack featuring Martin Bicknell, after a 10-year absence, and debutant Kabir Ali, South Africa never settled from the moment Smith fell to the fourth ball driving at a wide delivery from James Kirtley.

Herschelle Gibbs followed in almost identical fashion in the next over, giving Bicknell a wicket with the second ball of his comeback, while Jacques Kallis also fell to the Surrey seamer 10 overs later when he drove to Michael Vaughan at short extra cover.

Kabir made a similar impact, removing Neil McKenzie with his fifth ball when he also pushed forward and edged behind to give wicketkeeper Alec Stewart his third catch.

But Kirsten was happy to play an anchor role while Rudolph was more aggressive to dominate a 95-run partnership which laid the platform for South Africa's later recovery.

That partnership was only ended when Kabir earned a fortuitous decision for leg before against Rudolph after he had scored a sparkling 55.

With Mark Boucher falling for 16 before tea to an ill-judged hook off Andrew Flintoff which looped to Vaughan at mid-on and Andrew Hall fencing straight to gully from the next ball, Kirsten's hopes of reaching his century looked slim when Zondeki walked out to bat.

But the youngster demonstrated a high quality technique and gave Kirsten the opportunity to reach three figures during an unbroken 118-run partnership.

Discuss it on the message board!