Amla Sets New South African Record With 311

London: Hashim Amla became the first South Africa batsman to score 300 in a Test match when he reached the landmark against England on the fourth day of the first Test at The Oval here on Sunday.

In the process he broke the previous South Africa individual Test innings record of teammate AB de Villiers, who made 278 not out against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi in November 2010.

Amla was on 311 not out when South Africa captain Graeme Smith declared his side's first innings on a mammoth 637 for two; a lead of 252 runs.

In all, Amla faced 529 balls and struck 35 fours in what was the 29-year-old's 15th Test century, which far exceeded his previous personal highest of 253 not out against India at Nagpur in 2010.

Leading Test scores by South Africa batsmen:

• Hashim Amla 311* v England The Oval 2012
• AB de Villiers 278* v Pakistan Abu Dhabi 2010
• Graeme Smith 277 v England Birmingham 2003
• Daryll Cullinan 275* v New Zealand Auckland 1999
• Gary Kirsten 275 v England Durban 1999
• Graeme Pollock 274 v Australia Durban 1970