Gary Ballance became only the second Test batsman after Kepler Wessels to score a century for two countries, hitting an unbeaten 137 for Zimbabwe against the West Indies in Bulawayo on Tuesday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Needing at least 248 runs in reply to a West Indies' declaration of 447-6 to avoid a possible follow-on, Zimbabwe declared on 379-9 after the second session on day four of the first Test.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
That left the hosts trailing by 68 runs after the first innings in their first Test since losing to Bangladesh two years ago.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Batting again, the tourists were 21-0 at the close, giving them a lead of 89 runs going into the final day at the Queens Sports Club.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Harare-born Ballance scored four centuries for England but last played for them in 2017.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He switched allegiance to Zimbabwe after being released by Yorkshire having admitted he used racist language to former teammate Azeem Rafiq.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"I cannot even describe how proud I am, firstly to represent Zimbabwe, and secondly to get the hundred," Ballance told reporters.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"There is no feeling better than that. It has been amazing (to play for Zimbabwe). Every single coach, every single player, has been welcoming.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"I have played with some of the players before, but it makes a difference to come into a new team and be welcome. It makes it easier to perform.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"The declaration was a positive move. We are trying to put ourselves on the front foot to win. That is how the coach (Dave Houghton) wants us to play, to play positive cricket."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
South Africa-born Wessels scored four centuries for Australia and made two more for his homeland when they were readmitted to Test cricket in the 1990s.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
- 'Matter of pride' -<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n Referring to playing for two countries having left Zimbabwe for England as a schoolboy, Ballance said "the feelings are different".<\/p>\r\n\r\n "For England, it was a feeling of achievement. For Zimbabwe, it is also an achievement, and a matter of pride."<\/p>\r\n\r\n Ballance and leg-spinner Brandon Mavuta, who made 56 before playing across the line to a short delivery and being bowled by Jason Holder, put on 135 in a brilliant eighth-wicket stand.<\/p>\r\n\r\n Aware of his key role having come in at number five with Zimbabwe 114-3, Ballance was the epitome of caution, painstakingly building his innings.<\/p>\r\n\r\n By the declaration, the 33-year-old had faced 231 balls and his total included two sixes, one from a shot over deep square leg which took him to his century, and 12 fours.<\/p>\r\n\r\n While Ballance was foiling West Indies plans to bowl out Zimbabwe cheaply and force them to immediately bat again, Mavuta played a superb back-up role.<\/p>\r\n\r\n Having taken five West Indies wickets, he proved equally skilful with the bat and did not hold back when offered scoring chances as he slammed nine fours.<\/p>\r\n\r\n "Of course we wanted wickets, but it just did not happen," West Indies quick Alzarri Joseph said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n "But we have a full day of cricket left. The wicket is flat and it should be a batting day (on Wednesday). But obviously, we will try to win the match."<\/p>\r\n\r\n The day began with Test debutant Innocent Kaia on 59, but he could add only eight more before being trapped leg before by Joseph.<\/p>\r\n\r\n