An obdurate 156 from Alviro Petersen enabled the Highveld Lions to reach 277 for four at stumps on the first-day of their SuperSport cricket match against the Dolphins at the Wanderers on Thursday.
With the national selector in evidence and the Australian tour of South Africa around the corner, Petersen's innings was a timely reminder that he is a man to be reckoned with.
Petersen was, at times, imperious, cutting and driving with aplomb. When the umpires called time, he had struck 15 boundaries off 266 balls, for his 22nd first-class century.
Keeping Petersen company at the wicket when the players walked off, was Zander de Bruyn on one.
Earlier, the first over of the day nearly ended in disaster for Stephen Cook and the Lions, with the opener dropped in the gully by Ahmed Amla off the fourth ball.
However, 70 balls and 108 minutes later, his luck ran out.
Imran Tahir induced Cook (12) to play forward and a good bat-pad catch was taken by Divan van Wyk at short-leg.
Whereas it was painfully slow going prior to the break, post-lunch Petersen and Jonathan Vandiar went on the offensive scoring at a run-a-ball.
No sooner had the pair compiled a half-century partnership, than Vandiar chanced his arm, taking on a single, and appeared to be run out.
However, the square-leg umpire took a different view and ruled the batsman had made his ground.
Vandiar's good fortune was abruptly brought to an end, trapped in the crease by Robbie Frylinck, but not before he and Petersen had put on 81 for the second wicket.
Lady Luck was also riding on Neil McKenzie's shoulder with Imran Tahir missing an easy caught-and-bowled chance with the stylish middle-order batsman on three.
McKenzie eventually fell two runs short of his 50, caught behind by Daryn Smit off Frylinck, but he and Petersen had put on 136 for the third-wicket.
Frylinck also claimed the wicket of Dale Deeb to finish with figures of three for 35. –Sapa