Nagpur, The experienced Jacques Kallis and Hashim Amla struck unbeaten centuries as South Africa recovered from two early jolts to take control of the first cricket Test against India here today.

Kallis (159 not out) notched up his 34th Test century and found an able ally in Amla (115 not out) as the duo put on a marathon 285-run partnership to steer the visitors to a comfortable 291 for two at close on the opening day.

It was a remarkable recovery for the South Africans, who were reeling at a precarious six for two within the first half an hour of the contest with pace spearhead Zaheer Khan claiming both the wickets.