Gary Ballance become 2nd Test Batter to get century for two nations

• Gary Ballance blasted an unbroken 137 for Zimbabwe.
• Ballance, who was born in Harare, switched allegiance to Zimbabwe.
• Zimbabwe declared on 379-9 after the second session on day four.

Gary Ballance blasted an unbroken 137 for Zimbabwe against the West Indies on Tuesday in Bulawayo, becoming just the second Test batsman after Kepler Wessels to get a century for two nations.

Zimbabwe declared on 379-9 after the second session on day four of the first Test, needing at least 248 runs in response to the West Indies’ declaration of 447-6 to avoid a potential follow-on.

In their first Test match since losing to Bangladesh two years ago, the result left the hosts down by 68 runs after the first innings.

The tourists, who were batting once more, had a lead of 89 runs going into the final day at the Queens Sports Club after being 21-0 at the close of play.

Ballance, who was born in Harare, hit four century for England before retiring in 2017.

After being released by Yorkshire for using racist words against former teammate Azeem Rafiq, he switched allegiance to Zimbabwe.

“I can’t possibly express how proud I am, first to represent Zimbabwe, and second to get the hundred,” Ballance told reporters.

“There is no better sensation. It has been incredible (to play for Zimbabwe). Every single coach and player has been friendly.

“I’ve played with some of the players previously, but it’s different to walk into a new club and feel welcomed. It makes it easy to carry out.

“The announcement was a good step. We’re attempting to gain an advantage in order to win. That’s how the coach (Dave Houghton) wants us to play, positively.”

Century on Zimbabwe Test debut for Gary Ballance 💪

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— ICC (@ICC) February 7, 2023

born in South Africa When Australia was re-admitted to Test cricket in the 1990s, Wessels made two more hundreds for his own country while scoring four for Australia.

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