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HERSCHELLE Gibbs wrote himself a ticket to the World Cup and won the acclaim of a capacity St George's Park crowd when he made his first international century yesterday.

The 24-year-old opening batsman hit a superb 125 as South Africa won the fourth limited-overs international to take a 3-1 lead in the seven-match series against the West Indies.

Before yesterday's glorious innings, Gibbs's highest score in a one-day match for South Africa was 35, although he has made two half-centuries in five-day Tests.

Gibbs's century in Port Elizabeth was a vindication of his own self-belief after a shaky start to his international career - and it answered the critics who said his selection was a sop to politicians. He was brought into the side following the outcry over the selection of an all-white team for the first Test against the West Indies last year.

Four opening batsmen have been tried in the one-day matches against the West Indies as the selectors grapple to find the right combination for the World Cup.

After yesterday, it looks as if at least one position has been secured.

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