England’s Maia Bouchier and Nat Sciver-Brunt struck centuries before Nonkululeko Mlaba spearheaded South Africa’s fightback on day one of the one-off women’s Test in Bloemfontein.

Test debutant Bouchier hit 22 fours and two sixes in her 126 off 154 balls while Sciver-Brunt scored 128 off 145 deliveries, with 18 boundaries.

Mlaba took a career-best Test haul of 4-90, as England declared their innings on 395-9.

South Africa then navigated the final six overs of the day to reach 17-0 and trail by 378 runs.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, England openers Tammy Beaumont (21) and Bouchier laid a solid foundation with a 50-run partnership. The breakthrough came when Ayanda Hlubi (2-40) claimed her maiden Test wicket, dismissing Beaumont.

Undeterred, Bouchier built another half-century stand with captain Heather Knight (20), pushing England’s score to 103-1. Tumi Sekhukhune (1-37) then struck, trapping Knight lbw to bring the dangerous Sciver-Brunt to the crease.

Sciver-Brunt and Bouchier dominated the South African attack with a commanding 174-run partnership for the third wicket. Both batters reached their centuries, but Mlaba struck just before the tea break to dismiss Bouchier.

After the interval, Mlaba continued her brilliant spell, supported by Suné Luus (0-78), who bowled tirelessly.

Mlaba removed Danni Wyatt-Hodge (12) and executed a run out of Sciver-Brunt at the non-striker’s end, reducing England to 357-5 in the 79th over.

With England’s centurions back in the pavilion, Mlaba claimed two more wickets, while Hlubi and Marizanne Kapp (1-20) chipped in to restrict the visitors. England declared their innings after 92 overs.

In response, Proteas openers Laura Wolvaardt (eight not out) and Anneke Bosch (six not out) safely negotiated a tricky spell before stumps.

Photo: Charle Lombard/Gallo Images