GALLE – The challenge of facing high-quality spin on turning subcontinent pitches struck the Proteas bang in the face early on the second morning of the first Test.
After fighting back valiantly with the bat during the final session on the opening day, Sri Lanka wasted no time in employing spin from both ends in the four overs before stumps.
It was enough time for the wily old fox Rangana Herath to bamboozle South Africa’s impressive young opener Aiden Markram, who is on his first international tour of the subcontinent. It was a short and sharp lesson with Herath following up a quick straight length ball with one dangled up slower, just outside off that drew Markram forward to beat him for length and take the outside edge.
The trial by spin continued on Friday morning with Herath and off-spinner Dilruwan Perera combining in expert fashion from both ends. Herath was the first to strike when he removed nightwatchman Keshav Maharaj with the 15th ball of the morning. Maharaj departed lbw for three.
Oh no... WICKET. A faint edge by Elgar sees him caught by Mathews at slip off Perera for 8. SA 13/3 (9.2 ovs) as @tbavuma10 walk in. They trail by 274. #SLvSA pic.twitter.com/DtZqHlqJOV
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) July 13, 2018
The experienced Dean Elgar followed Maharaj to the pavilion shortly afterwards. This was a massive blow to the Proteas’ chances after Elgar struck a defiant century in the corresponding fixture at this venue four years ago. On this occasion he only managed eight before being caught at slip off Herath. South Africa were 13/3 at that stage.
A mini-recovery – under the circumstances – was staged between Hashim Amla and Temba Bavuma with the pair sharing a 27-run stand for the fourth wicket. Amla, though, was dismissed for 15 when a Sri Lankan review showed the ball flicked up on to his glove on the way to short-leg.
South Africa plunged further into the quagmire on the stroke of drinks when Bavuma (17) mistimed a sweep shot and was clean bowled by Lakshan Sandakan.
Boy oh boy... Perera gets his 3rd and it was a jaffa of a delivery to bowl De Kock out for 3. South Africa in all sorts on 51/6 (22.1 ovs). #SLvSA pic.twitter.com/sV53B8PFqF
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) July 13, 2018
(Update) Day 2, First session, Drinks
Sri Lanka: 287 all out
South Africa: 48/5 (Amla 15, Bavuma) Herath 2/26, Perera 2/22)
@ZaahierAdams
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