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Home » Live Cricket Score » Sri Lanka in South Africa, 3 Test Series, 2016/17 » commentary

South Africa vs Sri Lanka Live Commentary, 1st Test, Sri Lanka in South Africa, 3 Test Series, 2016/17, December 26, 2016

SA 286/10 (98.5) , 406/6 (90.5)
South Africa beat Sri Lanka by 206 runs
SL 205/10 (64.5) , 281/10 (96.3)
Match over
South Africa 1St Inning Sri Lanka 1St Inning South Africa 2Nd Inning Sri Lanka 2Nd Inning
0.0 : Hello everyone and welcome to the coverage of the Boxing Day Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka at St George's Park, Port Elizabeth. The home side are coming off an impressive series Down Under where they beat Australia 2-1. It is what led to the change of captaincy for the Proteas with Faf du Plessis being appointed as the full-time Test captain. He led his troops well and against an inexperienced Sri Lankan side, the Saffas will hope for another impressive set of performances.
Things aren't that doom and gloom for Sri Lanka though, they beat Australia at home recently which does not happen that often and it was the way the youngsters stepped up which should bolster the confidence of the captain Angelo Mathews who is himself returning from injury. He will want to lead from the front and ensure that Sri Lanka are not just competing but also winning games. Yes the home side start as favorites but do not rule out the Lankans since they are never short of a fight. Stay tun
TOSS - SOUTH AFRICA WIN THE TOSS AND HAVE ELECTED TO BAT.
South Africa XI - Stephen Cook, Dean Elgar, Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis (c), JP Duminy, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock (wk), Vernon Philander, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Kyle Abbott.
Sri Lanka XI - Kaushal Silva, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Angelo Mathews (c), Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Perera, Rangana Herath, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Dushmantha Chameera.
Game time! The players are out in the middle. STEPHEN COOK and DEAN ELGAR are the two openers for South Africa. SURANGA LAKMAL to bowl first up with three slips and a gully. Here we go...
0.1 : S Lakmal to Cook, Fuller on middle and leg, Cook gets across and clips it towards short leg.
0.2 : S Lakmal to Cook, Back of a length outside off, Cook gets across and tucks it towards the on side.
0.3 : S Lakmal to Cook, Fullish outside off, no shot offered by Cook.
0.4 : S Lakmal to Cook, Outside off on shorter length, Cook places it towards point off his crease.
0.5 : S Lakmal to Cook, Off the mark! Shorter outside off, Cook shuffles across and taps it wide of the mid on fielder for a single.
0.6 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Bowls it on middle and leg, Elgar tucks it towards mid-wicket.
NUWAN PRADEEP to bowl from the other end.
1.1 : N Pradeep to Cook, Fuller outside off, Cook lets it go through safely.
1.2 : N Pradeep to Cook, A touch short outside off, too wide for a shot from Cook.
1.3 : N Pradeep to Cook, Good swing! Hurls it outside off on a length, swings away late, Cook watches it swing is happy to let it go.
1.4 : N Pradeep to Cook, Bowls the fuller one outside off, Cook is half forward to it and gets an inside edge onto his pads.
1.5 : N Pradeep to Cook, Full outside off, Cook pushes forward to defend but gets it off the outer half towards covers.
1.6 : N Pradeep to Cook, Back of a length outside off, bounces a touch more, Cook is taken back a touch but does well to ride the bounce and tap it towards covers.
2.1 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Full outside off, Elgar comes forward and defends it watchfully.
2.2 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Bowls it on middle and leg, Elgar looks to turn it through mid-wicket but fails to connect.
2.3 : S Lakmal to Elgar, On the pads, Elgar tucks it off the inner half through fine leg for a single. He too gets off the mark.
2.4 : S Lakmal to Cook, Fuller outside off, Cook comes forward and defends it back down the wicket.
2.5 : S Lakmal to Cook, Fuller on off, swings away, Cook though covers the line and pushes it back down the wicket. The bowler goes to his right and stops the ball.
2.6 : S Lakmal to Cook, Pitched up outside off, Cook pushes it towards covers and calls Elgar through for a quick single.
3.1 : N Pradeep to Cook, Good length outside off, Cook raises his bat and lets it go through.
3.2 : N Pradeep to Cook, FOUR! On the pads and into the fence! Fuller on middle, clipped through mid-wicket for a boundary. That was really well timed by Cook, a bread and butter shot for him.
3.3 : N Pradeep to Cook, Back of a length outside off, Cook punches it back down the wicket with a hop.
3.4 : N Pradeep to Cook, On a length on off, Cook defends it off the inner half towards the short leg fielder.
3.5 : N Pradeep to Cook, FOUR! And again! Pradeep angles another one on the pads, Cook puts it away with a nice clip into the mid-wicket fence. Superb work, there!
3.6 : N Pradeep to Cook, Back of a length outside off, Cook defends it back down the wicket.
4.1 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Bowls it outside off on a length, Elgar lets it go through but it was too close to the off stump.
4.2 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Bouncer! Shorter length on middle, Elgar ducks under it in time.
4.3 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Sprays it wide outside off, no shot offered by Elgar.
4.4 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Slants it on a length outside off, Elgar lets it go through.
Goes round the wicket.
4.5 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Bowls it outside off on a fuller length, Elgar is happy to let it go.
4.6 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Full outside off, left alone by Elgar.
5.1 : N Pradeep to Cook, Bowls it outside off on a fuller length, Cook defends it with another inside edge towards short leg.
5.2 : N Pradeep to Cook, Angles it on the stumps, Cook gets across and works it wide of the short leg fielder and also wide enough of the mid on fielder for a well-run three.
5.3 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Bowls it outside off, Elgar plays inside the line and lets it go through.
5.4 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Fuller outside off, Elgar comes forward to defend but gets an inside edge towards short leg.
5.5 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Bowls it outside off on a length, Elgar defends it towards point off his crease.
5.6 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Slants it fuller outside off, left alone by Elgar.
6.1 : S Lakmal to Cook, Full outside off, Cook pushes it towards covers with a half forward push.
6.2 : S Lakmal to Cook, GOOD BALL! Angles it outside off on a back of a length, Cook has to play at it, the ball bounces and seams away to beat the outside edge. Very good ball but Sri Lanka need to bowl a lot more of these.
6.3 : S Lakmal to Cook, Full outside off, this time Cook is happy to let it go through.
6.4 : S Lakmal to Cook, Angles it on a fuller length outside off, Cook defends it towards short leg. Kusal under the helmet fumbles and runs till mid on to catch up but the batsmen do not take the single.
6.5 : S Lakmal to Cook, Full but way outside off for Cook to play a shot.
6.6 : S Lakmal to Cook, Pitched up outside off, Cook shoulders his arms to it. A maiden to Lakmal.
ANGELO MATHEWS comes on for a bowl. An early bowling change then for SL.
7.1 : A Mathews to Elgar, Fuller on middle, Elgar looks to clip it through but gets an inside edge behind square on the leg side for a couple.
7.2 : A Mathews to Elgar, Pitched up outside off, Elgar pushes it towards covers for a single.
7.3 : A Mathews to Cook, Fuller outside off, Cook comes forward and pushes it towards the off side.
7.4 : A Mathews to Cook, Pitched up outside off, Cook comes forward and defends it.
7.5 : A Mathews to Cook, Fuller outside off, Cook is right forward to defend this one from his crease.
7.6 : A Mathews to Cook, On a length on off, comes in, Cook turns it towards square leg off his crease.
8.1 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Fuller outside off, left alone by Elgar.
8.2 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Bowls it outside off, Elgar defends it back down the wicket.
8.3 : S Lakmal to Elgar, FOUR! PRISTINE! Fuller outside off, Elgar just brings his bat down in time and times his push brilliantly through covers for a boundary. Superb shot, that!
8.4 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Angles it on a length on off, Elgar turns it towards square leg off the inner half of the bat for a single.
8.5 : S Lakmal to Cook, Good length outside off, Cook looks to push at it from his crease but fails to do so.
8.6 : S Lakmal to Cook, Back of a length outside off, Cook gets across and punches it towards mid on from his crease.
9.1 : A Mathews to Elgar, Good length ball on off, Elgar taps it to cover-point for a quick single.
9.2 : A Mathews to Cook, Fuller length ball outside off, Cook drives it towards mid off.
9.3 : Mathews to Cook, Angles it on the pads, Cook tries to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads. Stifled appeal for a leg before turned down.
9.4 : A Mathews to Cook, On the pads, Cook tickles it to fine leg and takes a couple.
9.5 : A Mathews to Cook, Good length ball outside off, Cook pushes it towards point.
9.6 : A Mathews to Cook, Fuller length ball outside off, Cook presses forward and pushes it to covers.
10.1 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Length ball outside off, bit of a movement, Elgar shoulders his arms.
10.2 : S Lakmal to Elgar, In the corridor outside off, Elgar leaves it alone.
10.3 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Angles it on the pads, Elgar flicks it to fine leg for a single.
10.4 : S Lakmal to Cook, Good length ball outside off, Cook gets a touch across and works it to the leg side for a single.
10.5 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Landed outside off, Dean Elgar doesn't play at it.
10.6 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Back of a length ball outside off, Dean stays back in his crease and defends.
11.1 : A Mathews to Cook, Good length ball outside off, angling away, Cook leaves it alone.
11.2 : A Mathews to Cook, Fullish around off, Cook tries to flick but gets a leading edge towards mid off.
11.3 : A Mathews to S Cook, Fuller length ball outside off, Cook drives it towards mid off.
11.4 : A Mathews to Cook, Good length ball landed just outside off, Cook stays back in his crease and defends.
11.5 : A Mathews to Cook, Fullish ball outside off, driven straight to the cover fielder.
11.6 : A Mathews to Cook, FOUR! Didn't time it well but still he'll get a boundary. Fuller length ball outside off, Cook tries to drive it through covers but mistimes a bit. The ball beats the mid off fielder and Cook gets a boundary.
Nuwan Pradeep back on.
12.1 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Fuller length ball outside off, Elgar shoulders his arms.
12.2 : N Pradeep to Elgar, FOUR! Length ball on off, Elgar flicks it through the mid-wicket region. Finds the gap and gets a boundary.
12.3 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Length ball outside off, Elgar leaves it alone.
12.4 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Back of a length ball outside off, Elgar pushes it towards point.
12.5 : N Pradeep to Elgar, FOUR! This is a poor ball! Angles it on the pads, Elgar works it to the fine leg region for an easy boundary.
12.6 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Good length ball on off, Elgar defends it with soft hands.
13.1 : A Mathews to Cook, Wide outside off, Cook doesn't flirt with it.
13.2 : A Mathews to Cook, Landed outside off, Cook covers the line and defends.
13.3 : A Mathews to Cook, Good length ball on off, Cook flicks it to mid-wicket.
13.4 : A Mathews to Cook, Fuller length ball around off, Cook drives it towards mid on where Herath does well to stop the ball.
13.5 : A Mathews to Cook, Landed outside off, Cook pushes it towards covers.
13.6 : A Mathews to Cook, Good length ball outside off, Cook taps it to the off side awkwardly.
14.1 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Fullish on middle, Elgar flicks it away towards long leg for a single.
14.2 : N Pradeep to Cook, Good length ball around off, Cook covers the line and defends.
14.3 : N Pradeep to Cook, Tad short outside off, bit of an extra bounce, Cook tries to cut but misses it completely.
14.4 : N Pradeep to Cook, Landed outside off, Cook shoulders his arms.
14.5 : N Pradeep to S Cook, Fuller length ball outside off, Cook drives it towards mid off.
14.6 : N Pradeep to Cook, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
Drinks break!
DUSHMANTHA CHAMEERA comes on to bowl.
15.1 : D Chameera to Elgar, Wide outside off, Elgar leaves it alone.
15.2 : D Chameera to Elgar, In the corridor outside off, Elgar allows it through.
15.3 : D Chameera to Elgar, Good length ball outside off, Elgar doesn't play at it.
15.4 : D Chameera to Elgar, Way outside off, Elgar shoulders his arms.
15.5 : D Chameera to Elgar, FOUR! Well played. Fuller length ball outside off, Elgar drives it through the cover region for a glorious boundary.
15.6 : D Chameera to D Elgar, Fuller length ball outside off again, Elgar drives it through mid off this time. Herath chases the ball and the batsmen take three runs.
16.1 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Back of a length ball outside off, Elgar fails to connect his bat on the ball.
16.2 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
16.3 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Fuller length ball outside off, Elgar shoulders his arms.
16.4 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Good length ball on off, Elgar pushes it to cover-point.
16.5 : N Pradeep to Elgar, The batsman has punched that ball through the off side.
16.6 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Just short! Fuller length ball outside off, Elgar goes for the drive but gets an outside edge. The ball falls short of Karunaratne at second slip. There is a mix-up between the two batsmen too. Eventually all okay.
17.1 : D Chameera to Cook, Fuller length ball on off, Cook flicks it to backward square leg for a single.
17.2 : D Chameera to Cook, Good length ball on off, Cook defends it off his back foot.
17.3 : D Chameera to Cook, Good length ball outside off, Cook tries to push but gets an inside edge onto his pads.
17.4 : D Chameera to Cook, In the corridor outside off, Cook leaves it alone.
17.5 : D Chameera to Cook, Good length ball around off, Cook covers the line and defends.
17.6 : D Chameera to Cook, FOUR! On the pads, Cook flicks it through the square leg region. The ball wins the race and crosses the rope. Fifty up for South Africa!
18.1 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Good length ball outside off, Elgar shoulders his arms.
18.2 : N Pradeep to Elgar, FOUR! Width on offer outside off, Elgar punches it through the point region for a boundary.
18.3 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Good length ball outside off, Elgar shoulders his arms once again.
18.4 : N Pradeep to Elgar, In the corridor outside off, Elgar leaves it alone.
18.5 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Beaten! Good length ball outside off, Elgar tries to push but misses it completely.
18.6 : N Pradeep to Elgar, NO BALL! Landed outside off, Elgar lets it go through. The umpire signals a no ball for overstepping.
N Pradeep to Elgar, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
RANGANA HERATH comes on to bowl.
19.1 : R Herath to Cook, Tossed up around off, Cook defends it with soft hands.
19.2 : R Herath to Cook, Landed around off, Cook defends it into the ground.
19.3 : R Herath to Cook, Tossed up on off, Cook comes forward to flick it across but misses and gets hit on the pads.
19.4 : R Herath to Cook, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
19.5 : R Herath to Cook, Landed outside off, Cook blocks it out into the ground.
19.6 : R Herath to Cook, Cook flicks it through backward square leg for a single.
20.1 : N Pradeep to Cook, Good length ball outside off, Cook allows it through. The ball brushes his pads though.
20.2 : N Pradeep to Cook, Banged in short outside off, Cook ducks under it. The umpire calls it one short ball for the over.
20.3 : N Pradeep to Cook, Way outside off, Cook leaves it alone.
20.4 : N Pradeep to Cook, Tad short outside off, Cook punches it through covers for a single.
20.5 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Landed around off, Elgar defends it with soft hands.
20.6 : N Pradeep to Cook, Full ball on off, Cook drives it to mid on.
21.1 : R Herath to Elgar, Tossed up on off, Elgar defends it into the ground.
21.2 : R Herath to Elgar, Shortish outside off, Elgar flicks it through square leg for a single.
21.3 : R Herath to Cook, Fullish ball on off, Cook defends it solidly.
21.4 : R Herath to Cook, Punched off the back foot by the batsman.
21.5 : R Herath to Cook, Landed outside off, Cook pushes it towards covers.
21.6 : R Herath to Cook, FOUR! Fullish on middle and leg, Cook goes for the sweep but doesn't time it that well. The ball goes through backward square leg for a boundary.
22.1 : D Chameera to Elgar, Good length ball outside off, Elgar shoulders his arms.
22.2 : D Chameera to Elgar, Fuller length ball outside off, Elgar shoulders his arms.
22.3 : D Chameera to Elgar, Full ball outside off, Elgar doesn't flirt with it.
22.4 : D Chameera to Elgar, Landed outside off, Elgar leaves it alone.
22.5 : D Chameera to Cook, On middle and leg, Cook flicks it through square leg for a single.
22.6 : D Chameera to Elgar, Banged in short, Elgar sways away.
23.1 : R Herath to Cook, Landed around off, Cook blocks it out watchfully.
23.2 : R Herath to Cook, Outside off, Cook taps it through backward point for a couple.
23.3 : R Herath to Cook, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
23.4 : R Herath to Cook, FOUR! Fine shot! Fullish ball, Cook steps forward and flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
23.5 : R Herath to Cook, Landed outside off, Cook hits it hard through covers for three runs.
23.6 : R Herath to Elgar, Around off, defended into the ground.
24.1 : D Chameera to Cook, FOUR! Fine shot, that! Fuller length ball outside off, Cook drives it through the point region. The fielders chase the ball but fail to do so.
24.2 : D Chameera to Cook, Back of a length ball on the pads, Cook tucks it to the leg side.
24.3 : D Chameera to Cook, Shortish near the rib cage, Cook defends it off his back foot.
24.4 : D Chameera to Cook, Good length ball around off, Cook defends it from within his crease.
24.5 : D Chameera to Cook, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
24.6 : D Chameera to Cook, Wide outside off this time, Cook doesn't flirt with it.
25.1 : R Herath to D Elgar, Fullish ball landed just outside off, Elgar drives it through mid on for a single.
25.2 : R Herath to Cook, Tossed ball on middle and leg, Cook tries to defend but gets a bit of an inside edge towards short leg. The fielder does well to stop the ball there.
25.3 : R Herath to Cook, Full on off, Cook covers the line and defends.
25.4 : R Herath to Cook, On middle and off, Stephen flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
25.5 : R Herath to Elgar, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
25.6 : R Herath to Elgar, Around off, Dean defends it watchfully.
26.1 : D Chameera to Cook, Length ball on off, Cook tucks it towards short leg. The fielder goes to his right and stops the ball and throws it back in.
26.2 : D Chameera to Cook, Landed around off, Cook flicks it through the leg side for a single.
26.3 : D Chameera to Elgar, Outside off, Dean pushes it towards point.
26.4 : D Chameera to Elgar, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
26.5 : D Chameera to D Elgar, Short of a length ball on off, Elgar pulls it through square leg for a single.
26.6 : D Chameera to Cook, Around off, Cook defends it solidly.
27.1 : R Herath to Elgar, Fullish ball on off, Elgar drives it through mid on for a single.
27.2 : R Herath to Cook, Tossed up on middle and leg, Cook defends it into the ground.
27.3 : R Herath to Cook, Down the leg side, Cook tries to flick but misses it completely.
27.4 : R Herath to Cook, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
27.5 : R Herath to Cook, Appeal for a leg before! Arm ball on the pads, Cook misses and gets hit on the pads. The umpire turns down the appeal. Might be missing leg.
27.6 : R Herath to Cook, Full outside off, Cook drives it towards covers.
DHANANJAYA DE SILVA comes on to bowl.
28.1 : de Silva to Elgar, On middle and leg, Elgar flicks it through the leg side for a single.
28.2 : de Silva to Cook, On middle and off, Cook gets across and works it through square leg for a couple. That brings up his fifty as well.
Second Test fifty for Stephen Cook!
28.3 : de Silva to Cook, On middle, Cook flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.
28.4 : de Silva to Elgar, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
28.5 : de Silva to Elgar, Down the leg side, Elgar flicks it to fine leg for a single.
28.6 : de Silva to Cook, Outside off, Cook works it through backward square leg for a single. That will be LUNCH ON DAY 1!
Excellent first session for South Africa. They didn't lose a single wicket and made the Sri Lankan bowlers toil hard. Stephen Cook and Dean Elgar batted patiently throughout. The Lankan bowlers lacked venom. They were not accurate with their lines and lengths and struggled throughout. Cook has crossed his fifty and Elgar is reaching the same. South Africa would look for a big opening stand here. Sri Lanka need to come back hard and need to reassess their bowling plans. Join us back in a bit then
DAY 1... SESSION 2.....
The players are back out in the middle. STEPHEN COOK and DEAN ELGAR come out to bat. Sri Lanka begin with SURANGA LAKMAL. Here we go...
29.1 : S Lakmal to Cook, Bowls it full outside off, swings away, Cook lets it go through.
29.2 : S Lakmal to Cook, Pitched up outside off, left alone by Cook.
29.3 : S Lakmal to Cook, Bowls it on the stumps, Cook tucks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
29.4 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Fuller length outside off, Elgar looks to drive at it from his crease but is beaten all ends up. There was a faint noise as the ball went past the bat but there was nothing from the players. May be, just my ears then.
29.5 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Shorter outside off, Elgar cuts it through backward point for a single.
29.6 : S Lakmal to Cook, Bowls it outside off on a length, hit to deep point for a single.
RANGANA HERATH to bowl from the other end.
30.1 : R Herath to Cook, Floats it on off, Cook nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.
30.2 : R Herath to Elgar, Bowls it outside off, Elgar works it through mid-wicket for a single.
30.3 : R Herath to S Cook, Outside off, Cook is beaten in the air and gets an inside edge onto his pads as he comes forward to defend it.
30.4 : R Herath to Cook, Cook comes forward and defends it watchfully.
30.5 : R Herath to Cook, Landed outside off, Cook presses forward and defends it.
30.6 : R Herath to Cook, Cook offers another solid block.
31.1 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Bowls it outside off, no shot offered by Elgar.
31.2 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Fuller outside off, Elgar is happy to let it pass.
31.3 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Pitched up outside off, Elgar comes forward and defends it.
31.4 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Bowls it on off, Elgar works it through square leg for a single.
31.5 : S Lakmal to S Cook, Fuller outside off, Cook comes forward and drives it through covers for a single.
31.6 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Bowls it outside off, Elgar taps it towards backward point for a single. That is also the 100-run opening stand, superb effort!
Bowling change, ANGELO MATHEWS comes on for a spell.
32.1 : A Mathews to Elgar, Hurls it outside off, on a length, Elgar lets it go through.
32.2 : A Mathews to Elgar, Bowls it outside off, Elgar feels for it and looks to play but is beaten by the late away movement. Good ball, Angelo!
32.3 : A Mathews to Elgar, Outside off, on a length, left alone.
32.4 : A Mathews to Elgar, Fuller outside off, Elgar is happy to let it go through.
32.5 : A Mathews to Elgar, Slanted on a length outside off, Elgar shoulders his arms to it.
32.6 : A Mathews to Elgar, Bowls it outside off, nothing from Elgar at all.
33.1 : S Lakmal to Cook, Fuller outside off, Cook comes forward and pushes it to covers.
33.2 : S Lakmal to Cook, Landed outside off, Cook shoulders his arms to it.
33.3 : S Lakmal to Cook, Swings this one away from Cook but it is too wide and Cook leaves it easily.
33.4 : S Lakmal to Cook, Fuller outside off, Cook comes forward and pushes it back down the wicket.
33.5 : S Lakmal to Cook, Bowls it outside off, swings away, Cook plays it with the swing through covers for a single.
33.6 : S Lakmal to Elgar, On a length outside off, Elgar pushes it towards covers.
34.1 : A Mathews to Cook, Bowls it outside off, Cook gets across and defends it back down the wicket.
34.2 : A Mathews to Cook, Back of a length outside off, comes in, Cook gets across and tucks it towards the on side for a single.
34.3 : A Mathews to Elgar, On a length outside off, Elgar shapes to pull but plays a half-pull towards mid-wicket who fumbles and allows a single.
34.4 : A Mathews to Cook, Cook tucks one towards mid on and calls Elgar through for a quick single.
34.5 : A Mathews to Elgar, Sprays it outside off, no shot offered by Elgar.
34.6 : A Mathews to Elgar, Hurls it outside off on a length, Elgar is patient enough to leave it.
35.1 : S Lakmal to Cook, Bowls it wide outside off, Cook goes after it but cannot connect bat to ball.
35.2 : S Lakmal to Cook, Sprays it wide outside off, nothing from Cook.
35.3 : S Lakmal to Cook, OUT! PEACH! Bowls it outside off, at an angle coming in, Cook is squared up looking to clip it through mid-wicket. The ball pitches and holds its line a touch, it goes off the outside edge and carries nicely to Chandimal who dives to his right and takes a good catch. Finally a wicket for Sri Lanka, they should have bowled more of these. They will want to make use of this opening.
HASHIM AMLA is the new man in. He has not been amongst the runs and the visitors will be looking to exploit that.
35.4 : S Lakmal to Amla, Bowls it outside off, left alone by Amla.
35.5 : S Lakmal to Amla, Ohh! Bowls it outside off, pitches and zips away with extra bounce, Amla is beaten all ends up. That was seriously well bowled.
35.6 : S Lakmal to Amla, Hurls it on off, swings away, Amla plays at it from his crease and gets it towards point.
36.1 : A Mathews to Elgar, Bowls it on off, Elgar keeps it out from his crease.
36.2 : A Mathews to Elgar, Fuller outside off, Elgar comes forward and defends it.
36.3 : A Mathews to Elgar, Slants it outside off, Elgar lets it go through safely.
36.4 : A Mathews to Elgar, Elgar defends this one watchfully.
36.5 : A Mathews to Elgar, Angles this one on the stumps, Elgar keeps it out from his crease.
36.6 : A Mathews to Elgar, Pitched up on off, Elgar comes half forward and plays it back down the wicket.
37.1 : S Lakmal to Amla, Outside off on a length, Amla lets it go through safely.
37.2 : S Lakmal to Amla, Pitched up outside off, Amla is not interested in that one.
37.3 : S Lakmal to Amla, Hurls it closer to the off stump from wider of the crease, the ball pitches and goes away late, Amla looks to play at first but then leaves it confidently.
37.4 : S Lakmal to Amla, Fuller outside off, left alone by Amla.
37.5 : S Lakmal to Amla, Bowls it on off, Amla defends it towards covers off the outer half of the bat.
37.6 : S Lakmal to Amla, Landed outside off, Amla is happy to let it go.
NUWAN PRADEEP into the attack now.
38.1 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Bowls it on the pads, worked down to fine leg for a single.
38.2 : N Pradeep to Amla, Landed around off, Amla defends it watchfully.
38.3 : N Pradeep to Amla, Back of a length outside off, bounces a bit more, Amla hops and does well to keep it down towards mid-wicket.
38.4 : N Pradeep to Amla, Bowls it outside off, left alone by Amla easily.
38.5 : N Pradeep to Amla, Lands it outside off, no shot offered by Amla.
38.6 : N Pradeep to Amla, Outside off, Amla punches it towards point off his crease.
39.1 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Fuller length ball outside off, Elgar pushes it towards mid off.
39.2 : S Lakmal to Elgar, OUT! Lakmal gets another one! Back of a length ball just outside off, Elgar pokes at it and pays the price, gets a thick outside edge. Chandimal dives to his left and takes a terrific catch. Elgar departs, he could have left that one as there was enough room. Another breakthrough for Sri Lanka.
JP DUMINY walks in next.
39.3 : S Lakmal to Duminy, FOUR! What a shot to get off the mark! Fuller length ball outside off, Duminy drives it through the cover region for a glorious boundary.
39.4 : S Lakmal to Duminy, Back of a length ball on off, Duminy punches it away off his back foot.
39.5 : S Lakmal to Duminy, In the corridor outside off, JP lets it go through.
39.6 : S Lakmal to Duminy, On middle and off, Duminy stays back in his crease and flicks it to the leg side.
40.1 : N Pradeep to Amla, Fuller length ball outside off, Amla drives it towards mid off.
40.2 : N Pradeep to Amla, Good length ball landed just outside off, Amla blocks it out off his front foot.
40.3 : N Pradeep to Amla, Back of a length ball outside off, Amla shoulders his arms.
40.4 : N Pradeep to Amla, Over-pitched outside off, Amla drives it towards covers.
40.5 : N Pradeep to Amla, Punched off the back foot by the batsman.
40.6 : N Pradeep to Amla, Appeal for a leg before! Angles it on the pads, Amla looks to flick it across but misses and gets hit on the pads. The umpire turns down the appeal. Sri Lanka don't take a review. Replays show the ball would have missed the leg stump.
41.1 : S Lakmal to Amla, Landed outside off, Amla shoulders his arms.
41.2 : S Lakmal to Amla, Good length ball outside off, Amla gets onto his front foot and defends.
41.3 : S Lakmal to H Amla, On middle and leg, Amla pulls it through square leg and takes a single to get off the mark finally.
41.4 : S Lakmal to Duminy, In the corridor outside off, Duminy lets it go through.
41.5 : S Lakmal to Duminy, FOUR! Lovely shot! Fuller length ball outside off, Duminy drives it through the cover region and gets a boundary.
41.6 : S Lakmal to Duminy, FOUR! Another beautiful shot. This is lovely batting. Full outside off, Duminy drives it through the gap at mid off and short cover for a boundary once again.
42.1 : N Pradeep to Amla, Good length ball around off, Amla defends it off his back foot.
42.2 : N Pradeep to Amla, In the corridor outside off, Amla lets it go through.
42.3 : N Pradeep to Amla, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
42.4 : N Pradeep to Amla, Way outside off, Amla leaves it alone.
42.5 : N Pradeep to Amla, Back of a length ball outside off, HA punches it away off his back foot.
42.6 : N Pradeep to Amla, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
Drinks break!
DUSHMANTHA CHAMEERA comes on to bowl.
43.1 : D Chameera to Duminy, NO BALL! Landed around off, Duminy punches it towards back foot. The umpire signals a no ball for overstepping.
D Chameera to Duminy, Landed outside off, Duminy pushes it to covers.
43.2 : D Chameera to Duminy, FOUR! Short and wide outside off, Duminy punches it through the point region and gets a boundary.
43.3 : D Chameera to Duminy, In the corridor outside off, Duminy allows it through.
43.4 : D Chameera to Duminy, Way outside off, JP leaves it alone.
43.5 : D Chameera to JP Duminy, FOUR! Another good shot! Full outside off, Duminy drives it through the cover region for yet another boundary.
43.6 : D Chameera to JP Duminy, Short of a length ball on off, Duminy pulls it through square leg for a single.
44.1 : N Pradeep to Duminy, Good length ball on off, Duminy covers the line and defends.
44.2 : N Pradeep to JP Duminy, Fuller length ball outside off, Duminy drives it through cover-point for a single.
44.3 : N Pradeep to Amla, Landed outside off, Amla steers it to third man for a couple.
44.4 : N Pradeep to Amla, Tad short outside off, Hashim punches it away off his back foot.
44.5 : N Pradeep to Amla, Length ball on off, Amla tries to play but gets an inside edge onto his pads.
44.6 : N Pradeep to Amla, Landed outside off, Amla pushes it through covers for a single.
45.1 : D Chameera to Amla, Landed around off, Amla defends it into the ground.
45.2 : D Chameera to Amla, Length ball on off, Amla defends it solidly.
45.3 : D Chameera to Amla, The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single.
45.4 : D Chameera to Duminy, FOUR! Duminy is dealing in boundaries! Fuller length ball outside off, Duminy drives it down the ground for another boundary.
45.5 : D Chameera to Duminy, Landed around off, JP defends it off his back foot.
45.6 : D Chameera to Duminy, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
46.1 : R Herath to Amla, No run.
46.2 : R Herath to Amla, Outside off, Amla defends it solidly.
46.3 : R Herath to Amla, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
46.4 : R Herath to Amla, Outside off, Amla pushes it to point.
46.5 : R Herath to Amla, Landed around off, Amla defends it into the ground.
46.6 : R Herath to Amla, On middle and off, Amla defends it solidly.
47.1 : D Chameera to Duminy, In the corridor outside off, Duminy shoulders his arms.
47.2 : D Chameera to JP Duminy, FOUR! This is superb batting! Fuller length ball outside off, Duminy drives it through the cover region for a boundary.
47.3 : D Chameera to Duminy, Length ball on off, Duminy defends it watchfully.
47.4 : D Chameera to Duminy, FOUR! Yet another boundary! Fuller length ball outside off, JP drives it down the ground for another four.
47.5 : D Chameera to Duminy, Landed outside off, Duminy lets it go through.
47.6 : D Chameera to Duminy, Fullish around off, Duminy drives it back to the bowler.
48.1 : R Herath to Amla, Shortish outside off, Amla tries to cut but gets beaten completely.
48.2 : R Herath to Amla, Landed around off, Amla defends it into the ground.
48.3 : R Herath to Amla, The batsman fails to get bat on that one and is hit on the pad. The batsmen have picked up a couple of runs. Leg byes given by the umpire.
48.4 : R Herath to Amla, Full outside off, Amla drives it to covers.
48.5 : R Herath to Amla, On middle and leg, Amla tucks it through cow-corner for three runs.
48.6 : R Herath to Duminy, Tad short outside off, Duminy guides it late towards third man for a couple.
ANGELO MATHEWS back on.
49.1 : A Mathews to Amla, Good length ball outside off, Amla allows it through.
49.2 : A Mathews to Amla, Landed outside off, Hashim doesn't flirt with it.
49.3 : A Mathews to Amla, Full and wide outside off, Amla leaves it alone.
49.4 : A Mathews to Amla, Length delivery outside off, Amla shoulders his arms.
49.5 : A Mathews to Amla, Good length ball on off, Amla pushes it towards point.
49.6 : A Mathews to Amla, Landed outside off, HA chooses to leave it alone.
50.1 : R Herath to JP Duminy, Landed around off, Duminy drives it through mid on for a single.
50.2 : R Herath to Amla, Tossed up on off, Amla comes forward to play but gets an inside edge onto his pads.
50.3 : R Herath to Amla, Landed outside off, Amla defends it into the ground.
50.4 : R Herath to Amla, FOUR! That's a fine shot! Fullish on middle and leg, Amla strides forward and whips it through mid-wicket for a boundary. That brings up the 50-run stand!
50.5 : R Herath to Amla, Landed around off, Amla stays back in his crease and defends.
50.6 : R Herath to Amla, Outside off, Amla covers the line and defends.
51.1 : A Mathews to Duminy, Landed outside off, Duminy leaves it alone.
51.2 : A Mathews to Duminy, Way outside off, easy leave for JP.
51.3 : A Mathews to Duminy, Length ball on off, Duminy guides it towards gully.
51.4 : A Mathews to Duminy, Fuller length ball landed just outside off, Duminy drives it back to the bowler.
51.5 : A Mathews to Duminy, Good length ball on off, JP stays back in his crease and defends.
51.6 : A Mathews to Duminy, Landed outside off, Duminy lets it go through.
52.1 : R Herath to Amla, On the pads, Amla works it through backward square leg for a single.
52.2 : R Herath to Duminy, Full ball on off, Duminy defends it solidly.
52.3 : R Herath to Duminy, Fullish ball outside off, Duminy goes for the sweep but misses.
52.4 : R Herath to Duminy, Tossed up on off, Duminy defends it watchfully.
52.5 : R Herath to Duminy, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
52.6 : R Herath to Duminy, On middle and leg, Duminy comes forward and drives it through mid on for a single.
53.1 : A Mathews to Duminy, WIDE! Banged in short, Duminy lets it go over him. The umpire signals a wide as he thinks it's too high.
A Mathews to Duminy, Shortish on off, Duminy defends it with soft hands.
53.2 : A Mathews to Duminy, Beaten! Good length ball outside off, angling away, Duminy tries to go after it but misses.
53.3 : A Mathews to Duminy, Landed outside off, JP lets it go through.
53.4 : A Mathews to Duminy, FOUR! That's another cover drive by JP Duminy! Fuller length ball outside off, the southpaw drives it through covers and gets another boundary.
53.5 : A Mathews to Duminy, On middle and off, Duminy tries to play it across but gets hit on the thigh pad.
53.6 : A Mathews to Duminy, Landed outside off, Duminy leaves it alone.
54.1 : R Herath to Amla, Tossed up outside off, Amla plays it through point for a single.
54.2 : R Herath to Duminy, Fullish ball around off, Duminy defends it into the ground.
54.3 : R Herath to Duminy, Flatter outside off, Duminy stays back in his crease and defends.
54.4 : R Herath to Duminy, Short ball outside off, Duminy punches it down the ground, to the left of Herath. Single taken.
54.5 : R Herath to Amla, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
54.6 : R Herath to Amla, DROPPED! Shortish outside off, Amla tries to cut but gets an edge to the keeper behind. Chandimal fails to grab it cleanly and Amla gets a life.
SURANGA LAKMAL is back.
55.1 : S Lakmal to JP Duminy, Landed around off, Duminy tries to defend but gets an inside edge onto his pads.
55.2 : S Lakmal to Duminy, Landed outside off, Duminy pushes it through covers for a single.
55.3 : S Lakmal to Amla, Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
55.4 : S Lakmal to Amla, On middle and off, Hashim covers the line and defends.
55.5 : S Lakmal to Amla, Good length ball outside off, Amla pushes it towards point.
55.6 : S Lakmal to Amla, EDGED! FOUR! Landed outside off, Amla gets an outside edge as he plays it with soft hands. The ball goes towards the third man region for a boundary.
56.1 : R Herath to Duminy, Landed outside off, Duminy guides it to third man for a couple.
56.2 : R Herath to Duminy, Full on off, JP comes forward and flicks it to mid-wicket.
56.3 : R Herath to Duminy, Tossed up ball outside off, Duminy defends it solidly.
56.4 : R Herath to Duminy, On middle and off, defended watchfully.
56.5 : R Herath to Duminy, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
56.6 : R Herath to Duminy, Around off, Duminy gets onto his front foot yet again and defends it towards covers. That will be TEA ON DAY 1!
Much better session for Sri Lanka. They bowled a lot better after lunch and powered by Suranga Lakmal's impressive spell managed to remove both the South African openers. But since then, Amla and Duminy have settled in and the latter in particular has looked in sublime touch. Struggling Amla did offer a chance minutes before the tea break but Chandimal failed to catch it and the home side will hope it doesn't cost them much. Do join us in a short while.
...DAY 1, SESSION 3...
We're back. The men concerned are out in the centre. 33 overs left in the day's play. Suranga Lakmal to begin proceedings...
57.1 : S Lakmal to Amla, Full in length and angling into the batsman, Amla stays on the back foot and pushes it with an angled bat to gully.
57.2 : S Lakmal to Amla, Fine shot. A good length ball on off, Amla goes on the back foot and punches it through covers for a single.
57.3 : S Lakmal to Duminy, Angles across a length ball to the southpaw, around off, Duminy covers his stumps and shoulders arms.
57.4 : S Lakmal to Duminy, Once again Lakmal hurls across a length delivery in the zone outside off, it's left alone by JP.
57.5 : S Lakmal to Duminy, Straighter delivery bowled on a length, Duminy turns it softly to the left side of the mid on fielder for a single.
57.6 : S Lakmal to Amla, Back of a length delivery outside off, Hashim rocks back and strokes it square of the wicket on the off side for a run.
Dushmantha Chameera replaces Herath in the attack.
58.1 : D Chameera to Amla, Starts the spell with a fuller length ball on off, Amla gets behind the line and pushes it quietly to mid off.
58.2 : D Chameera to Amla, Fullish and a hint of swing as it lands around off, Amla gets half forward and defends it near his front pad.
58.3 : D Chameera to Amla, Zippy delivery, on back of a length around off and nipping back in sharply, Amla jumps on the back foot to defend but misses and is hit on the body.
58.4 : D Chameera to Amla, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
58.5 : D Chameera to Amla, Full in length and outside off, holding its line, Amla covers the line and shoulders arms.
58.6 : D Chameera to Amla, Good length delivery outside off, Amla offers no shot.
59.1 : S Lakmal to Duminy, Great delivery, Lakmal bowls it from around the wicket and hurls in a full ball just around off, Duminy tries to defend it from the crease but fails to do so as it shapes back in and goes past the inside edge.
59.2 : S Lakmal to Duminy, Bowls it on a driving length outside off, Duminy decides not to go after it.
59.3 : S Lakmal to Duminy, Another delivery in the region outside off, not close enough to make the batsman.
59.4 : S Lakmal to Duminy, Fullish and on off, JP defends it with soft hands towards cover-point and pinches a single.
59.5 : S Lakmal to Amla, OUT! The pair of Lakmal and Chandimal hunts down the third wicket! End of Amla's struggle. Lakmal dishes out a full length ball outside off, Amla pushes at it tentatively after being flat-footed and nicks it behind. The keeper stretches to his right to complete the catch. Another failure for Hashim and he walks back disappointed. This was highly unlike attempt from the batsman of his class.
Skipper Faf du Plessis is the new batsman.
59.6 : S Lakmal to Plessis, Extra bounce around off, Faf pushes it towards covers and crosses for a brisk single.
60.1 : D Chameera to Plessis, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
60.2 : D Chameera to Plessis, In the channel outside off, du Plessis shoulders arms.
60.3 : D Chameera to Plessis, Another delivery in the channel outside off, Faf offers no shot.
60.4 : D Chameera to Plessis, Chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
60.5 : D Chameera to Plessis, Digs in a short ball on off, Faf pulls it behind square leg for a single.
60.6 : D Chameera to Duminy, A touch short in length around leg, Duminy turns it down to long leg and crosses for a single.
61.1 : S Lakmal to Duminy, Lands it full and outside off, JP plays a good looking cover drive but for once in this innings fails to find the gap. He has been close to invincible while playing those drives today.
61.2 : S Lakmal to Duminy, Chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
61.3 : S Lakmal to Duminy, Outside off, tapped down to point.
61.4 : S Lakmal to Duminy, Another delivery in the zone outside off, it's allowed through to Chandimal.
61.5 : S Lakmal to Duminy, Puts it on a length outside off, JP shoulders arms.
61.6 : S Lakmal to Duminy, Fullish and on off, Duminy draws forward in defense and keeps it out off the inside half of the bat.
62.1 : D Chameera to Plessis, Fuller and on off, driven back to the bowler.
62.2 : D Chameera to Plessis, Lands it on a length and outside off, holding its line, Faf has an easy leave.
62.3 : D Chameera to Plessis, This one is delivered on a fuller length outside off, Faf restrains himself from driving it.
62.4 : D Chameera to Plessis, Targets the off stump with a length ball, du Plessis covers the line and blocks it safely with a vertical bat.
62.5 : D Chameera to Plessis, A leg stump half-volley, du Plessis whips it through square leg and scampers back for the second run.
62.6 : D Chameera to Plessis, FOUR! Lovely shot from the bat of du Plessis. A juicy full delivery outside off, Faf gets on the front foot and crisply drives it through the gap between extra cover and mid off for a boundary.
63.1 : S Lakmal to Duminy, Beaten comprehensively. Lakmal continues to bowl in a nice rhythm. He runs in from around the wicket and serves a length ball outside off, it curls back in sharply and beats Duminy's forward defensive prod. Cuts him in half and goes past the inside edge. Suranga smiles.
63.2 : S Lakmal to Duminy, Fullish and on off, driven off the front foot to mid off.
63.3 : S Lakmal to Duminy, Duminy has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
63.4 : S Lakmal to Duminy, FIFTY! Angles in a full ball on off, Duminy lunges and eases it through cover-point for a single. Lovely chanceless knock by him so far.
8th Test fifty for JP Duminy!
63.5 : S Lakmal to Plessis, Full and swinging around off, du Plessis gets forward in defense.
63.6 : S Lakmal to Plessis, Length ball on off, du Plessis defends it from the crease to the off side. Straight to covers.
64.1 : Chameera to JP Duminy, FOUR! Lakmal digs in a short ball around the rib cage, Duminy top edges his attempted pull shot to fine leg for a boundary. Good surprise delivery by Chameera!
0.0 : A leg gully in place. Expect more short stuff now.
64.2 : D Chameera to Duminy, Chameera repeats the last delivery but this time Duminy decides to duck underneath it.
64.3 : D Chameera to Duminy, Good length ball on middle and leg, Duminy gets back inside the crease, goes on top of the bounce and defends it down.
64.4 : D Chameera to Duminy, Bowls it short and on off, 133 kph, Duminy rides the bounce and pulls it all along the ground for a single down to deep mid-wicket.
64.5 : D Chameera to Plessis, Fullish and around off, du Plessis decides to play back from the crease and keeps it out in front of the slip cordon. Should have been forward there!
64.6 : D Chameera to Plessis, On a length and shaping back in a touch, once again du Plessis plays from the back foot and this time taps it down to point.
Nuwan Pradeep returns for a spell.
65.1 : N Pradeep to Duminy, No ball called for overstepping. Bowls it on a fuller length and outside off, it's left alone by Duminy.
N Pradeep to Duminy, Back of a length ball angling into the batsman, Duminy goes back and dabs it down to backward point. Du Plessis is outside the crease looking for a run and is sent back. There is a direct hit at the bowler's end but Faf is well in.
65.2 : N Pradeep to Duminy, On a length and outside off, Duminy has a watchful leave.
The wind has picked up.
65.3 : N Pradeep to Duminy, Keeps it on a length and around off, JP defends it from the back foot.
65.4 : N Pradeep to Duminy, Darts in a length ball on off, JP gets half forward and defends it to the off side.
65.5 : N Pradeep to Duminy, Good length delivery outside off, Duminy shoulders arms.
65.6 : N Pradeep to Duminy, Pitches it full and on off, Duminy drives it off his front foot to short cover.
Rangana Herath comes on for a bowl.
66.1 : R Herath to Plessis, Full flighted ball on off, driven off the front foot to covers.
66.2 : R Herath to Plessis, A touch short and around off, du Plessis defends it from the back foot.
66.3 : R Herath to Plessis, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. No run.
66.4 : R Herath to Plessis, Tossed up ball outside off, Fad drives it off his front foot to covers.
66.5 : R Herath to Plessis, Loopy and drifting into the batsman, around off, du Plessis blocks it from the crease.
66.6 : R Herath to Plessis, Faf has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
67.1 : N Pradeep to Duminy, Back of a length delivery on off, Duminy punches it through covers for a single.
67.2 : N Pradeep to Plessis, du Plessis has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
67.3 : N Pradeep to Plessis, FOUR! Streaky! Good length and outside off, du Plessis gets forward to defend but gets an outside edge past the slip fielders for a boundary.
67.4 : N Pradeep to Plessis, FOUR! Bang! Short and wide outside off, du Plessis opens his arms and slams it over backward point for a boundary. Poor delivery won't go unpunished when Faf is batting!
67.5 : N Pradeep to Plessis, Angles in a full ball on middle, du Plessis pushes it down to mid on.
67.6 : N Pradeep to Plessis, Lands it on a fuller length outside off, nipping in, du Plessis inside edges his attempted forward defense onto the pads.
68.1 : R Herath to Duminy, A touch short and on off, Duminy gets back and punches it to sweeper cover for three runs.
68.2 : R Herath to Plessis, Once again shorter in length outside off, Faf hits it from the back foot but straight to covers.
68.3 : R Herath to Plessis, Too full in length on off, it's pushed off the front foot to short cover.
68.4 : R Herath to Plessis, Bowls it slower through the air, full and drifting in, du Plessis defends it by getting forward.
68.5 : R Herath to Plessis, Tossed up ball on off, driven off the front foot to short extra cover.
68.6 : R Herath to Plessis, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. No run to end the over.
69.1 : N Pradeep to Duminy, Gets behind the line of the delivery and pushes it towards mid off.
69.2 : N Pradeep to Duminy, Fullish and speared in on off, Duminy covers the line and blocks it out on the off side.
69.3 : N Pradeep to Duminy, Wide outside off, on a fuller length, could have been driven but Duminy has been very watchful and choosy with his shot selection today. Decides to leave this one.
69.4 : N Pradeep to Duminy, Good length ball just outside off, angling in a shade, Duminy covers the line and shoulders arms.
69.5 : N Pradeep to Duminy, On a length and outside off, Duminy punches it off his back foot through cover-point for a single.
69.6 : N Pradeep to Plessis, Straighter in line, du Plessis picks it off his pads, closes the face of his bat and works it through square leg for one.
70.1 : R Herath to Plessis, Advances down to the pitch of the ball and drives it through mid off for a single.
70.2 : R Herath to Duminy, Slow loopy ball on off, full in length, Duminy gets forward and defends it to covers.
70.3 : R Herath to JP Duminy, Loopy again but this time it's a low full toss on off, Duminy hits it down the ground to long on for one.
70.4 : R Herath to Plessis, Floated one on off, it's driven past the short extra cover fielder and the fielder in the deep makes a tumbling stop. A single taken.
70.5 : R Herath to Duminy, Flatter delivery outside off, Duminy goes back and plays it late. Runs it down past first slip for a couple of runs.
Well, well, Duminy is given out lbw. He goes for the review though. That looked out to the naked eye.
70.6 : Herath to Duminy, OUT! Loopy ball landing outside off, spinning in, Duminy sits across and tries to sweep it but misses. He is thudded on the pads, they appeal and the finger goes up. JP takes the referral and after waiting for a few minutes the third umpire gets to see the replays. First he checks for the front foot no ball but Herath is fine there. Now the Ball Tracker shows that the impact is fine and it's going on to hit middle and leg. The decision remains as it is and it brings an en
Temba Bavuma is the new man in.
71.1 : N Pradeep to Plessis, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
71.2 : N Pradeep to Plessis, Played to the point region by the batsman. They pick up a single.
71.3 : N Pradeep to Bavuma, Good length delivery in the channel outside off, holding its line, Bavuma watches it closely before leaving it for the keeper.
71.4 : N Pradeep to Bavuma, Full and angling into the batsman, Bavuma defends it solidly from the crease.
71.5 : N Pradeep to Bavuma, Nearly edges it! Pradeep serves a full outswinging delivery outside off, Bavuma without taking his front leg to the pitch of the ball tries to drive and misses.
71.6 : N Pradeep to Bavuma, Good length ball on off, Temba taps it down on the off side and looks for a run. He is sent back by his skipper.
72.1 : R Herath to du Plessis, Floated one on off, du Plessis drives it to short cover where the fielder misfields and deflects it towards long off. A single taken.
72.2 : R Herath to Bavuma, Flatter arm ball on off, a touch on the shorter side, Bavuma goes back and defends it towards the bowler.
72.3 : R Herath to Bavuma, Loopy this time but again on the shorter side, Bavuma defends it off his back foot to the off side.
72.4 : R Herath to Bavuma, Flighted around leg, spinning away a touch towards off, Temba gets back and defends it off his pads to the leg side.
72.5 : R Herath to Bavuma, Tossed up ball on off, defended off the front foot.
72.6 : R Herath to Bavuma, Presses well forward to a full ball and defends it down watchfully.
Drinks break.
Dushmantha Chameera returns for a bowl.
73.1 : D Chameera to Plessis, Bowls it fuller outside off, Faf defends it from his crease.
73.2 : D Chameera to Plessis, Faf turns one through mid-wicket for a single off his crease.
73.3 : D Chameera to Bavuma, No ball! Hurls it on the stumps, Bavuma is a touch early but he does well to push it towards mid on. The umpire signals it a no ball for overstepping.
D Chameera to Bavuma, Another No ball! Chameers oversteps again, Bavuma clips it towards mid-wicket from his crease.
D Chameera to Bavuma, Bowls it around off, Bavuma punches it towards mid on.
73.4 : D Chameera to T Bavuma, EDGED! Fuller outside off, Bavuma looks to defend from his crease but gets an inside edge through fine leg for a single.
73.5 : D Chameera to Plessis, FOUR! Hit away! Shorter length outside off, Faf gets on top of it and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary. He is not going to be troubled by nothing lengths on this wicket. It was asking to be hit and Faf just obliged.
73.6 : D Chameera to Plessis, Bowls it on a length outside off, bounces a touch more but Faf is happy to let it go.
74.1 : R Herath to Bavuma, Floats it on middle, Bavuma comes forward and defends it.
74.2 : R Herath to Bavuma, Landed outside off, Bavuma pushes it towards point off his crease.
74.3 : R Herath to Bavuma, Full on the pads, turned through mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
74.4 : R Herath to Bavuma, Loopy on off, Bavuma is watchful as he comes forward to defend it.
Bavuma is trapped on the pads by Herath, the umpire does not think it is out. Mathews wants it reviewed.
74.5 : R Herath to Bavuma, OUT! Brilliant review, Angelo Mathews! Flatter on the pads, the arm ball, Bavuma fails to clip it through. The ball hits Bavuma on the pads and the players go up in an appeal but the umpire stays put. They contemplate the review and go for it. The replays confirm there was no bat there. Ball Tracker though shows three reds and Bavuma has to depart. That is second wicket for Herath, what a wicket for Sri Lanka. The players themselves cannot believe their luck here. A wic
Quinton de Kock comes out to bat. Sri Lanka will know that he can really damage their chances here.
74.6 : R Herath to Kock, Flatter outside off, comes in, de Kock turns it towards leg slip from his crease.
75.1 : D Chameera to Plessis, WOAH! Bowls it outside off, the ball bounces a lot more on Faf, who is taken aback and has to take his bat out of the way to let it go through.
75.2 : D Chameera to Plessis, Another length ball outside off, this one is left easily.
75.3 : D Chameera to Plessis, Fuller outside off, Faf drives it towards covers but finds the fielder.
75.4 : D Chameera to Plessis, Faf works it through mid-wicket for a single riding the bounce on this one.
75.5 : D Chameera to de Kock, Fuller outside off, de Kock plays it through covers for a couple of runs to get off the mark.
75.6 : D Chameera to Kock, Angled on a length on off, de Kock defends it from his crease.
76.1 : R Herath to Plessis, du Plessis turns it towards mid on from his crease.
76.2 : R Herath to Plessis, Bowls it on middle, played back to the bowler.
76.3 : R Herath to Plessis, Bowls with the round arm action, Faf stays back and keeps it out towards the on side.
76.4 : R Herath to Plessis, Outside off, Faf comes down, takes it on the full but finds the fielder at short extra cover.
76.5 : R Herath to Plessis, Flatter on middle, Faf comes forward and defends it.
76.6 : R Herath to Plessis, Coming on the stumps, Faf comes forward to keep it out.
de Silva comes on for a bowl.
77.1 : de Silva to Kock, Floats it on off, driven towards mid off by de Kock.
77.2 : de Silva to de Kock, Stays back and flays this one towards mid off but finds the fielder. That was a full toss.
77.3 : de Silva to Kock, Bowls it on middle, de Kock stays back and turns it towards the on side.
77.4 : de Silva to Kock, FOUR! The shorter ones comes from the part-timer, de Kock puts it away through the point fence for a boundary.
77.5 : de Silva to Kock, Shorter on off, de Kock punches it towards point.
77.6 : de Silva to Kock, Flatter on the pads, de Kock turns it towards short leg from his crease.
Faf is getting some eye drops put in. Play is held up.
78.1 : R Herath to Plessis, Flatter outside off, Faf hits it hard to short extra cover.
78.2 : R Herath to Plessis, Faf comes forward and defends it from his crease.
78.3 : R Herath to Plessis, This one is driven back to the bowler.
Faf seems to be struggling with his vision.
78.4 : R Herath to Plessis, Shorter outside off, Faf punches it towards covers from his crease.
78.5 : R Herath to Plessis, Landed outside off, Faf drives it to covers from his crease.
78.6 : R Herath to Plessis, Shorter on off, Faf goes back and works it towards the on side.
79.1 : de Silva to Kock, Shorter outside off, de Kock cuts it towards backward point off his crease.
79.2 : de Silva to Kock, Landed on off, de Kock defends it towards covers bringing his bat down just in time.
79.3 : de Silva to Kock, Shorter outside off, de Kock cuts it hard to deep point for a single.
79.4 : de Silva to du Plessis, Fuller on middle, Faf knocks it towards long on for a single.
79.5 : de Silva to Kock, Bowls it on middle, de Kock turns it towards mid on. The bowler goes to his left and stops it.
79.6 : de Silva to Kock, On the stumps, de Kock pushes it towards covers from his crease.
The second new ball has been taken immediately by Sri Lanka.
80.1 : R Herath to Plessis, Bowls it on middle, Faf pushes it back down the wicket.
80.2 : R Herath to Plessis, Faf comes down the wicket and clips it through mid on for a single.
80.3 : R Herath to Kock, Shorter outside off, de Kock plays it back down the wicket.
80.4 : R Herath to Kock, Full outside off, driven to extra cover by de Kock lunging forward.
80.5 : R Herath to Kock, Fuller outside off, de Kock comes down a touch and pushes it towards covers.
80.6 : R Herath to Kock, Landed on off, de Kock lunges across and turns it towards the on side.
Mathews brings back Lakmal for a bowl.
81.1 : S Lakmal to Plessis, Fuller outside off, Faf comes forward and defends it.
81.2 : S Lakmal to Plessis, FOUR! In the gap! Shorter outside off, Faf punches it through covers. The ball races away to the fence.
81.3 : S Lakmal to Plessis, Faf works it through mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
81.4 : S Lakmal to Plessis, This one is wide enough for a leave by Faf.
81.5 : S Lakmal to Plessis, Stays in his crease and defends it back down the wicket.
81.6 : S Lakmal to Plessis, This one is wide outside off, left alone by Faf.
Angelo Mathews brings himself on for a bowl.
82.1 : A Mathews to Kock, de Kock cuts this one through point for a single.
82.2 : A Mathews to Plessis, Bowls it outside off, comes in, Faf is cramped for room and defends it back down the wicket.
82.3 : A Mathews to Plessis, BEATEN! Bowls it outside off on a length, keeps a touch low, Faf is squared up as the ball held its line after coming in with the angle.
82.4 : A Mathews to Plessis, Faf comes forward and pushes it towards covers.
82.5 : A Mathews to du Plessis, EDGED! Outside off, Faf hangs his bat out for it. The ball takes the edge through the gully region for a couple of runs. Mendis and Karunaratne give it a chase and do well to keep them to a couple.
82.6 : A Mathews to Plessis, Angled on a length outside off, punched back to the bowler.
83.1 : S Lakmal to Kock, Back of a length, played back to the bowler.
83.2 : S Lakmal to Kock, FOUR! Hit away! de Kock gets one on the pads, he does not miss out and clips it away through mid-wicket for a boundary.
83.3 : S Lakmal to Kock, Shout for an lbw not given! Bowls it outside off, de Kock looks to defend but gets an inside edge. The players appeal but the umpire had spotted the edge there. Somebody wanted to review but was refused in time.
83.4 : S Lakmal to Kock, FOUR! Crashed! Short and wide outside off, de Kock cuts it hard towards deep point. The fielder tries to stop but ends up pushing it into the ropes. Sums up Sri Lanka's day today.
83.5 : S Lakmal to Kock, de Kock turns it through the on side for a single.
83.6 : S Lakmal to du Plessis, OUT! Faf departs! Lakmal bowls it outside off on a length, Faf has to play at it and gets an outside edge. The ball carries to the first slip fielder. Karunaratne takes a good catch and that is the fourth wicket for Lakmal. Sri Lanka have fought back superbly here.
Vernon Philander is the new man in.
84.1 : A Mathews to Kock, On a length on middle, de Kock turns it through mid-wicket for a single.
84.2 : A Mathews to Philander, Angles it on the stumps, Philander gets across and turns it towards short mid-wicket.
84.3 : A Mathews to Philander, Fuller outside off, Philander gets across and defends it.
84.4 : A Mathews to Philander, Angles it outside off on a fuller length, no shot offered by Philander.
84.5 : A Mathews to Philander, Hurls it on a length on off, Philander is beaten by the extra bounce and he takes his bottom hand off the bat to keep it down and in front of him.
84.6 : A Mathews to Philander, Outside off, Philander looks to leave but hangs his bat out for it. The ball goes off the face of the bat towards the slip cordon.
85.1 : S Lakmal to Kock, Fuller outside off, de Kock looks to drive but mistimes it completely.
85.2 : S Lakmal to Kock, Fuller outside off, de Kock gets across and pushes it towards mid on.
85.3 : S Lakmal to Kock, Slants it across the batsman who is happy to let it go through.
85.4 : S Lakmal to Kock, Full outside off, de Kock pushes it towards covers from his crease.
85.5 : S Lakmal to Kock, Slants it outside off on a length, left alone by de Kock.
85.6 : S Lakmal to Kock, Slants it outside off on a length, no shot offered.
86.1 : A Mathews to Philander, Mathews bowls it in the corridor of uncertainty, Philander is unsure and hence hangs his bat out for it and is beaten all ends up.
86.2 : A Mathews to Philander, And again! Hurls it outside off on a length, Philander looks to play at it from his crease but is beaten.
86.3 : A Mathews to V Philander, FOUR! In the air but safe! Full outside off, Philander is early into his shot but gets it wide of the bowler who cannot catch it in his followthrough. The ball races into the long off fence.
86.4 : A Mathews to Philander, Slants it outside off on a length, Philander is happy to let it go.
86.5 : A Mathews to Philander, Outside off, Philander gets an outside edge to this length ball from Mathews.
86.6 : A Mathews to Philander, Pitched up outside off, Philander comes forward and pushes it to covers.
87.1 : S Lakmal to Kock, Fuller on middle, de Kock clips it towards deep backward square leg for a single.
87.2 : S Lakmal to Philander, Bowls it outside off, swings away, left alone by Philander.
87.3 : S Lakmal to Philander, Full outside off, Philander pushes it towards covers for a single.
Goes round the wicket.
87.4 : S Lakmal to Kock, Outside off, de Kock guides it behind point for a single.
87.5 : S Lakmal to Philander, BEATEN! He's bowled a few of those today! Bowls it outside off on an angle, the ball pitches and goes away a touch, Philander is opened up completely. Lakmal can only smile but Philander will quietly be happy about it, he can bowl many such ones.
87.6 : S Lakmal to Philander, Philander lets this one go through safely.
Nuwan Pradeep to bowl the penultimate over of the day. Most likely that is.
88.1 : N Pradeep to de Kock, Almost a wicket! Bowls it outside off, de Kock shapes to work it through mid-wicket with a shuffle but gets a leading edge towards point for a single.
88.2 : N Pradeep to Philander, Wide outside off, no shot offered by Philander.
88.3 : N Pradeep to Philander, Hurls it outside off but too wide for a shot by Vernon.
88.4 : N Pradeep to Philander, Good length outside off, Philander pushes it towards point for a single.
88.5 : N Pradeep to Kock, de Kock works it towards square leg for a single.
88.6 : N Pradeep to Philander, On a length outside off, nothing from Philander.
89.1 : S Lakmal to Kock, Bowls it full on off, de Kock eases it through mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
89.2 : S Lakmal to Kock, Sprays it wide outside off, de Kock is not interested.
89.3 : S Lakmal to Kock, Slants it outside off, on a length, de Kock is happy to let it pass.
89.4 : S Lakmal to Kock, Full and going across de Kock who is more than happy to let it go through.
89.5 : S Lakmal to Kock, Bowls it short outside off from round the wicket, de Kock cuts it to deep point for a single. He is off the strike with a ball to go.
There is a mid-wicket in place now, along with a deep point.
89.6 : S Lakmal to Philander, Bowls it outside off, swings away but Philanders shoulders his arms to it. That's STUMPS, DAY 1!
End of an absorbing day of Test cricket! Both teams fought well and were up for the challenge. Sri Lanka started in an unconvincing manner but soon got back on track. While South Africa lost the plot after getting a solid opening platform.
The South African top half batsmen scored runs in the 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s but none lasted long to convert it into a big innings. As a result, the day ends with Sri Lanka being the happier side. After the kind of start that the hosts got after electing to bat, it appeared that the Lankans will be in for a tough day but they showed tremendous fighting spirit to bounce back.
Suranga Lakmal was an absolute star. He provided them with the initial breakthrough and also hunted down a couple of wickets in the evening. Rangana Herath also bowled tidily but apart from them the rest were not up to standard. Skipper Angelo Mathews did the holding up job well but that's not what you need on the first day of a Test match.
It's been an even start to this Test match but Sri Lanka would feel that they fared better than expected and would like to take it forward. Quinton de Kock holds the key for the Proteas from here on and his innings can prove to be the differential factor. South Africa would hope that the tail wags with him tomorrow and it takes the first innings total close to 350 at least. Do join us for day 2 action at 1330 IST. Cheers!!
...Day 2, First session...
We're back folks with all the action of the second day of the first Test match between South Africa and Sri Lanka at the St George's Park, Port Elizabeth. Led by an inspirational bowling performance by Suranga Lakmal, Sri Lanka bounced back yesterday and will be motivated to do even better today. South Africa's plan on the other hand would be to try and bat as long as possible and frustrate the Lankans. Promises to be an exciting couple of hours of the morning session. Stay tuned, the action isn
Once again it's clear blue skies and the sun is out in its full glory. The players are now taking the field. Quinton de Kock and Vernon Philander are the overnight batsmen. Nuwan Pradeep to begin proceedings. Two slips in place along with a gully. Here we go...
90.1 : N Pradeep to Kock, Starts with a good length ball on middle, de Kock works it in front of the square leg and takes a single. South Africa are away on day 2!
90.2 : N Pradeep to Philander, Drops it on a length and in the channel outside off, Philander leaves it watchfully.
90.3 : N Pradeep to Philander, FOUR! That's a really good shot! The delivery is not much different from the last one but there is some extra room on offer. Philander immediately goes on the back foot and punches it through cover-point for a boundary.
90.4 : N Pradeep to Philander, That's better. That is where he needs to be. Bowls it full and angling in around off, it straightens a touch after landing, Philander gets behind the line and blocks it to the off side.
90.5 : N Pradeep to Philander, Hurls it closer to the off stump line, on a length and holding its line, Vernon allows it through to the keeper. Which ball to play, which one to leave is an important decision and Philander so far has done it nicely.
90.6 : N Pradeep to Philander, Angles in a full ball on off, Philander has to play at it and he does so from the crease. Keeps it out safely on the off side to end the first over of day 2!
Suranga Lakmal in search of his fifth wicket will be bowling from the other end.
91.1 : S Lakmal to Kock, A gentle loosener in the zone outside off, angling away from the southpaw, de Kock shoulders arms.
91.2 : S Lakmal to Kock, Full in length around off, Quinton gets back and taps it down to gully.
91.3 : S Lakmal to Kock, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Rod Tucker who was the third umpire has been changed as he is ill. In comes, Shaun George in his place.
91.4 : S Lakmal to Kock, Lands it full and outside off, de Kock plays a nicely timed cover drive but straight to the fielder.
91.5 : S Lakmal to Kock, Length ball on off, de Kock lunges to defend but gets it off the inside half of the bat.
91.6 : S Lakmal to Kock, Identical to the last delivery, once again de Kock defends it a shade uncomfortably. Not quite from the middle of the willow.
92.1 : N Pradeep to Philander, Fuller and straighter, Vernon helps it through mid-wicket and by the time the mid on fielder moves across to his right to stop the ball, they take a single.
92.2 : N Pradeep to Kock, On a length and angling across, it lands on off and de Kock goes back to defend it towards the bowler.
92.3 : N Pradeep to Kock, Short and wide outside off, de Kock cuts it through point for a single.
The wind is blowing from right to left from this end. The bowler will have to make necessary adjustment to use it to his advantage.
92.4 : N Pradeep to Philander, Pradeep digs in a short ball and it goes over the head of Philander. One for the over signals the square leg umpire.
92.5 : Pradeep to V Philander, DROPPED! Pradeep hurries up the batsman with a short ball around the rib cage, Philander tries pulling it over square leg but ends up gloving it behind. Chandimal flies to his left but only manages a few fingertips on it. Deflects it down towards fine leg for a couple of runs.
92.6 : N Pradeep to Philander, On a length and outside off, Philander reaches out for it and pushes it to covers.
93.1 : S Lakmal to Kock, Lakmal operates from around the wicket and hurls in a length ball outside off, it straightens a touch after hitting the deck, de Kock feels for it and gets beaten.
93.2 : S Lakmal to Kock, Identical to the last delivery, this time Quinton doesn't commit himself into any shot and allows it through to the keeper.
93.3 : S Lakmal to Kock, Pitches it full and on off, angling in, de Kock strides forward and defends it to the cover region.
93.4 : S Lakmal to Kock, Lands it on a length and just outside off, de Kock gets across the stumps to cover the line and then shoulders arms.
93.5 : S Lakmal to Kock, Fuller in length and outside off, de Kock lunges and softly pushes it with an angled bat to gully.
93.6 : S Lakmal to Kock, Good delivery, drops it on a length outside off and gets it to move back in a long way. De Kock once again shuffles across to cover his stumps and then leaves it. It wasn't very far from the off stump.
94.1 : N Pradeep to V Philander, Slants in a fuller length ball on middle, straightening a bit, Philander plays it off his pads and pushes it to mid on.
94.2 : N Pradeep to Philander, Oohhh...that missed the off stump by a whisker. Pradeep dishes out a good length ball on off and it shapes back in a shade, Philander decides to leave it alone and it goes perilously past the off stump. Heart in mouth stuff!
94.3 : N Pradeep to Philander, Philander has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
94.4 : N Pradeep to Philander, OUT! Philander has been bounced out! It was a ploy by Pradeep which he used in his last over as well but without any success. But this time it has reaped rich dividends. Bangs in a short ball with a fielder in the deep on the leg side. Philander takes the challenge of pulling it across the line but fails to control the extra bounce. It takes the top edge and Chameera in the deep mid-wicket region grabs a diving catch. First success for Sri Lanka this morning.
Keshav Maharaj is the new batsman.
94.5 : N Pradeep to Kock, Fullish and angling into the batsman, de Kock pushes it down from the crease to mid on.
94.6 : N Pradeep to Kock, Angles in a full ball again, around off, de Kock tries to work it on the leg side but ends up pushing it back to the bowler.
95.1 : S Lakmal to Maharaj, Full in length and outside off, going straight on, Maharaj sticks to his crease and then lets it through.
0.0 : A forward short leg comes into place.
95.2 : S Lakmal to Maharaj, Full in length on off, Maharaj gets squared up a bit in defense and keeps it out off the outer half of the bat to covers. Looks for a run but his partner sends him back.
95.3 : S Lakmal to Maharaj, OUT! MAIDEN TEST FIFER FOR LAKMAL! Beautiful bowling and well deserved. Bowls a nice outswinger around off, on a fuller length, Maharaj pushes at it tentatively from the crease and nicks it behind. Chandimal dives to his right to complete a good catch. South Africa are going down quickly.
Kyle Abbott is in next.
95.4 : S Lakmal to Abbott, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
95.5 : S Lakmal to Abbott, On a good length and around off, moving away a shade, Abbott pushes at it from the crease and misses.
95.6 : S Lakmal to Abbott, Excellent delivery again, bowls it full and just outside off, holding its line, once again Kyle pushes inside the line and misses.
96.1 : N Pradeep to de Kock, FOUR! With wickets falling at the other end, de Kock's approach will be quite clear. He receives room outside off and drills it through covers for a boundary. Expect many more of those now from him!
96.2 : N Pradeep to Abbott, OUT! Terrible mix-up and Abbott is run out! Short and wide outside off, de Kock hangs back and slaps it through point for a single. He turns for the second run as well and Abbott responds. But Quinton stutters after seeing the fielder firing in the throw and sends his partner back. Abbott has no chance of getting back in as Chandimal takes the bails off in a jiffy.
Kagiso Rabada is the last batsman.
96.3 : N Pradeep to Rabada, Angles in a full ball on middle, Rabada gets behind the line and pushes it to the on side.
96.4 : N Pradeep to K Rabada, Shortish and angled into the batsman, Rabada fends at it and edges it behind. Luckily for him it doesn't carry to the slip cordon.
96.5 : N Pradeep to Rabada, Good length ball on off, de Kock defends it off his back foot.
96.6 : N Pradeep to Rabada, Bouncer! The batsman ducks under the bouncer at the last moment.
97.1 : S Lakmal to Kock, Full and angling into the batsman, de Kock gets behind the line and defends it back to the bowler.
97.2 : S Lakmal to de Kock, Width on offer outside off, short in length, de Kock punches it from the crease to widish long off and denies the single.
97.3 : S Lakmal to Kock, Once again it's short and wide outside off, Quinton slaps it through backward point. Another run turned down.
97.4 : S Lakmal to Kock, Back of a length ball on off, it's punched through covers for a single this time. Rabada has two balls to survive.
97.5 : S Lakmal to Rabada, Spears in a full ball from around the wicket, it's close to the off stump line and Rabada jams it down safely.
97.6 : S Lakmal to Rabada, Switches to over the wicket and hurls in a good length ball on middle and off, Rabada nicely gets behind the line and defends it to the off side. Safely negotiated.
98.1 : N Pradeep to de Kock, Back of a length ball on off, angling in with extra bounce, de Kock takes his bottom hand off the handle and pushes it through mid-wicket. Denies the single.
98.2 : N Pradeep to Kock, FOUR! Shot! Pradeep lands it full and outside off, de Kock latches onto it with all his might and bludgeons it straight down the ground for a boundary.
98.3 : N Pradeep to Kock, Angles in a touch short of a length ball on off, de Kock moves back to make some space and then guides it towards third man. No run taken.
98.4 : N Pradeep to Kock, A bit short in length again, on off, de Kock once again slaps it through point and denies the single.
98.5 : N Pradeep to Kock, OUT! Timberrr!! Pradeep spears in a terrific inswinging yorker, de Kock tries to dig it out but is beaten for movement and pace. The ball sneaks through before his bat comes down and goes on to destroy the stumps. SOUTH AFRICA ALL OUT FOR 286!
Outstanding bowling show by Sri Lanka! They continued from where they left yesterday and picked the remaining four wickets in 53 balls by conceding just 19 runs. Nuwan Pradeep picked up a couple of wickets while Suranga Lakmal added one to his overnight tally and grabbed his first fifer in Tests.
Sri Lanka will be buoyed with their overall performance so far in this Test. After a 104-run opening stand, the signs were ominous for the Lankans but they showed a lot of character by bouncing back and bundling out the hosts inside the 300-run mark. South Africa will be disappointed with their batsmen as plenty of them got starts but failed to convert.
Now, it's over to Sri Lanka's batting. It's going to be a big challenge for them on this pitch which has some juice for the fast bowlers. The trio of Kyle Abbott, Kagiso Rabada and Vernon Philander will be a real threat and the visitors will have to apply themselves in order to succeed. Stay tuned for their reply.
0.1 : V Philander to Karunaratne, Starts well, right on the money, it's full around off and seaming back in, Karunaratne gets behind the line and defends it back.
0.2 : V Philander to Karunaratne, Sri Lanka are away! On a length and around middle, moving back in again, Karunaratne works it off the inside half of the bat to fine leg for a single. It's called a no ball as well for overstepping.
V Philander to Silva, FOUR! Risky but effective! A full swinging delivery outside off, Silva nicely leans into the cover drive and thumps it through the gap for a boundary. A brave shot to play against a moving ball with three slips waiting for a nick. Philander won't mind that shot at all.
0.3 : V Philander to Silva, Big, big movement, landing on a length around off and curling away sharply, Silva plays inside the line and misses.
0.4 : V Philander to Silva, Fullish and angling in around off, Kaushal gets a bit forward and defends it to the off side.
0.5 : V Philander to Silva, Another nice delivery, full and angling in, it straightens a touch after landing, Silva pushes it with an angled bat to gully.
0.6 : V Philander to Silva, On a good length and outside off, shaping away a bit, Silva covers the line and shoulders arms.
Kyle Abbott to steam in from the other end.
1.1 : K Abbott to Karunaratne, Edgy! Good length ball landing around middle and leg, Karunaratne tries to work it on the leg side but it nips away a shade to take the outside edge. The ball runs through the gap between point and gully for a couple of runs.
1.2 : K Abbott to Karunaratne, Abbott fails to control his line this time. Bowls an inswinger but the line is down the leg side. Karunaratne tries his best to flick but misses.
1.3 : K Abbott to Karunaratne, Pitches it full and outside off, Karunaratne gets on the front foot and drives it towards mid off.
1.4 : K Abbott to Karunaratne, Beauty! Abbott bowls it on a fuller length around middle and off and gets it to swerve away off the seam, Karunaratne sticks back to play inside the line and misses.
1.5 : K Abbott to Karunaratne, Karunaratne is struggling here. Not a great line on this occasion, an outswinger bowled on the leg stump line, Karunaratne tries to flick but gets a leading edge. It rolls to point.
1.6 : K Abbott to Karunaratne, Once again a bit leg sidish, the ball moves back in a bit and hits Karunaratne on the pads as he fails to flick. It rolls behind and de Kock stops it quickly. Testing over!
2.1 : V Philander to Silva, Philander throws it up very full and outside off, Silva drives it back past the bowler to mid off.
2.2 : V Philander to Silva, Play and a miss! Philander lands it on a fuller length outside off, Silva gets forward to defend but it moves away to beat the outside edge.
2.3 : V Philander to Silva, Much better this time by Silva. He watches the line closely and then judges the away movement. Lets it through after doing the basics right.
2.4 : V Philander to Silva, Excellent delivery, Silva has no answer to it. Length ball angling into the batsman and moving away a bit, Silva tries playing the line but gets beaten by the movement. It goes off his thigh pad to the slip cordon.
2.5 : V Philander to Silva, Big movement on this occasion but it's too wide outside off to trouble the batsman.
2.6 : V Philander to Silva, Brings his variations into play. Philander hurls in an inswinger, lands it outside off, Silva leaves it alone for the keeper. Not sure if he picked it. Good take by de Kock. End of another probing over!
3.1 : K Abbott to Karunaratne, Length ball outside off, Dimuth gets back and punches it through covers for a couple of runs.
3.2 : K Abbott to Karunaratne, OUT! Drags it on! Abbott serves a fuller length ball outside off, shaping back in after hitting the deck, Karunaratne gets on the front foot and tries to play a drive away from his body. All he manages is a massive inside edge which takes the ball onto the stumps. Kyle draws first ball. On this pitch where the ball is moving a lot, this attempted shot should have been avoided.
Kusal Perera is the number 3 batsman.
3.3 : K Abbott to Perera, On a length around middle and leg, Perera works it through square leg and gets off the mark with a couple of runs.
3.4 : K Abbott to Perera, Full in length and on off, Perera defends it to the off side.
3.5 : K Abbott to Perera, Beaten! Sharp delivery, angling a length ball away from the southpaw, Perera stays back and attempts to punch it through the line but is beaten.
3.6 : K Abbott to Perera, Good length ball on middle, Perera quietly drops it with soft hands to mid-wicket and pinches a single.
4.1 : V Philander to Perera, Too full in length on off, shaping back in a bit, Perera tries playing it through the line but gets an inside edge. It goes to square leg.
4.2 : V Philander to Perera, Nearly drags it on. Philander serves an inswinger around off on a fuller length, Perera goes hard at it and gets an inside edge onto the pads.
4.3 : V Philander to Perera, Very full in length on middle and leg, Perera whips it through backward square leg and gets off strike.
4.4 : V Philander to Silva, Fullish and on off, Silva strides forward to defend but gets an inside edge. It squirts through square leg and they take a brace.
4.5 : V Philander to Silva, Full in length and outside off, shaping away, Silva allows it through to the keeper.
4.6 : V Philander to Silva, Angles in a full ball on middle, Kaushal pushes it back to the bowler. End of a testing over!
5.1 : K Abbott to Perera, Play and a miss! Abbott tempts the batsman by offering room outside off, Perera flashes and misses. Abbott smiles and gives a stare to Kusal!
5.2 : K Abbott to Perera, Goes full with his length and bowls it on the middle stump line, Perera covers the line and defends it to mid off.
5.3 : K Abbott to Perera, In the air... safe! Fullish and on middle, shaping back in after landing, Perera tries to flick but closes the face of the bat early. It pops out off the leading edge and goes safely to covers. They collect two runs and Silva had to dive to make it in.
5.4 : K Abbott to Perera, Edgy again! Lands it on a full length on off, Perera attempts to punch it through covers but gets an inside edge to fine leg. A single taken.
5.5 : K Abbott to Silva, Full and angling in, shaping away after landing, Silva gets forward to defend and does so with the outer half of the bat. Rolls straight to second slip.
5.6 : K Abbott to Silva, Inswinger this time, outside off, Silva inside edges his forward defensive shot. Sri Lanka put to stern test here!
6.1 : V Philander to Perera, Back of a length delivery wide outside off, Perera throws his bat at it and misses. Hit out or get out seems to be the strategy from Perera!
6.2 : V Philander to Perera, OUT! Caught behind! That was always on the cards. Philander offers width outside off, Perera flashes his blade through the line and gets a fat outside edge to de Kock. He makes no mistake and Sri Lanka are two down. Very sloppy cricket. Strange tactics on a wicket assisting movement. In Perera's defense I can only say - that's how he knows to bat!
Kusal Mendis is in next.
6.3 : V Philander to Mendis, Arrows in a fuller length ball on off, Mendis gets on the front foot and defends it to the off side.
6.4 : V Philander to Mendis, On a length around off, straightening a bit, Mendis gets back and pushes it with an angled bat to backward point. Bavuma makes a half stop with a dive to his left and parries it to gully.
6.5 : V Philander to Mendis, Wrong line on this occasion, gets overambitious it appears and slips a full ball down the leg side. Mendis attempts to flick but misses.
6.6 : V Philander to Mendis, Good length ball in the corridor of uncertainty, away movement visible there, Mendis shoulders arms.
7.1 : K Abbott to Silva, A leg stump half volley, Silva moves across the stumps and nudges it to fine leg for a single.
7.2 : K Abbott to Mendis, Drops it on a length and outside off, moving away, Mendis allows it through to the keeper.
7.3 : K Abbott to Mendis, Beauty of a delivery! Unplayable. Abbott angles in a length ball on off and it swerves away after kissing the deck, Mendis is squared up in defense and gets beaten. Lucky not to have edged it!
7.4 : K Abbott to Mendis, Inswinger on this occasion, full and on middle, Mendis fails to flick and it goes off his pads to fine leg. A couple of leg byes taken.
7.5 : K Abbott to Mendis, Inviting delivery, full and outside off, there to be driven, Mendis shoulders arms as it moves away and goes to the keeper.
7.6 : K Abbott to Mendis, OUT! Fine catch by Quinton de Kock! Abbott angles in a length ball on off and gets it to curve away off the seam, Mendis with minimum footwork goes for the drive and edges it behind. De Kock dives to his right to take a brilliant catch. Three down, Sri Lanka and in a spot of bother.
Skipper Angelo Mathews arrives.
8.1 : V Philander to Silva, Full and angling in, Silva gets on the front foot and defends it to the off side.
8.2 : V Philander to Silva, Angles in a full ball again, on off, Silva defends it from the crease to the off side again.
8.3 : V Philander to Silva, Full and swinging in, around middle, Silva presses forward in defense.
8.4 : V Philander to Silva, Identical to the last delivery, Silva brings his bat down in front of his pads and defends it out safely.
8.5 : V Philander to Silva, Outswinger way wide outside off, Silva has an easy leave.
8.6 : V Philander to Silva, Length delivery outside off, shaping away, Silva shoulders arms.
9.1 : K Abbott to Mathews, Spears in a fuller length ball on middle, Mathews gets across the stumps and flicks it to mid-wicket. The fielder slides to stop the ball and keeps the batsmen at their respective ends.
9.2 : K Abbott to Mathews, On a good length and around off, Mathews makes a watchful leave.
9.3 : K Abbott to Mathews, Brilliant delivery, Abbott serves a full ball outside off and gets it to nip back in, Mathews covers the line before shouldering his arms.
9.4 : K Abbott to Mathews, Hurls in an outswinger this time but it's too wide outside off to trouble the batsman. An easy leave for Angelo!
9.5 : K Abbott to Mathews, Good leave. Full in length and just outside off, holding its line, Mathews covers the line and then allows it through to the keeper.
9.6 : K Abbott to Mathews, Targets the off stump with a length ball, Mathews stays back and gently plays it down towards square leg for one.
Kagiso Rabada replaces Philander in the attack.
10.1 : K Rabada to Mathews, Beautiful delivery first up, full and just outside off, nipping away, Mathews plays inside the line and gets beaten.
10.2 : K Rabada to Mathews, Good length delivery wide outside off, visible away movement again, Mathews shoulders arms.
Appeal for a catch! It's not given and Faf du Plessis takes the referral.
10.3 : Rabada to Mathews, NOT OUT! Nothing in the replays. Rabada dishes out an inswinger this time, around off, Mathews tries defending from the crease but misses. However, there is some sound and Rabada inquires about it politely. He seems convinced though and as a result Faf du Plessis opts for the review. The replays detect nothing.
10.4 : K Rabada to Mathews, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
10.5 : K Rabada to Mathews, Good length ball outside off, Mathews pokes inside the line but it moves away to beat the outside edge.
10.6 : K Rabada to A Mathews, EDGY FOUR! Rabada serves yet another outswinger around off, Mathews is caught inside the crease as he attempts to play at it. Ends up edging it and luckily for him it goes through the gap between slips and gully for a boundary. Eventful first over by Kagiso!
11.1 : K Abbott to Silva, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
11.2 : K Abbott to Silva, In the right channel, Silva lets the ball go outside his off stump.
11.3 : K Abbott to Silva, Full ball just outside off, Silva prods forward to cover the line and then leaves it alone.
11.4 : K Abbott to Silva, Hurls in an outswinger outside off, Silva has another leave.
11.5 : K Abbott to K Silva, Slants in a fuller length ball on off, Silva brings his bat down in defense and gets it away off the inside half of the bat. It rolls to square leg and they cross for a single.
11.6 : K Abbott to Mathews, Full in length and on off, holding its line, Mathews leaves it and de Kock collects it awkwardly. Seems to have hurt his fingers.
12.1 : K Rabada to Silva, Lands it on a fuller length outside off, good probing line, Silva tries to defend off his front foot but misses.
12.2 : K Rabada to Silva, Fullish and angling into the batsman, Silva plays it with a loose bottom hand and pushes it towards gully. Bavuma dives full length to his left to stop the ball. Brilliant!
12.3 : K Rabada to Silva, Five wides! Rabada loses his radar completely, digs in a bouncer down the leg side. The batsman ducks and the keeper has no chance of stopping it. Bonus runs.
K Rabada to Silva, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
12.4 : K Rabada to Silva, Good length ball angling down the leg side, Silva tries flicking it down the leg side but misses.
12.5 : K Rabada to Silva, Bouncer down the leg side, Silva ducks underneath it.
12.6 : K Rabada to K Silva, FOUR! A boundary to end the morning session. Very full in length by Rabada, outside off, Silva leans into the drive and squeezes it out through cover-point for a boundary. Lunch on day 2!
56/7 in the morning session and it was an action packed one! Sri Lanka wasted no time in picking South Africa's remaining four wickets but in response their top order was blown away. Vernon Philander and Kyle Abbott utilized the conditions to their advantage and put the Lankan batsmen to a stern test.
It's a challenging wicket and Sri Lanka have their task cut out after the break. They will be hoping for an inspirational batting from their skipper to bail them out. Another exciting session awaits us. Do join us in a short while.
...Day 2, Session 2...
Welcome back, folks. The players are back on the field and the action is about to begin. Vernon Philander to begin proceedings...
13.1 : V Philander to Mathews, Starts with a length ball on off, Mathews gets a bit squared up in defense and keeps it out off the outer half of the bat to point.
13.2 : V Philander to Mathews, Ouch! That's a nasty blow! A slightly short of a length ball around off, nipping back sharply, Mathews tries forcing it through the off side but fails. It goes on to hit him on the right elbow. Mathews throws his bat immediately in pain and clutches his elbow. You usually don't wear arm-guards on both hands.
Physio speeds out and using the magic spray.
13.3 : V Philander to Mathews, Full in length and on off, shaping away, Mathews allows it through to the keeper.
13.4 : V Philander to Mathews, Good length ball on off, Mathews gets back and pushes it with an angled bat past the gully fielder. A single taken.
13.5 : V Philander to Silva, Good ball. A lovely outswinger angling into the right-hander, Silva plays for the line and gets beaten by the away movement.
13.6 : V Philander to Silva, Lovely delivery once again. Philander bowls yet another outswinger around off, Silva has a watchful leave this time.
Kagiso Rabada to continue from the other end.
14.1 : K Rabada to Mathews, Short ball on off, Mathews gets across the stumps and fends it off behind square leg for a single. Wasn't in a good position to play that shot!
14.2 : K Rabada to Silva, Slips a length ball down the leg side, Silva allows it through.
14.3 : K Rabada to Silva, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
14.4 : K Rabada to Silva, Bowls it full and in the channel outside off, Silva has a comfortable leave on this occasion.
14.5 : K Rabada to Silva, Full in length and on off, Silva gets on the front foot and pushes it to mid off.
14.6 : K Rabada to Silva, Bouncer on leg, Silva sits underneath it with ease.
15.1 : V Philander to Mathews, Length ball around off, Mathews keeps it out off the inner half of the bat and it speeds down to long leg. A single taken.
15.2 : V Philander to Silva, Wide outside off, Silva allows it through to the keeper.
15.3 : V Philander to K Silva, Beautifully bowled, an outswinger landing on middle, Silva is opened up a shade in his stance but does well to play it with soft hands. Keeps it out towards the slip cordon.
15.4 : V Philander to Silva, No ball called overstepping. Fullish and on off, Silva presses forward in defense.
V Philander to Silva, FOUR! Nicely controlled shot! A fullish ball outside off, swinging away, Silva walks forward and leans into the drive. He connects superbly and sends it screaming through cover-point for a boundary.
15.5 : V Philander to Silva, Good length ball on off, shaping away, easily left by Kaushal.
15.6 : V Philander to Silva, Bowls it closer to the off stump and takes it away with the seam movement, Silva strides forward to cover the line and shoulders arms.
16.1 : K Rabada to Mathews, FOUR! Nice shot! Rabada bowls it on a fuller length around off, Mathews prefers staying back inside the crease and just pushes it through the middle of the bat. It runs away for a boundary at covers.
16.2 : K Rabada to Mathews, Bouncer! The batsman ducks in time to let that one go over him.
16.3 : K Rabada to Mathews, A shade short in length and around off, Mathews gets back inside the crease and turns it to square leg.
16.4 : K Rabada to Mathews, Full and angling in on middle, Mathews gently pushes it to square leg and looks for a run. Is sent back.
16.5 : K Rabada to Mathews, Fine shot. Picks a full ball off his pads and flicks it with good timing through mid-wicket. Maharaj gives the chase and slides near the fence to pull it back. A run is saved.
16.6 : K Rabada to Silva, Bouncer on off, Kaushal ducks under it.
Appeal for an lbw. Not given. South Africa take the referral.
17.1 : V Philander to Mathews, Not out! Philander hurls in an inswinger, lands it full around off, Mathews draws forward to defend but misses and is hit on the back pad. They appeal but the umpire shakes his head. The bowler has a chat with his skipper and keeper. Faf du Plessis is convinced to take the referral but the replays show that the impact was outside off. South Africa have wasted both their reviews.
17.2 : V Philander to Mathews, EDGY FOUR! Philander serves it full and on off, shaping away, Mathews gets forward to drive it through the line but ends up edging it through the gap between gully and slips for a boundary.
17.3 : V Philander to Mathews, Fullish on off, angling in, Mathews pushes it from the crease to covers.
17.4 : V Philander to Mathews, On a length and close to the off stump line, it straightens a touch, Mathews covers the line before shouldering arms.
17.5 : V Philander to Mathews, Good length delivery in the zone outside off, Mathews shoulders arms once again.
17.6 : V Philander to Mathews, Back of a length ball on middle and leg, it's glanced off the hips through square leg for a couple of runs.
18.1 : K Rabada to Silva, Full and on off, moving away, Silva feels for it and gets beaten.
18.2 : K Rabada to Silva, Hurls in an outswinger just outside off, Silva guards his stumps before shouldering his arms.
18.3 : K Rabada to Silva, Good length delivery in the channel outside off, it's left without played by Kaushal.
18.4 : K Rabada to Silva, Offers width outside off, Silva is not tempted by the prospect of cracking it square of the wicket on the off side.
18.5 : K Rabada to Silva, Beaten! Better line this time by Kagiso, lands it on a fuller length outside off, shaping away a bit, Silva pushes inside the line and misses.
18.6 : K Rabada to Silva, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
19.1 : V Philander to Mathews, Chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
19.2 : V Philander to Mathews, Another delivery outside off has been left alone by Angelo.
19.3 : V Philander to Mathews, Lands it full and just outside off, seaming away sharply, Mathews watches the line closely and judges the movement nicely before leaving it.
19.4 : V Philander to Mathews, Darts in an inswinger this time, extra bounce as well, Mathews is surprised by it but does well to defend it safely on the off side.
19.5 : V Philander to Mathews, Turns it off his pads to backward square leg for a single.
19.6 : V Philander to K Silva, Edged but safe! Fuller in length on off, Silva commits himself on the front foot as he lunges to defend and does well to do so with soft bottom hand. The outside edge generated doesn't carry to the slip cordon as a result.
Kyle Abbott (2/13) is back into the attack.
20.1 : K Abbott to Mathews, Bowls it on a driving length outside off, Mathews allows it through to the keeper.
20.2 : K Abbott to Mathews, Fullish and shaping back into the batsman, Mathews draws forward in defense.
20.3 : K Abbott to Mathews, Serves it fuller and on off, Mathews gets forward to defend but it takes the inside edge and runs down to fine leg for a single.
20.4 : K Abbott to Silva, Full again, on off, Kaushal lunges and defends it to the off side.
20.5 : K Abbott to Silva, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
20.6 : K Abbott to Silva, Full in length outside off, Silva drives it square of the wicket on the off side but straight to gully.
21.1 : V Philander to Mathews, Rash shot! Full length delivery in the zone outside off, nipping away, Mathews is lured into the drive and gets beaten. He is cross with himself for attempting that shot.
21.2 : V Philander to Mathews, Good length ball on off, straightening a bit, Mathews goes on the back foot and defends it to the off side.
21.3 : V Philander to Mathews, Look at that swing! Angling in and curling away viciously, around off, Angelo allows it through to the keeper.
21.4 : V Philander to Mathews, Straighter in line on this occasion, Mathews deflects it off his pads to fine leg for a run.
Appeal for an lbw. Up goes the finger. Kaushal Silva takes the referral.
21.5 : V Philander to Silva, OUT! Trapped in front! Philander hurls in a fuller length ball on off and gets it to curve back into the batsman, Silva draws forward to defend but misses and is hit on the pads. The bowler straightaway starts to run and celebrate before turning back to see the umpire. The finger is up. Silva opts for the review but to no use. The replays show that it's hitting middle. Sri Lanka trail by 225 runs!
Dinesh Chandimal is the new batsman.
21.6 : V Philander to Chandimal, Angles in a length ball on off, Chandimal defends it near his front pad.
22.1 : K Abbott to A Mathews, FOUR! Shot! Fuller in length and outside off, Mathews reaches out for it and drives it with good timing through covers. Cook gives it the chase and dives near the fence to pull it back but all in vain.
22.2 : K Abbott to Mathews, Excellent delivery, full and on middle, shaping away a shade, Mathews tries to flick but closes the face of the bat early. It goes off the leading edge to gully.
22.3 : K Abbott to Mathews, An outswinger outside off, Angelo allows it through to the keeper.
22.4 : K Abbott to Mathews, A little too straight on this occasion, Mathews quietly works it wide of mid on and crosses for a single.
22.5 : K Abbott to Chandimal, Pitches it fuller and on off, Chandimal gets on the front foot and pushes it back to the bowler. Abbott picks it up in his followthrough and tosses it back past the striker to the keeper.
22.6 : K Abbott to Chandimal, Back of a length delivery on off, Chandimal sticks back and punches it to point.
23.1 : V Philander to Mathews, On a length and around off, Mathews stays back and defends it to the off side.
23.2 : V Philander to Mathews, Play and a miss! Philander slants in a full ball on off, Mathews tries pushing at it from the crease but it moves away to beat the outside edge. Angelo has a wry smile on his face.
23.3 : V Philander to Mathews, Good length ball on off, Mathews goes back and taps it down to point.
23.4 : V Philander to Mathews, Beaten comprehensively! This is outstanding bowling by Vernon. He angles in a full ball on off and opens up Mathews in his stance. The Lankan skipper tries defending but it swerves away to beat the outside edge.
23.5 : V Philander to Mathews, On a length around off, Mathews defends it from within the crease.
23.6 : V Philander to Mathews, Shortish and wide outside off, Mathews reaches out for it and pushes it to point.
24.1 : K Abbott to Chandimal, Probing line from Abbott as well. He puts it down on a fuller length just outside off, Chandimal has to play at it, he tries defending but the ball moves away to beat his bat.
24.2 : K Abbott to Chandimal, Wide outside off, an easy leave on this occasion.
24.3 : K Abbott to Chandimal, FOUR! Good shot to get off the mark! Abbott darts in a fullish ball on off, Chandimal presents the full face of the bat as he gets forward and caresses it down the ground for a boundary.
24.4 : K Abbott to Chandimal, Length ball on middle, defended to the leg side.
24.5 : K Abbott to Chandimal, Howzzat? A very full speared into the batsman, Chandimal digs it out off the inside edge and it goes through his legs to fine leg. They appeal as the batsmen cross. Nothing from the umpire. Hang on, the replays show that it brushed the front pad before taking the inner part of the bat. In that case, the impact is within line and it was hitting the stumps. But South Africa have no reviews left and hence Chandimal gets a life.
24.6 : K Abbott to A Mathews, Too full in length on the pads, deflected down to fine leg for one.
Drinks break.
Kagiso Rabada is back on.
25.1 : K Rabada to Mathews, Back of a length ball on off, Mathews defends it off his back foot.
25.2 : K Rabada to A Mathews, Fuller and outside off, it's driven square of the wicket on the off side and Bavuma gives the chase. Stops the ball in the deep and they take a couple.
25.3 : K Rabada to Mathews, FOUR! Shortish ball on off, Mathews is quick to pick the length, goes on the back foot and slaps it through covers for a cracking boundary.
25.4 : K Rabada to Mathews, Straighter in line on this occasion, Mathews works it towards mid-wicket and rotates the strike.
25.5 : K Rabada to Chandimal, Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
25.6 : K Rabada to Chandimal, FOUR! Risky shot! Rabada bowls it full and wide outside off, Chandimal leans forward and unfurls a full-blooded square drive. It's uppish but flies just wide of diving Bavuma at backward point.
26.1 : K Abbott to Mathews, Full length ball angling down the leg side, Mathews tries to flick but misses. De Kock dives full length to his left to stop the ball. Good take!
26.2 : K Abbott to Mathews, Fullish and moving in from around off, Mathews tries defending but it takes an inside edge and races behind square leg for a run.
26.3 : K Abbott to Chandimal, Sharp delivery, full and angling into the batsman, Chandimal tries to flick but misses and is hit on the pads. A stifled appeal but nothing from the umpire. Missing leg.
26.4 : K Abbott to Chandimal, Fuller and on off, Chandimal gets behind the line and defends it back to the bowler.
26.5 : K Abbott to D Chandimal, A good looking drive off the front foot to a full ball it has gone straight to the cover fielder.
26.6 : K Abbott to Chandimal, Good length ball outside off, holding its line, DC pushes at it and misses.
27.1 : K Rabada to Mathews, Played to the point region by the batsman.
27.2 : K Rabada to Mathews, Good length ball on off, Mathews pushes it off the outer half of the bat to point.
27.3 : K Rabada to Mathews, Angles in a length ball on off, Angelo jumps on the back foot and plays it down to square leg.
27.4 : K Rabada to A Mathews, Fullish and on off, it's driven down the ground and the mid off fielder does well to make a tumbling stop.
27.5 : K Rabada to Mathews, Rabada loses his line completely and sprays it way down the leg side. Angelo allows it through and once again agility of de Kock is put to test.
27.6 : K Rabada to Mathews, Bouncer! The batsman does well to evade it.
28.1 : K Abbott to Chandimal, Spears in a full ball on middle, Chandimal pushes it towards mid on.
28.2 : K Abbott to Chandimal, Fullish and on off, DC draws forward and pushes it to mid off.
28.3 : K Abbott to Chandimal, Good length ball on off, holding its line, Chandimal shoulders arms.
28.4 : K Abbott to Chandimal, On a length and around off, Chandimal taps it down to covers and calls his skipper quickly for a single.
28.5 : K Abbott to Mathews, Angles in a full ball on off, Angelo gets across the stumps and defends it down safely.
28.6 : K Abbott to Mathews, A leg stump yorker, Mathews brings his bat down just in time and pushes it towards fine leg for a single.
29.1 : K Rabada to Mathews, Sharp delivery, angles in a full length ball on off, Mathews helps it in the gap at mid-wicket and picks up a single.
0.0 : Angelo Mathews appears to be struggling with his right elbow. The physio has been called yet again. Some more magic spray is being applied on the region as the Sri Lankan skipper gulps down a few painkillers.
29.2 : K Rabada to Chandimal, Full and angling in around off, Chandimal gets behind the line and defends it back to the bowler.
29.3 : K Rabada to Chandimal, Full again, on middle and leg, Chandimal plays it off his pads to the leg side.
29.4 : K Rabada to Chandimal, Back of a length ball on off, Chandimal goes on his toes and defends it to the off side.
29.5 : K Rabada to Chandimal, Fullish and on off, Dinesh pushes it from the crease to covers.
29.6 : K Rabada to Chandimal, Good length ball on middle, DC turns it in the gap at mid-wicket for one.
Spin for the first time. Keshav Maharaj to have a bowl. A slip and short leg in place...
30.1 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, FOUR! A tossed up ball around leg, a full toss, Chandimal clears his front leg and whips it through mid-wicket. Rabada moves across to his left from deep square leg but fails to pick up the ball near the fence. As a result, it touches the fence. A couple of gifts first up for Dinesh!
30.2 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
30.3 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. No run.
30.4 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, Flatter and on middle, turned through mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
30.5 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, Loopy ball on middle, Chandimal gets on the front foot and pushes it to extra cover.
30.6 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, Fullish on off, driven off the front foot to mid off.
31.1 : K Rabada to A Mathews, OUT! Edged and gone! Rabada strikes! A loose shot from the Sri Lankan skipper and he is disappointed on his walk back to the pavilion. A full ball in the zone wide outside off, a needless poke inside the line by Mathews and he edges it behind to third slip. Elgar takes a nice low catch to end Mathews' stay of 115 minutes. Sri Lanka trail by 192 runs!
0.0 : Dhananjaya de Silva walks in next.
31.2 : K Rabada to Silva, Fullish delivery wide outside off, de Silva chases it looking to drive first up and gets beaten.
31.3 : K Rabada to Silva, Good length ball on middle and leg, sliding down, de Silva tries flicking but misses.
31.4 : K Rabada to Silva, Darts in a full ball in the line of the stumps, Dhananjaya gets behind the line and blocks it back safely.
31.5 : K Rabada to Silva, Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
31.6 : K Rabada to Silva, Bouncer around off, well-directed, de Silva ducks underneath it.
32.1 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, Flighted full ball on middle, it's pushed down off the front foot to mid on.
32.2 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, Gets on the front foot to a full ball and drives it to extra cover.
We have a stumping appeal here! Not a convincing appeal from de Kock though. Referred upstairs...
32.3 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, NOT OUT! Tossed up ball on off, spinning away a shade, Chandimal gets forward with a big stretch to defend but is beaten by the away spin. De Kock collects the ball, appeals for a catch first and then takes the bails off before appealing again for a stumping. The square leg umpire signals upstairs but the replays find that Chandimal is safely in.
32.4 : K Maharaj to D Chandimal, Floated one on off, giving some air, Chandimal hits it through the line but finds the cover fielder.
32.5 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, Slower through the air, full and on off, DC is on the front foot in defense.
32.6 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, Flighted and on middle, Chandimal defends it off his front foot to the off side.
33.1 : K Rabada to Silva, On a length around middle, tucked towards fine leg for a single.
33.2 : Rabada to D Chandimal, EDGED, DROPPED! Tough luck for Rabada. He has not been bowling that well today but has managed to get Mathews. Could have had Chandimal as well. Full and outside off, Chandimal pokes at it and the away movement generates an outside edge. de Kock flies to his right, goes at it with one glove, but is unable to hold on. Mind you, he does not drop many.
This is interesting. Honest from Kyle Abbott. He has done a fielding effort but wants the umpire to check whether it was clean. Referred upstairs...
33.3 : K Rabada to Chandimal, FOUR! Honesty to the core from Abbott. Fullish on middle, Chandimal flicks it through square leg. Kyle Abbott covers good ground to his left from fine leg, gets to the ball with a slide, stops it and returns the same. But while getting up, his foot perhaps touches the ropes. He communicates the same to the umpire who checks and replays confirm the same. A boundary then.
33.4 : K Rabada to Chandimal, No run.
33.5 : K Rabada to Chandimal, No run.
33.6 : K Rabada to Chandimal, No run.
34.1 : K Maharaj to Silva, No run.
34.2 : K Maharaj to Silva, On the pads, flicked straight to short leg.
34.3 : K Maharaj to Silva, This is around off, de Silva comes forward and blocks.
34.4 : K Maharaj to Silva, Full and straight, another forward defense.
34.5 : K Maharaj to Silva, FOUR! Short and outside off, de Silva is quick to pounce on it. Goes back and punches it through the covers for a boundary to raise the SRI LANKAN 100. Given the accuracy with which the Proteas are bowling, it is important for Sri Lanka to put away the bad balls.
34.6 : K Maharaj to Silva, No run.
VERNON PHILANDER comes back on with 10 minutes to go to Tea.
35.1 : V Philander to Chandimal, No run.
35.2 : V Philander to Chandimal, Very full and straight, Chandimal manages to get his bat down in time to block.
35.3 : V Philander to Chandimal, Consistency from Philander, keeps it just around off or outside, Dinesh defends again.
35.4 : V Philander to Chandimal, Goes a touch wider than the previous one, DC lunges forward and then shoulders arms.
35.5 : V Philander to D Chandimal, Similar ball to the previous one, this time Chandimal decides to play at it. Comes forward and drives it to short cover.
35.6 : V Philander to Chandimal, Oohhh.... this one nips back in a long way, Dinesh falls over in his attempt to flick and is hit on the pads. Philander appeals but the umpire shakes his head. No reviews left. Maybe going down leg.
36.1 : K Maharaj to de Silva, The batsman has edged that one. They pick up a single.
36.2 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
36.3 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, Full and around middle and off, watchfully defended.
36.4 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, A little bit of loop on this one, Chandimal pushes it towards long off but Maharaj gets across to his left to stop the ball.
36.5 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, Full and outside off, pushed towards extra cover.
Change of field. Short leg goes across to silly point.
36.6 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, Full and straight, pushed back to the bowler.
37.1 : V Philander to Silva, Full and just around off, defended with a dead bat.
0.0 : Short mid-wicket has moved to second slip for Philander.
37.2 : V Philander to Silva, Action replay of the previous delivery. It is almost like a tape is being shown again and again.
37.3 : V Philander to Silva, Full and outside off, swinging away, de Silva drives it towards mid off. The ball has gone softer, so perhaps the timing was not that great.
37.4 : V Philander to Silva, On off and outside, Dhananjaya gets across a touch and defends it towards mid-wicket.
37.5 : V Philander to Silva, Play and a miss. On a good length outside off, DdS goes after it half-heartedly, a lazy poke, and misses the ball by a good margin.
37.6 : V Philander to Silva, Another play and a miss to end the session. Full and outside off, de Silva flashes a drive but misses. TEA ON DAY 2, SRI LANKA TRAIL BY 182!
SESSION 5 - 67/2 in 25 overs. An attritional session. South Africa have not given much away while Sri Lanka have been firm as well. The ball has gone softer and as a result, the swing and movement have lessened considerably.
Sri Lanka started the session well, with Mathews and Kaushal Silva seeing off the fast bowlers. However, both could not convert their starts and departed without scoring much. As Ian Chappell of Australia and Geoffrey Boycott of England always say on commentary - It is always nice to tire the bowlers but you need to score runs as well. Because if you don't then even if you play for two hours but lose two wickets after those couple of hours, you would not have gained much. That is exactly what ha
Chandimal and Dhananjaya de Silva seem to be positive in approach but both are flashy as well. The former got a chance on 17 when de Kock could not take a diving catch off Rabada. The wicket-keeper batsman will look to make the Proteas pay.
All the bowlers have been decent for South Africa, with the exception of Rabada. They have used only 4 bowlers so far but should the wickets not fall soon, the Proteas would be forced to use the services of Duminy or Elgar which should be a moral victory for the visitors. 41 overs are left in the day, which is a long time to play. The hosts will be looking to break this stand and then run through the lower order. Join us back at 1830 IST (1300 GMT) for the final session.
... DAY 2, SESSION 3 ...
Welcome back for the final session. the players would have been rejuvenated a bit and it is necessary, as this could end being a 150-minute session. 41 overs to be bowled. KYLE ABBOTT to begin proceedings to Chandimal.
38.1 : K Abbott to Chandimal, On a good length just around off, angling in, defended solidly.
38.2 : K Abbott to Chandimal, Outside off, nicely punched through the covers for a couple.
38.3 : K Abbott to Chandimal, Landed outside off, left alone.
38.4 : K Abbott to Chandimal, Angles this prodigiously into the right-hander, but the length is a bit too short to make the batsman uncomfortable. Chandimal works it behind square leg for a single. The South Africans might be looking to exploit reverse swing, if available. They did that recently in Perth against Australia and reaped rich rewards. The deficit is now 179.
38.5 : K Abbott to de Silva, That is a nice-looking shot. Full and outside off, de Silva comes forward and strokes it wide of mid off. Stephen Cook gives it a good chase from mid off, gets to the ball and slides to haul it back in. Three runs taken.
38.6 : K Abbott to Chandimal, FOUR! Nicely done. Full and outside off, Chandimal comes forward, opens the face of the bat and gently runs it down through the vacant gully region to third man. 10 runs from the over and the stand is worth 20 now.
VERNON PHILANDER gets a change of ends after Tea.
39.1 : V Philander to Silva, No run.
39.2 : V Philander to Silva, This one moves away from the batsman and de Silva pushes it through the covers. There is some urgency in running and the batsmen return for the second. A better throw to the bowler could have had Chandimal in trouble. De Silva moves to 11.
39.3 : V Philander to Silva, Landed outside off, allowed to go through.
39.4 : V Philander to Silva, FOUR! Uppish, but safe. Full on middle and leg, de Silva just flicks it without moving his feet. Good use of his wrists but no movement of his feet. The ball just goes over short mid-wicket and meets the fence. The deficit is now 166.
39.5 : V Philander to Silva, Ahhh... Philander lands it in the corridor of uncertainty, gets Dhananjaya prodding at it but generates enough movement to beat the outside edge.
39.6 : V Philander to Silva, On a good length outside off, DdS gets across and defends it watchfully.
The fourth umpire was out during the change in overs. He replaced one of the stumps.
40.1 : K Abbott to Chandimal, No run.
40.2 : K Abbott to Chandimal, Play and a miss. Full and wide outside off, could have been left alone, but Chandimal lunges to push and misses. Abbott is setting Chandimal up for the balls coming in.
40.3 : K Abbott to Chandimal, Full and outside off, again Dinesh looks to put bat to it and pushes it to mid off.
40.4 : K Abbott to Chandimal, Outside off, left alone.
40.5 : Abbott to Chandimal, Huge LBW appeal. Turned down. Abbott is frustrated. He believes he had his man. Is it? Let us see in the replays. On a good length outside off, coming in a long way, beating Chandimal on the forward defense and hitting him on the pads. That looked to be going down leg. Abbott kept on appealing and even extended it. Aleem Dar was as cool as a cucumber.
40.6 : K Abbott to Chandimal, That is a peach. On a good length outside off, Dinesh gets across to defend but then the ball moves away and squares him up. Beats the outside edge.
41.1 : V Philander to Silva, Short and down the leg side, de Silva looks to tuck it away but the ball goes off his hips towards square leg. A leg bye taken.
41.2 : V Philander to Chandimal, Landed outside off, left alone.
Chandimal has been adjudged LBW! He has taken the review though. Looks more out of hope.
41.3 : V Philander to Chandimal, OUT! LBW! Philander gets the breakthrough. It is his third wicket. A lovely delivery from the big Vern. Lands it on a good length outside off, makes it to jag back in and gets past the bat of Chandimal as he looks to defend, hitting him on the back pad. Umpire Oxenford does not take too much time to raise his finger and Chandimal takes the review. It seems more because of the fact that this is the last recognized batting pair. Unfortunately for him, it is three re
RANGANA HERATH walks in at number 8, replacing Chandimal.
41.4 : V Philander to Herath, Outside off, nice bounce, pushed to the man at cover.
41.5 : V Philander to Herath, FOUR! Nice shot! Fractionally short around middle, Herath helps it over square leg via a pull and gets a boundary! He did very well against Australia at home, of course with the ball for sure but with the bat too.
41.6 : V Philander to Herath, Gets across and tucks it to fine leg for a single.
42.1 : K Abbott to Herath, A short ball around leg, Herath gets out of the way. Abbott scratches his nose and gives a stare to Herath who does not want to return the favour.
42.2 : K Abbott to Herath, Ooohh.... Abbott lands this on a good length outside off, Rangana gets across and lets it go. The ball nips back in and just misses the off stump. Abbott wipes off the sweat from his brow.
42.3 : K Abbott to Herath, ALMOST SELLS HIS PARTNER DOWN THE RIVER. Herath works this through square leg and calls his partner for the single. De Silva comes down a long way but then Herath changes his mind. De Silva has to turn back and the fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. Stephen Cook comes in from mid off and has an underarm shy at the stumps but misses too. De Silva could have been dismissed both times.
42.4 : K Abbott to Herath, Full on middle and leg, RH just about gets his bat down in time to defend. Gets an inside edge.
42.5 : K Abbott to Herath, Beaten for pace. Full and wide outside off, Herath has a nervous slash and misses.
Well... spot the ball! For a second, we thought that all of us had gone blind. Because Abbott seemed to deliver the ball but we did not know where the ball went. Then Philander was shown at mid-wicket, picking up the ball. Replays show that while trying to deliver, Abbott lost control of the cherry and it slipped out of his hand.
42.6 : K Abbott to R Herath, Close call! That looked very close. Full on middle and leg, swinging in, Rangana missed his flick and was hit on the pads. Abbott appealed for LBW but Aleem Dar shook his head. Was there an inside edge? That could have been the only thing.
43.1 : V Philander to Silva, Landed outside off, left alone.
43.2 : V Philander to Silva, On a good length outside off, defended solidly.
43.3 : V Philander to Silva, Full and outside off, swinging away, shouldered arms to.
43.4 : V Philander to Silva, On a good length around middle and off, tucked through mid-wicket for a single. The deficit is now 159.
Uh oh.... the rain clouds are coming... it has gone overcast in the last 15 minutes.
43.5 : V Philander to Herath, Down the leg side, Herath misses his flick and the ball goes off his thigh pads behind. De Kock flies to his right to stop it with his right glove.
43.6 : V Philander to Herath, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
44.1 : K Abbott to Silva, Full and straight, de Silva defends it back to the bowler.
44.2 : K Abbott to Silva, Landed outside off, pretty wide, Dhananjaya thinks there are runs on offer and goes after the width. But his feet do not support the movement of his hands and he ends up reaching out for it, being far from the ball. A play and a miss in the end.
44.3 : K Abbott to Silva, On middle and leg, tucked straight to short mid-wicket.
44.4 : K Abbott to Silva, Full and outside off, pushed straight to cover.
44.5 : K Abbott to Silva, The batsman has lofted that over mid wicket. They manage to come back for the second.
44.6 : K Abbott to Silva, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
KAGISO RABADA is back on. The clouds are coming on at a fast pace. Not raining yet.
45.1 : K Rabada to Herath, On a good length outside off, Rangana stays back and defends it towards cover.
45.2 : K Rabada to Herath, Short and down the leg side, Herath misses his tuck.
45.3 : K Rabada to Herath, Outside off, Herath pushes but misses.
45.4 : K Rabada to Herath, FOUR! Overcompensation to the previous ball. Full and down the leg side, tickled past the keeper to the fine leg fence.
45.5 : K Rabada to Herath, FOUR! Down the leg side again, tickled past the keeper for another boundary.
45.6 : K Rabada to Herath, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. The batsmen have run through for a single.
The umpires check for the light. Seems to be fine for now. Faf du Plessis realizes that he has to bring on a spinner. KESHAV MAHARAJ comes on to bowl.
46.1 : K Maharaj to Herath, Full on middle, flicked straight to short leg.
46.2 : K Maharaj to Herath, Full again, Herath gives it the full-blooded sweep and gets it to backward square leg for a single.
46.3 : K Maharaj to Silva, FOUR.
46.4 : K Maharaj to Silva, No run.
46.5 : K Maharaj to Silva, No run.
46.6 : K Maharaj to Silva, No run.
47.1 : K Rabada to Herath, FOUR.
0.0 : The leg gully goes even finer, towards leg slip.
47.2 : K Rabada to Herath, No run.
47.3 : K Rabada to R Herath, 1 run.
47.4 : K Rabada to Silva, 1 run.
47.5 : K Rabada to Herath, No ball.
K Rabada to R Herath, 3 runs.
47.6 : K Rabada to Silva, No run.
48.1 : K Maharaj to Herath, No run.
48.2 : K Maharaj to Herath, Huge appeal for LBW. Impact probably outside off. Full and outside off, Rangana attempts the conventional sweep now but misses and is hit on the pads. Hawk Eye confirms the impact to be outside off.
48.3 : K Maharaj to Herath, Full and outside off, this time RH defends in a composed manner.
48.4 : K Maharaj to Herath, Action replay of the previous ball.
48.5 : K Maharaj to Herath, Slightly short around off, Herath thinks about sweeping, then tries pulling, ends up dragging it to mid-wicket.
48.6 : K Maharaj to Herath, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
The floodlights have been switched on.
KYLE ABBOTT returns.
49.1 : K Abbott to Silva, Outside off, pushed behind point for a couple.
49.2 : K Abbott to Silva, Full and outside off, nice line and length, de Silva shoulders arms.
49.3 : K Abbott to Silva, Full and just outside off, watchfully pushed back.
49.4 : K Abbott to Silva, Outside off, left alone.
49.5 : K Abbott to Silva, Played through mid-wicket by the batsman. One run added to the total.
49.6 : K Abbott to Herath, A short ball around middle, Rangana takes his eyes off the ball and plays a pull shot. It goes in the air but the square leg region is unmanned. A run taken. The deficit is now 129.
50.1 : K Maharaj to Herath, OUT! LBW! Maharaj has struck. Full and outside off, Herath looks to play the reverse sweep but misses. He is hit in line of the stumps and umpire Aleem Dar raises his finger on the appeal. Hawk Eye shows the impact to be umpire's call. The 36-run stand in 52 balls has been broken. Useful innings from Herath. Got the scoreboard moving. SRI LANKA TRAIL BY 129 NOW.
0.0 : DUSHMANTHA CHAMEERA walks in at number 9, replacing Herath.
50.2 : K Maharaj to Chameera, Full and straight, watchfully defended.
50.3 : K Maharaj to Chameera, The batsman has played it to the point region.
50.4 : K Maharaj to Chameera, Around middle and leg, well kept out.
50.5 : K Maharaj to Chameera, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
50.6 : K Maharaj to Chameera, Stays back in his crease and blocks.
51.1 : K Abbott to Silva, Full and around off, nipping in, de Silva pushes it towards long on. Does not take the single.
51.2 : K Abbott to Silva, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
51.3 : K Abbott to de Silva, A short ball, pulled away. This time he takes the single.
51.4 : K Abbott to Chameera, FOUR! A short ball down the leg side, Chameera looks to pull but is cramped for room. The ball goes off his gloves to the fine leg fence.
51.5 : K Abbott to Chameera, The ball takes the outside edge goes towards the slip region.
51.6 : K Abbott to Chameera, The batsman does well to leave that bouncer.
52.1 : K Maharaj to Silva, Full and around off, defended to the off side.
52.2 : Maharaj to Silva, DROPPED? Yes. Full and outside off, de Silva comes down the track and smashes it straight back to the bowler. Maharaj is unable to take it to his left.
52.3 : K Maharaj to Silva, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
52.4 : K Maharaj to Silva, Pushes this through mid on for a single.
52.5 : Maharaj to Chameera, Full and down the leg side, Chameera looks to flick but misses. He is hit on the pads and an LBW appeal ensues but that pitched outside leg.
52.6 : K Maharaj to Chameera, Strange. Full and on leg stump, Dushmantha looks to defend but the ball goes off the inside edge past short leg towards short fine leg. De Silva takes the single. But why now? Exposing Chameera to Abbott?
53.1 : K Abbott to Chameera, Very full around off, almost a yorker, squeezed towards short mid-wicket.
53.2 : K Abbott to Chameera, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
53.3 : K Abbott to Chameera, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
53.4 : K Abbott to Chameera, A bouncer on middle and leg, Chameera ducks.
53.5 : K Abbott to Chameera, Full on middle and off, wristily pushed to mid on.
53.6 : K Abbott to Chameera, A bouncer to end the over, DC ducks.
DRINKS BREAK. The clouds have cleared up and now the sun is shining brightly in the middle.
54.1 : K Maharaj to Silva, Fuller and around off, it's defended off the front foot by de Silva.
54.2 : K Maharaj to Silva, Tossed up again but down the leg side, Dhananjaya eases it down to fine leg for a couple of runs.
54.3 : K Maharaj to Silva, Advances down the track and nudges it through mid on for a single.
54.4 : K Maharaj to Chameera, Quicker and fuller on the pads, helped through mid-wicket for one.
54.5 : K Maharaj to Silva, Flighted full ball on off, Dhananjaya gets on the front foot and defends it with the spin to the off side.
54.6 : K Maharaj to Silva, A touch short and outside off, de Silva punches it back uppishly but wide of the diving bowler to his right. Nearly collides with the non-striker. The batsmen have run through for a single.
KAGISO RABADA is back on.
55.1 : K Rabada to Silva, Full and outside off, watchfully defended.
55.2 : K Rabada to Silva, The batsman has attempted to put bat on ball - but fails.
55.3 : K Rabada to Silva, FOUR! Full and outside off, de Silva opens the face of the bat and pushes it past second slip to the third man fence.
55.4 : K Rabada to Silva, Bouncer! The batsman does well to evade it.
55.5 : K Rabada to Silva, Outside off, played straight to point.
55.6 : K Rabada to Silva, WHY DID HE NOT GO FOR THE CATCH? A short ball down the leg side, de Silva pulls it towards fine leg. Strangely, Keshav Maharaj at fine leg does not charge in and the ball lands in front of him.
56.1 : K Maharaj to Silva, FOUR! Nice shot. Comes down the track and whips it with full control of the wrists over mid-wicket for a boundary!
56.2 : K Maharaj to Silva, Played through mid-wicket by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single.
56.3 : K Maharaj to Chameera, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
56.4 : K Maharaj to Chameera, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
56.5 : K Maharaj to Chameera, Played to the mid-wicket region by the batsman. They pick up a single.
56.6 : K Maharaj to Silva, Full and outside off, driven through mid off for a single.
2000 IST - It was bright and sunny during the Drinks break but all of a sudden, a massive group of dark clouds has enveloped the ground. The umpires have got together for a chat and have decided that the PLAYERS CAN WALK OFF. Guess du Plessis might have been given the option of employing spinners from both ends but understandably he might not have wanted it. Duminy has an argument with umpire Oxenford and seems unhappy that the players are being taken off.
A good period of play for the Lankans. They lost Chandimal quickly after Tea but the quickfire 36-run stand between Herath and de Silva has given them some momentum. de Silva has looked good for his 43 and Chameera has given him good company in a stand worth 24.
South Africa tried hard and did well with the ball reversing. Kyle Abbott and Vernon Philander exploited the conditions nicely but Rabada was still disappointing. Keshav Maharaj got the wicket of Herath who was causing problems to the Proteas. It has gone brighter a touch but one side of the ground is still very dark. Fingers crossed. Stay tuned for updates.
2030 IST - Bad news, folks. Unfortunately, light has not improved for the players to come back on and that will be STUMPS ON DAY 2. An attritional day of cricket, with only 200 runs being scored in 65.5 overs. That period after Tea quickened things a touch but overall, the scoring was pretty slow.
Sri Lanka probably surprised themselves as well by bowling out the Proteas so quickly this morning. Everyone expected the home side to get some quick runs, reach somewhere around 325-350 but they faced just 8.5 overs and made a mere 19 runs, not even reaching 300. Lakmal got a well-deserved five-wicket haul and the Lankans were cock-a-hoop on getting the hosts all out for an average score by their standards.
The plan must have been from the Lankans to tire out the South African speedsters but they were reduced to 22/3 in no time. The middle order rallied around a touch but runs were not coming. Then, Rangana Herath came in and played some strokes which lifted the Lankan spirits. Philander has three wickets while Abbott got 2. Rabada was disappointing.
Tomorrow, the Lankans will set out to achieve what the Proteas could not this morning. Another 50 runs would be really handy but having said that, the home side will aim to get the remaining 3 wickets quickly, before the total crosses 200. De Silva might want to play some counter-attacking strokes. Do join us tomorrow for a likely early start. You can however, tune in much earlier and have a look at the second Australia-Pakistan Test at the MCG as well. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!
... DAY 3, SESSION 1 ...
Hello and warm welcome to the 3rd day of the Boxing Day Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka. Lakmal's fifer helped the visitors bowl out the hosts for a mere 286 after a good start by the South African openers. However, the home side came back strongly with their quickies ripping through the Lankan batting lineup and reducing them to 181/7 at the end of the day.
Sri Lanka trail by 105 runs with 3 wickets in their hands. They would look to get as close as possible to RSA's total. The hosts on the other hand would look to clean up the tail quickly and get a decent first innings' lead. We are in for another enticing day of contest between bat and ball. Stay tuned for all the action on day 3!
The players and umpires are making their way out to the middle. Vital first session this in the context of the game. De Silva is on strike, VERNON PHILANDER to start proceedings on day 3.
57.1 : V Philander to Silva, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Perfect start to the day for South Africa. Good length closer to off, a hint of shape away and de Silva is forced to play at it. Gets squared up a bit and the nick is comfortably pouched by de Kock. Ends a fine knock from Dhananjaya but he would be gutted at getting out so early in the day. SL TRAIL BY 105.
0.0 : SURANGA LAKMAL is the new man in.
57.2 : V Philander to Lakmal, Good length around off, blocked solidly off the back foot.
57.3 : V Philander to Lakmal, FOUR! FAB SHOT! Back of a length outside off, Lakmal hangs back and punches it sweetly through the covers. That's a shot that would make a top order batsman proud. Handy runs these for the Lankans.
57.4 : V Philander to Lakmal, Beaten! Full and outside off, shapes away extravagantly to go well past the outside edge.
57.5 : V Philander to Lakmal, Almost a replica of the previous ball. The outswinger outside off, Lakmal looks to poke at it but is beaten again.
Lakmal is caught at mid on. They are checking for the no ball. Philander seems to be okay.
57.6 : V Philander to Lakmal, OUT! GONE! Double whammy for Philander to start the day! Fuller on off, a bit of inswing as Lakmal overbalances on the drive. Spoons a simple catch to mid on where Abbott takes the catch with ease. Dream start for the Proteas this morning. Down to the last wicket now. 11th Test fifer for Philander. His purple patch continues.
NUWAN PRADEEP is the last man in.
KYLE ABBOTT from the other end.
58.1 : K Abbott to Chameera, Length ball outside off, Chameera pushes at it but the ball goes off the edge towards third man for a brace.
58.2 : K Abbott to Chameera, Good length outside off, shapes away a bit to whiz past the outside edge.
58.3 : K Abbott to Chameera, And again! Length ball closer to off, Chameera pushes at it but is beaten comprehensively.
58.4 : K Abbott to Chameera, Short ball on middle, Chameera ducks under the bumper.
58.5 : K Abbott to D Chameera, Run out chance missed! Fullish around off, tapped towards the covers for a quick single. Shy at the bowler's end misses , Chameera was a goner that hit. The man backing up cannot reach it and it races away to the fence for a boundary.
58.6 : K Abbott to Pradeep, Good length outside off, Pradeep pokes at it but is beaten.
59.1 : V Philander to Chameera, Length ball slanting in from around off, tapped gently towards point.
59.2 : V Philander to Chameera, Beaten again! Good length outside off, Chameera flirts with it but fails to make contact.
59.3 : V Philander to Chameera, Fuller this time just outside off, keeps a bit low as well as the ball whizzes past the outside edge.
59.4 : V Philander to Chameera, Full on middle, gets across and blocks it well.
59.5 : V Philander to Chameera, Sprays this down the leg side, Chameera fails to connect the flick.
59.6 : V Philander to Chameera, Fullish on middle, pushes gently towards short mid-wicket for a single. Abbott is too slow to get to the ball.
60.1 : K Abbott to Chameera, Banged in short by Abbott, comfortably left alone to the keeper.
60.2 : K Abbott to Chameera, Fuller down the leg side, Chameera shuffles to whip it away but misses.
60.3 : K Abbott to Chameera, Pitched up outside off, well blocked off the front foot.
60.4 : K Abbott to Chameera, Back of a length outside off, Chameera tries the slash but connects thin air.
60.5 : K Abbott to Chameera, Good length angled in from around off, Chameera fails to push at it but is struck high on the pads.
60.6 : K Abbott to Chameera, Dug in short on middle, Chameera ducks instantly under it.
61.1 : V Philander to N Pradeep, Another run out chance missed. This was tapped to cover where Bavuma was quick to swoop in on the ball but he misses the throw at the bowler's end. Pradeep was well short if that had hit.
61.2 : V Philander to Chameera, Length ball outside off, another play and a miss from Chameera.
61.3 : V Philander to Chameera, Good length outside off, blocked well from the crease.
61.4 : V Philander to Chameera, Length ball outside off, late away movement to beat the outside edge.
This is a freakish incident.
61.5 : Philander to Chameera, Weird incident. Full on off, Chameera drives it past the bowler. It hits the stumps off Pradeep's bat comes in way. There is an appeal from the Proteas for a run out but Philander hasn't got a hand on it.
61.6 : V Philander to Chameera, Length ball around off, defended well from the crease.
62.1 : K Abbott to Pradeep, No run.
62.2 : K Abbott to Pradeep, Back of a length outside off, defended well off the back foot.
62.3 : K Abbott to Pradeep, Good length outside off, Pradeep pushes tamely at it and is beaten.
62.4 : K Abbott to Pradeep, FOUR! Streaky runs! Back of a length outside off, Nuwan pokes at it but gets a thick edge that flies it to the third man fence for a boundary.
62.5 : K Abbott to Pradeep, Full outside off, leans into it and defends it well.
62.6 : K Abbott to Pradeep, Back of a length outside off, Pradeep is beaten once more.
63.1 : V Philander to Chameera, Length ball closer to off, blocked well from the crease.
63.2 : V Philander to Chameera, FOUR! UP AND OVER! Fuller on middle, Chameera uses his long handle to perfection as he lofts it over mid on for a boundary. Handy runs these for the Lankans.
63.3 : V Philander to Chameera, Length ball outside off, Chameera is beaten on the poke.
63.4 : V Philander to Chameera, Short ball from Philander and Chameera ducks under it.
63.5 : V Philander to Chameera, Length ball outside off, Chameera's turn to get beaten.
63.6 : V Philander to Chameera, Once more! Good length outside off, Chameera pushes at it but is beaten.
64.1 : K Abbott to Pradeep, Fuller outside off, pushed gently to the covers.
64.2 : K Abbott to N Pradeep, Full ball outside off, Pradeep drives it sweetly past the covers. Well timed and three more runs to the total.
64.3 : K Abbott to Chameera, Length ball outside off, Chameera pushes at it but is beaten.
64.4 : K Abbott to Chameera, Length ball outside off, Chameera pokes again and this time gets an edge but doesn't carry to gully where it is well stopped by Duminy.
64.5 : K Abbott to D Chameera, OUT! ABBOTT WRAPS IT UP! Good length in the corridor of uncertainty, a hint of away movement and induces the edge once more. This time, it carries easily to first slip where Amla gobbles up the offering. Ideal morning for the Proteas. SRI LANKA HAVE BEEN BOWLED OUT FOR 205.
The Proteas have taken a very significant 81-run lead. Philander struck twice in the first over of the day to set the tone and although the last wicket added a few runs, they couldn't cut down the deficit by much. The Lankans would be disappointed with the batting effort. Their lower middle order saved them the blushes as otherwise, South Africa would have gotten a bigger lead. Philander was the star for the hosts with a 5-fer. The Protea innings isn't far away.
0.1 : S Lakmal to S Cook, FOUR! Almost a wicket! Fuller on leg stump, Cook shuffles to play across the line but gets a thick leading edge. Just flies between a diving third slip and gully to the third man fence. Encouraging start for the Lankans.
0.2 : S Lakmal to Cook, Good length outside off, left alone to the keeper.
0.3 : S Lakmal to Cook, Good length on middle, Cook pushes at it but gets a thick inside edge on to the pads. They take a quick single.
0.4 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Length ball outside off, Elgar blocks it awkwardly from the crease.
0.5 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Good length on middle and leg, worked through backward square leg for a brace.
0.6 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Good length closer to off, blocked firmly from the crease.
NUWAN PRADEEP to share the new ball.
1.1 : N Pradeep to Cook, Good length outside off, Cook continues to be nervy as he pushes tentatively at it. Gets an edge again through the slip cordon for a brace.
1.2 : N Pradeep to Cook, Too wide outside off, easy leave for Cook.
1.3 : N Pradeep to Cook, Good length outside off, another comfortable leave for Cook.
1.4 : N Pradeep to Cook, Length ball outside off, Pradeep's line is just a tad wide to make the batsman play.
1.5 : N Pradeep to Cook, Good length angled in from outside off, Cook shuffles and lifts his bat to let it pass.
1.6 : N Pradeep to Cook, Played well in the end! Back of a length on off, climbs on Cook who fends awkwardly from the crease. Manages to keep the ball on the ground.
2.1 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Back of a length around off, left alone to the keeper.
2.2 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Fuller around off, Elgar gets across and pats it back to the bowler.
2.3 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Length ball around off, Elgar pushes at it but is beaten.
2.4 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Fuller outside off, Elgar leans into it and defends solidly.
2.5 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Back of a length on middle, Elgar shuffles across to flick but is hit on the thigh.
2.6 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Fuller on the pads, flicked away on the leg side for a single.
3.1 : N Pradeep to D Elgar, FOUR! Streaky runs! SL are bowling well but aren't quite getting the luck. Length ball outside off, Elgar pokes at it with an angled bat. Played with soft hands as the edge flies between third slip and gully to the fence.
3.2 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Fuller outside off, leans into it and defends well.
3.3 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Length ball on off, blocked solidly from the crease.
3.4 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Good length outside off, no shot offered to that one.
3.5 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Length ball outside off, Elgar lets it pass to the keeper.
3.6 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Good length on leg stump, worked towards square leg.
4.1 : S Lakmal to Cook, Outside off, shaping away, left alone.
4.2 : S Lakmal to Cook, Length delivery outside off, swinging away, defended from within the crease.
4.3 : S Lakmal to Cook, On the pads, clipped through backward square leg for a single.
4.4 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Full outside off, Elgar leans into the drive through mid off for three runs.
4.5 : S Lakmal to Cook, On middle and leg, defended on the leg side off the back foot.
4.6 : S Lakmal to Cook, Outside off, Cook lets the ball come close to him and then opens the face of his bat to steer it towards point.
5.1 : N Pradeep to Elgar, On the pads, defended with a straight bat.
5.2 : N Pradeep to Elgar, On middle, nipping into the pads, Elgar gets on toes and tucks through square leg for a couple. The lead is now over 100 runs!
5.3 : N Pradeep to Elgar, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
5.4 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Fuller on the stumps, played with soft hands towards forward square leg, Cook from the other end takes off and Elgar obliges. Quick single taken!
5.5 : N Pradeep to Cook, Length delivery outside off, pushed to point.
5.6 : N Pradeep to Cook, Fullish delivery outside off, Cook gets across and pokes at it awkwardly. Luckily, the ball whizzes past the outside edge and into the keeper's gloves. He is surviving out there currently! Has to be more careful!
6.1 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Outside off, an easy leave for Elgar.
6.2 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Edged but dropped short! Length delivery angling into the southpaw, Elgar looks to defend it with the angle but the ball doesn't come back in as much as he expects and catches the outside edge of the bat but falls short of the man at first slip. Playing with soft hands saved him there!
6.3 : S Lakmal to Elgar, FOUR! Pulled away! Back of a length delivery outside off, Elgar latches onto it in a flash as he pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
6.4 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Length delivery outside off, defended off the front foot.
6.5 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Outside off, Elgar pushes it gently through covers for a brace.
6.6 : S Lakmal to Elgar, On a length outside off, defended into the ground and towards point.
ANGELO MATHEWS replaces Pradeep!
7.1 : A Mathews to Cook, Length delivery, worked to mid-wicket for a single.
7.2 : A Mathews to Elgar, Outside off, pushed to covers.
7.3 : A Mathews to Elgar, FOUR! Straight down the ground! Length delivery outside off, Elgar taps it on the bounce past the bowler for a boundary. He has timed as sweetly as he can!
7.4 : A Mathews to Elgar, Length delivery outside off, defended on the off side.
7.5 : A Mathews to Elgar, Pitched outside off, Elgar blocks it off the front foot.
7.6 : A Mathews to Elgar, Outside off, pushed to covers.
8.1 : S Lakmal to Cook, Full outside off, swinging further away, left alone by Cook.
8.2 : S Lakmal to Cook, Once again Cook lets it go through to the keeper.
8.3 : S Lakmal to Cook, This time Cook is forced to play as he defends the fullish delivery around off proding forward.
8.4 : S Lakmal to Cook, Full outside off, pushed to mid off.
8.5 : S Lakmal to Cook, Wide outside off, Cook doesn't have a got at it.
8.6 : S Lakmal to Cook, On the pads, flicked on the leg side for a single. He will keep the strike!
9.1 : Mathews to Cook, Appeal for caught behind! Angling down leg, Cook gets across and looks to tuck it but fails as the ball goes through to the keeper. There's some sound as the ball passes past Cook and the Lankans start appealing but is turned down by the umpire. It's the right decision as the replay shows it brushed thigh pad on its way.
9.2 : A Mathews to Cook, Outside off, Cook once again shuffles across and defends off the inner half of the bat on the leg side.
9.3 : A Mathews to Cook, Length delivery outside off, defended off the back foot.
9.4 : A Mathews to Cook, On the pads, clipped away for a couple.
9.5 : A Mathews to Cook, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
9.6 : A Mathews to Cook, Length delivery on the stumps, defended from within the crease.
Change of ends for NUWAN PRADEEP!
10.1 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Outside off, left alone.
10.2 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Full outside off, Elgar defends it late near the surface.
10.3 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Length delivery outside off, punched through the gap in covers. Kusal Perera chases it and fields just before the fence. The umpires have a check upstairs and Perera has done well over there. Two runs taken!
10.4 : N Pradeep to Elgar, No ball! Angling down leg, Elgar looks to clip but misses. No ball signalled for overstepping.
N Pradeep to Elgar, Outside off, Elgar shoulders his arms to let that go.
10.5 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Length delivery, angling in, defended off the back foot.
10.6 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Angling into the pads, worked to square leg for a single.
LIGHTNING STOPS PLAY! The players have walked back to their respective dressing rooms as it has started to drizzle over St. George's Park. The ground has been covered. Wait for further updates!
With this halt in play, an EARLY LUNCH has been taken. South Africa would be happier of the two sides going into the break as they ripped through the tail and took a healthy 81-run lead. After surviving some early scares, the Protea openers saw through the session putting 39 runs on board. Can the visitors come up with something strong? Or will the hosts extend their lead? Let's hope that the weather permits us to start the second session on time.
UPDATE 1550 IST - It's still raining over at St. George's Park but has toned down a bit. There is no news yet on what time the second session will start. As soon as we get any updates on the same, we will keep you posted!
UPDATE 1605 IST - Great news, folks! The PLAY WILL RESUME AT 1620 IST! Hope we don't have any further interruptions due to weather.
.....DAY 3, SESSION 2.....
Welcome back for the second session. Can the Lankans put up a better show with the ball? Conditions are certainly favorable for the pacers. Their skipper ANGELO MATHEWS to begin proceedings after lunch.
11.1 : A Mathews to Elgar, Good length outside off, no shot offered as the ball barely carries to Chandimal.
11.2 : A Mathews to Elgar, Beaten! Length ball angled away outside off, Elgar pokes at it but is beaten comprehensively by the away movement.
11.3 : A Mathews to Elgar, Length ball outside off, stays back to push at it but gets it off the outer half towards gully.
11.4 : A Mathews to Elgar, Fuller on off, leans across and pushes it back to the bowler.
11.5 : A Mathews to Elgar, Good length outside off, no shot offered to that one.
11.6 : A Mathews to Elgar, Back of a length outside off, pushed off the back foot through the covers for a single.
SURANGA LAKMAL to bowl from the other end.
12.1 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Fuller and angled in from outside off, good leave from Elgar.
12.2 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Back of a length outside off, punched off the back foot to deep point for a single.
12.3 : S Lakmal to Cook, Drifting on the pads, Cook tucks it through square leg for a single.
12.4 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Good length angled in from outside off, Elgar taps it towards point with soft hands for an easy single.
12.5 : S Lakmal to Cook, Back of a length around off, Cook shuffles across and rides the bounce to work it towards short mid-wicket for a quick single.
12.6 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Short of a length outside off, Elgar stands tall and punches it serenely through the covers for a brace.
13.1 : A Mathews to Cook, Good length outside off, Cook shuffles across and makes an awkward leave.
13.2 : A Mathews to Cook, Length ball around off, nips in a touch as Cook prods forward. Gets a thick inside edge down to fine leg for a single.
13.3 : A Mathews to Elgar, Back of a length outside off, blocked solidly off the back foot.
13.4 : A Mathews to Elgar, Fuller on middle, Elgar pushes it back to the bowler.
13.5 : A Mathews to Elgar, Floated outside off, Elgar doesn't offer a shot to that one.
13.6 : A Mathews to Elgar, Fuller on middle, worked to mid-wicket for a single.
14.1 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Length ball outside off, Elgar leaves it alone to the keeper.
14.2 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Back of a length outside off, Elgar rocks back and steers it to deep point for a single.
14.3 : S Lakmal to Cook, Length ball but too wide outside off, easy leave for Cook.
14.4 : S Lakmal to S Cook, FOUR! Edges continue to go safe for the Proteas! Back of a length outside off, shaping away as Cook hangs his bat at it. Gets a thick edge that flies just past third slip to the third man fence.
14.5 : S Lakmal to Cook, Shortish outside off, blocked firmly off the back foot.
14.6 : S Lakmal to Cook, Full and outside off, leans forward and blocks it well.
DUSHMANTHA CHAMEERA comes on to bowl.
15.1 : D Chameera to Elgar, Good length on middle, worked towards mid-wicket for a single.
15.2 : D Chameera to Cook, FOUR! Cracking shot! Back of a length outside off, Cook stays back and punches it through the covers. Beautifully struck and it raced away to the fence for a boundary.
15.3 : D Chameera to Cook, Good length around off, blocked well from the crease.
15.4 : D Chameera to Cook, FOUR! More luck for Cook! Short ball on middle, he shuffles to pull but isn't in control. The ball flies off the glove and just sails over a leaping Chandimal as it goes to the fine leg fence for a boundary.
15.5 : D Chameera to Cook, Shortish outside off, hangs back to that one and fends it to cover.
15.6 : D Chameera to Cook, Back of a length on off, Cook looks to flick but gets a leading edge to the off side for a single.
16.1 : S Lakmal to Cook, Shortish outside off, no shot offered to that one.
16.2 : S Lakmal to Cook, Length ball outside off, another leave from Cook.
16.3 : S Lakmal to Cook, Back of a length outside off, too wide to make the batsman play.
16.4 : S Lakmal to Cook, Length ball wider outside off, blocked firmly off the back foot on to the track.
16.5 : S Lakmal to Cook, Full and outside off, Cook presses forward and bunts it towards mid off.
16.6 : S Lakmal to Cook, Shortish outside off, Cook blocks it well off the back foot.
17.1 : D Chameera to Elgar, Good length on middle, worked towards mid-wicket. Chameera has overstepped and it's a no ball.
D Chameera to Cook, Good length outside off, Cook makes a leave to that one.
17.2 : D Chameera to Cook, Good length closer to off, Cook defends it solidly from the crease. Almost spooned a return catch to Chameera there.
17.3 : D Chameera to Cook, Fuller on middle and leg, worked on the leg side for a single.
17.4 : D Chameera to Elgar, Fuller on middle, Elgar gets across and tucks it on the leg side for a run.
17.5 : D Chameera to Cook, Fuller outside off, Cook gets across and drives it well to mid on.
17.6 : D Chameera to Cook, Too straight and easy pickings for Cook, tucked behind square on the leg side for a single.
18.1 : S Lakmal to Cook, Short of a length outside off, pushed off the back foot through point for a single.
18.2 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Good length outside off, Elgar rocks back and blocks it well.
18.3 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Length ball outside off, left alone to the keeper.
18.4 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Good length angled away outside off, Elgar shuffles a bit and shoulders arms to that one.
18.5 : S Lakmal to Elgar, FOUR! More streaky runs! Length ball slanted across Elgar who pushes hard at it away from the body. Goes off the outer half past gully to the third man fence for a boundary.
18.6 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Fuller and outside off, leans forward and checks his drive to extra cover.
Forward short leg is in place.
19.1 : D Chameera to Cook, Back of a length wider outside off, shuffles across and steers it to third man for a single.
19.2 : D Chameera to Elgar, Good length around off, blocked firmly off the back foot to the off side.
19.3 : D Chameera to Elgar, Full and way too wide outside off, Elgar wouldn't chase that even in a T20I. Wide called.
D Chameera to Elgar, Fuller on middle, worked to mid-wicket for a single.
19.4 : D Chameera to Cook, Short of a length outside off, Cook hangs back and defends it firmly.
19.5 : D Chameera to Cook, Back of a length outside off, Cook rides the bounce and fends it well to cover.
19.6 : D Chameera to Cook, FOUR! Creamed! Full and wide outside off, Cook reaches out and covers the movement with a fluent drive through the covers for a boundary.
It's started to drizzle but the sun is also out. Let's hope that the sun wins the battle and we don't have any further interruptions.
NUWAN PRADEEP is back on.
20.1 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Good length angled outside off, Elgar hangs back and lets it pass.
20.2 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Length ball outside off, no shot offered to that one.
20.3 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Fuller on the pads, clipped to mid-wicket for a single.
20.4 : N Pradeep to Cook, Full on middle and leg, Cook gets across and tucks it to square leg for a single.
20.5 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Full and just outside off, Cook shoulders arms to that one.
20.6 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Back of a length outside off, steered off the back foot through point for a single.
RANGANA HERATH comes on to bowl.
21.1 : R Herath to Elgar, Tossed up around off, whipped back to the bowler.
21.2 : R Herath to Elgar, Drifting in from around off, Elgar pushes at it but gets an edge that goes on the bounce to first slip.
21.3 : R Herath to Elgar, Floated outside off, Elgar presses well forward to block but is hit on the pads. Impact well outside the line as there is a muted lbw shout.
21.4 : R Herath to Elgar, Drifting in from outside off, reaches out to that one and smothers it to the ground.
21.5 : R Herath to Elgar, Flatter on a length outside off, Elgar stays back and defends it to short leg.
21.6 : R Herath to Elgar, Loopy on a length outside off, stays back and defends it to short leg.
22.1 : N Pradeep to Cook, Short of a length on leg stump, Cook gets across to flick but the ball flies off the glove down to fine leg for a single.
0.0 : The drizzle has got heavier and the umpires have instructed the players to leave the field. Doesn't look dark out there at all. In fact, seems to be getting brighter at a distance. Could be a passing shower. We'll keep you updated.
UPDATE 1730 IST - Play will resume at 1735 IST. According to the revised timings, Tea will be taken at 1930 IST.
The players are out in the middle. Nuwan Pradeep to continue his over.
22.2 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Outside off, angling away, left alone.
22.3 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Fullish delivery angling away, Elgar pokes at it away from his body but gets beaten as the ball moves away a touch.
22.4 : N Pradeep to Elgar, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
22.5 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Full outside off, Elgar covers his stumps and leaves it.
22.6 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Full outside off, blocked from near the surface.
23.1 : R Herath to Cook, Tossed up on middle, Cook prods forward and defends it on the leg side.
23.2 : R Herath to Cook, Served fuller outside off, Cook prods forward in defence.
23.3 : R Herath to Cook, Flatter and quicker around middle and leg, Cook charges down and clips through backward square leg for a brace.
23.4 : R Herath to Cook, Outside off, defended off the front foot.
23.5 : R Herath to Cook, On middle and leg, SC gets on his front foot and defends it on the leg side by closing the face of his bat. A quick single taken!
23.6 : R Herath to Elgar, Spinning into the pads, flicked with the spin to mid-wicket.
24.1 : N Pradeep to Cook, Length delivery outside off, tapped to backward point.
24.2 : N Pradeep to Cook, Outside off, Cook shoulders his arms to let that through.
24.3 : N Pradeep to Cook, Pitched on a length outside off, guided towards gully.
24.4 : N Pradeep to Cook, Length delivery, Cook shuffles across and works it with soft hands towards mid-wicket for a single.
24.5 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Outside off and on a length taped to cover-point for a single.
24.6 : N Pradeep to Cook, Wide outside off, Cook doesn't flirt with it.
25.1 : R Herath to Elgar, Tossed up outside off, pushed to covers for a single.
25.2 : R Herath to Cook, Fuller outside off, played to covers. No runs taken!
25.3 : R Herath to Cook, Flatter one outside off, Cook prods forward in defence.
25.4 : R Herath to Cook, This time Cook stays in his crease and defends off the back foot.
25.5 : R Herath to Cook, Full around off, driven to mid off.
25.6 : R Herath to Cook, FOUR! Cook gets down the track a touch and drives it on the full through the gap between mid off and covers for a boundary! Moves to 46!
26.1 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Length delivery on middle and off, defended off the front foot.
26.2 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Angling across Elgar, he leaves it alone.
26.3 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Pitched on the stumps, DE defends it late and into the ground.
26.4 : N Pradeep to D Elgar, Full on off, driven to mid off.
26.5 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Full and wide outside off, an easy leave for Elgar.
26.6 : N Pradeep to Elgar, Length delivery, angling across, played with the angle to point for a single.
27.1 : R Herath to Elgar, Spinning into the southpaw, clipped with the spin to mid-wicket.
27.2 : R Herath to Elgar, Again on the pads, flicked on the leg side.
27.3 : R Herath to Elgar, Touch shortish outside off, Elgar camps back and guides it through the third man region and earns three runs for it. Moves to 49!
27.4 : R Herath to Cook, Tossed up around off, Cook prods forward in defence.
27.5 : R Herath to Cook, On the pads, Cook comes across and clips it through behind square on the leg side for a single.
27.6 : R Herath to Elgar, Tossed up outside off, Elgar drives it through covers but it gets stopped by a diving effort from the fielder present there. Elgar will have to wait for his fifty!
28.1 : N Pradeep to Cook, Length delivery outside off, guided into the ground and towards the slip cordon.
28.2 : N Pradeep to Cook, Back of a length delivery, Cook shuffles across and awkwardly taps it towards gully.
28.3 : N Pradeep to Cook, Appeal from the bowler! Pitched on a length in the channel of uncertainty, Cook looks to defend it in his typical style by getting across but gets beaten. Pradeep is excited and starts appealing but doesn't get any support from his teammates.
28.4 : N Pradeep to Cook, FOUR! What a way to bring another half century in the match! Length delivery outside off, punched through cover-point for a boundary!
3rd Test fifty for Cook!
28.5 : N Pradeep to Cook, FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries! Cook gets across and guides it through the third man region for a boundary.
28.6 : N Pradeep to Cook, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
29.1 : R Herath to Elgar, No run.
29.2 : R Herath to Elgar, Landed outside off, Elgar leans ahead but misses and gets hit on the pads. There's a mild appeal but it's turned down.
29.3 : R Herath to Elgar, Spinning into the southpaw, DE clips it to short leg. The short leg fielder, who goes a for a direct hit seeing Elgar out of his crease but misses. The batsmen run for the overthrow. This brings up half century for Elgar!
29.4 : R Herath to S Cook, Outside off, pushed through covers for a brace.
4th Test fifty for Elgar!
29.5 : R Herath to Cook, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
29.6 : R Herath to Cook, Cook stays in crease and defends it late with a straight bat.
SURANGA LAKMAL is back on!
30.1 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Length delivery outside off, cut through cover-point for a single.
30.2 : S Lakmal to Cook, On the pads, clipped through mid-wicket for a brace.
30.3 : S Lakmal to Cook, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
30.4 : S Lakmal to Cook, Length delivery outside off, Cook covers his stumps and defends.
30.5 : S Lakmal to Cook, On the pads, flicked on the leg side for a single.
30.6 : S Lakmal to Elgar, Pitched up outside off, Elgar blocks it off the front foot.
31.1 : R Herath to Cook, Floated on middle and leg, pushes at it but gets an inside edge behind square on the leg side for a single.
31.2 : R Herath to Elgar, Fuller outside off, defended well off the front foot.
31.3 : R Herath to Elgar, Floated outside off, Elgar gets across to flick. Misses and is struck on the pads. Loud appeal for lbw but impact was well outside the line.
31.4 : R Herath to Elgar, Floated on the pads, steps out and clips it to mid-wicket for a single.
31.5 : R Herath to Cook, Fired in on middle, nudged to the leg side.
31.6 : R Herath to Cook, No run.
32.1 : S Lakmal to Elgar, OUT! Lakmal strikes and gets the breakthrough! Back of a length delivery outside off, angling in, Elgar goes for the pull but doesn't get into the perfect position for pulling it. Ends up miscuing it high in the air towards the mid-wicket region. Mathews from mid on runs in the direction of the ball, places himself under it and calmly takes it. Once again Lakmal is the one who strikes for the Lankans! That's the end of 116-run partnership!
0.0 : HASHIM AMLA walks out in the middle!
32.2 : S Lakmal to Amla, Length delivery outside off, Amla looks to defend it off the front foot but the ball rises onto him as he defends it towards point removing his top hand.
32.3 : S Lakmal to Amla, Outside off, left alone.
32.4 : S Lakmal to Amla, FOUR! Sweetly driven! Full outside off, driven through covers for a boundary. Gets off the mark in style! The lead is now in excess of 200!
32.5 : S Lakmal to Amla, Back of a length delivery outside off, Amla gets across and punches through cover-point for a single.
32.6 : S Lakmal to Cook, Back of a length delivery outside off once again, Cook once again shuffles and edges it into the ground and towards gully.
33.1 : R Herath to Amla, On middle and leg, defended to short leg.
33.2 : R Herath to Amla, FOUR! Use of the feet! Positive intent straightaway! Tossed up around off, Amla dances down the track, doesn't get to the pitch of the ball but manages to loft it over mid on for a boundary.
33.3 : R Herath to Amla, Flatter and shortish outside off, punched through covers for a couple.
33.4 : R Herath to Cook, On the pads, tickled round the corner for a single.
33.5 : R Herath to Amla, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
33.6 : R Herath to Amla, Outside off, played to point.
34.1 : S Lakmal to S Cook, DROPPED! Full outside off, drawing Cook into the cover drive and he obliges but gets an outside edge. The ball flies towards gully. De Silva present there dives low and forward to take the catch but ends up dropping it. Such chances should be taken if they want to get back into the game.
34.2 : S Lakmal to Cook, Back of a length outside off, width on offer, Cook looks to slap it but gets a bottom edge into the ground.
34.3 : S Lakmal to Cook, Outside off, left alone.
34.4 : S Lakmal to Cook, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
Mathews has taken the review for an lbw decision against Cook given not out!
34.5 : S Lakmal to Cook, NOT OUT! Decision stands! Angling into the pads, Cook shuffles across and looks to work it with the angle but misses and gets struck high on the pads. Lakmal starts appealing straightaway but is turned down by the umpire. He is confident and asks Mathews to take the review and he does. The Ball Tracker shows that the ball was going high over the leg stump making the original decision stand. Sri Lanka have one review left.
34.6 : S Lakmal to Cook, Back of a length delivery, punched off the back foot to covers.
35.1 : R Herath to Amla, Full and outside off, pushed through to long on for a single.
35.2 : R Herath to Cook, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. The batsmen have run through for a single.
35.3 : R Herath to Amla, Goes back and works it behind square leg for a run.
35.4 : R Herath to Cook, Outside off, Stephen somehow manages to block it to the off side.
35.5 : R Herath to Cook, The batsman has played it to the point region. One run added to the total.
35.6 : R Herath to Amla, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
Mathews is slowly trudging off the field. He was going at a relatively slow pace. Not quite sure what might have happened. Might be a niggle, might be to just take a break from the proceedings.
36.1 : S Lakmal to Cook, Length delivery outside off, punched through cover-point by Cook in his typical fashion for a single.
36.2 : S Lakmal to Amla, Full outside off, the batsman leaves it.
36.3 : S Lakmal to Amla, Full outside off, Amla shuffles across a touch and drives it to mid off and looks to take on the man present there. However, the fielder misses his shy at the non-striker's end and Amla is home safely. One run taken!
36.4 : S Lakmal to Cook, Wide outside off, Cook covers his stumps and lets it go through.
36.5 : S Lakmal to Cook, Outside off, Cook once again opts to not have a go at it.
36.6 : S Lakmal to H Amla, Angling into the pads, Cook shuffles and tucks off his thigh pad towards fine leg. Good presence of mind by Cook and Amla as they run through quickly for the second. The throw from the deep is at the striker's end where Chandimal collects it and has a shy at the other end end. However, he misses his throw and there is no one backing up for it. The ball goes through towards the long on region and the batsmen run another couple for overthrow. A total of four runs taken!
DRINKS BREAK. Excellent passage of play for the hosts. Just as they would have wanted. A good batting practice. The only negative aspect - Elgar not converting his half centuries into bigger ones. Meanwhile, some hammering is going on around the lading area of the bowlers. We are ready now.
37.1 : R Herath to Amla, No run.
37.2 : R Herath to Amla, Now he comes down the track and whips it to long on for a single.
37.3 : R Herath to Cook, Full and just around off, watchfully defended.
37.4 : R Herath to Cook, Outside off, pushed awkwardly to the off side for a run.
37.5 : R Herath to Amla, Full and around middle, defended towards point.
37.6 : R Herath to Amla, Down the leg side, whipped straight to short leg where Kusal Mendis is late to react. The ball hits his knees and deflects to fine leg. Purists can count that as a dropped chance, our scorers are not so inhuman. A single taken.
DUSHMANTHA CHAMEERA is back on!
38.1 : D Chameera to Amla, On a good length outside off, Amla shoulders arms.
38.2 : D Chameera to Amla, Full and outside off, good pace but nothing other than that, left alone.
38.3 : D Chameera to Amla, Around middle, worked straight to mid on.
38.4 : D Chameera to Amla, FOUR! FABULOUS! He is back - the mighty Hash. Full and around off, delivered from wide of the crease, Amla, with minimum trigger movement, just drives it straight back down the ground. Fetch the ball back please.
38.5 : D Chameera to Amla, Around off, watchfully defended from the crease.
38.6 : D Chameera to H Amla, Short and outside off, cut through point for a single.
39.1 : R Herath to Amla, Full and around middle, watchfully defended.
39.2 : R Herath to Amla, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
39.3 : R Herath to Amla, Full on middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a couple.
39.4 : R Herath to H Amla, Full and around off, pushed down to long on for a run.
39.5 : R Herath to Cook, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
39.6 : R Herath to Cook, Full and outside off, eased through mid off for a single.
40.1 : D Chameera to Cook, Works it to the leg side to raise the 150 UP FOR SOUTH AFRICA.
40.2 : D Chameera to Amla, Landed on off and outside, defended solidly.
40.3 : D Chameera to Amla, The batsman picked that bouncer early and let it through to the keeper.
40.4 : D Chameera to Amla, FOUR! FANTASTIC! Amla has played a gem of a knock so far. On a length outside off, Amla stands tall and just punches it through the covers for a boundary.
40.5 : D Chameera to Amla, Drives this wide of mid off and takes a quick single.
40.6 : D Chameera to Cook, Gets across and works it wide of mid on. Rangana Herath gives it a good chase and keeps the batsmen to a couple.
41.1 : R Herath to Cook, Full and down the leg side, Cook looks to sweep but misses and is hit on the gloves.
R Herath to Cook, Cook stays in the crease and blocks it near the surface.
41.2 : R Herath to Amla, No run.
41.3 : R Herath to Amla, No run.
41.4 : R Herath to Cook, No run.
41.5 : R Herath to Cook, No run.
41.6 : R Herath to Cook, No run.
DHANANJAYA de SILVA is introduced into the attack!
42.1 : de Silva to Cook, Short and around middle, Cook gets across and works it through mid-wicket for a single.
42.2 : de Silva to Amla, Works it through square leg for a run.
42.3 : de Silva to Cook, Landed on middle, Cook works it towards backward square leg.
42.4 : de Silva to Cook, Full on middle and leg, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.
42.5 : de Silva to Cook, Goes back and works it through square leg for one.
42.6 : de Silva to Cook, The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single.
43.1 : R Herath to Cook, Full and down the leg side, flicked straight to short leg.
43.2 : R Herath to Cook, Goes back and works it past short leg for a single.
43.3 : R Herath to Amla, Flicks this towards fine leg for a run.
43.4 : R Herath to Cook, Down the leg side, Stephen misses his flick.
43.5 : R Herath to Cook, FOUR! Good effort from Chameera. SC paddles it through fine leg and the ball almost reaches the ropes but Dushmantha Chameera gives it a good chase from fine leg and dives to stop the ball. But cannot prevent the boundary.
50-run stand for the 3rd wicket between Amla and Cook!
43.6 : R Herath to Cook, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
44.1 : de Silva to Amla, Landed on middle, worked straight to square leg.
44.2 : de Silva to Cook, Played to the mid-wicket region by the batsman. One run added to the total.
44.3 : de Silva to Amla, The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen have run through for a single.
44.4 : de Silva to Cook, Goes back and works it fine for a run.
44.5 : de Silva to Amla, The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total.
44.6 : de Silva to Cook, Landed outside off, Cook gently plays the reverse sweep past first slip for a couple.
45.1 : R Herath to Amla, No run.
45.2 : R Herath to Amla, Pushes this through mid on for a single.
45.3 : R Herath to Cook, Landed outside off, pushed with soft hands towards cover.
45.4 : R Herath to Cook, Landed around off, blocked from the crease.
45.5 : R Herath to Cook, Full and outside off, a solid forward defense towards cover.
45.6 : R Herath to Cook, Goes back and works it through mid-wicket.
NUWAN PRADEEP is brought back into the attack!
46.1 : N Pradeep to Amla, Landed outside off, left alone.
46.2 : N Pradeep to Amla, Short and outside off, Amla punches this off the back foot through the covers for a couple.
46.3 : N Pradeep to Amla, On middle and leg, Amla flicks it through mid-wicket. A fielder races to his left and slides near the ropes to prevent the boundary. Three runs taken.
46.4 : N Pradeep to Cook, The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot.
46.5 : N Pradeep to Cook, The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. One run added to the total.
46.6 : N Pradeep to Amla, Outside off, Amla guides it on the bounce towards slip where Angelo Mathews dives to his right to stop.
47.1 : R Herath to Cook, Full and down the leg side, Cook misses his flick and the ball goes off his pads to short fine leg. A leg bye taken.
47.2 : R Herath to Amla, Comes down the track and pushes it to long on for a single. Moves to 40 from just 43 balls.
47.3 : R Herath to Cook, Full and wide outside off, Stephen gets in a big bat lift and drives it straight to cover.
47.4 : R Herath to Cook, This time he stays back and works it to the leg side for a run. The stand is worth 70 from 93 balls.
47.5 : R Herath to Amla, Outside off, dabbed with an open face of the bat past first slip for a couple.
47.6 : R Herath to Amla, Full and outside off, defended towards cover.
48.1 : N Pradeep to Cook, Landed outside off, Cook gets across and defends it back to the bowler.
48.2 : N Pradeep to Cook, Full and outside off, Stephen works it through mid-wicket and hares back for a couple. That takes him into the 90s. NO BALL signalled for overstepping. Got a fair way over there, Pradeep. Ahh.... replays show Kusal Mendis throwing the ball from the deep, JUST OVER Aleem Dar at square leg! Kusal Mendis was like Ohhhh while Dar managed a smile. Who says only batsmen need to duck?
N Pradeep to Cook, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total.
48.3 : N Pradeep to Amla, He is standing on off stump and works this through mid on for a run.
48.4 : N Pradeep to Cook, Landed around off, SC gets across and punches it ala Faf du Plessis style through point for a couple.
48.5 : N Pradeep to Cook, NO BALL, FOUR LEG BYES! Ahh.... Cook was nervously looking at the umpire. Perhaps he hoped that the umpire will not signal leg byes. Full and down the leg side, Cook misses his flick and the ball goes past the keeper to the fine leg fence. 200 UP FOR SOUTH AFRICA. The stand is worth 84 from 99 balls. The lead is now 281.
N Pradeep to Cook, Full and outside off, driven towards mid off.
48.6 : N Pradeep to Cook, A short ball outside off, pulled through mid-wicket for a run.
DUSHMANTHA CHAMEERA is back on.
49.1 : D Chameera to Cook, FOUR! FLAMBOYANT! Moves to 99! Full and around middle and off, Cook drives this straight down the ground. Angelo Mathews gives it a solid chase from mid off, running like a panther chasing its prey, slides near the boundary but is unable to even get a hand to the ball.
49.2 : D Chameera to Cook, There it is! Triple figures for Cook. A gift from Pradeep to a guy who is on 99, almost telling him, please take this century and declare. A short ball around middle and leg, Cook works it through square leg and gets a couple. The crowd raises as one to applaud the young guy. His last 4 innings scores read - 40, 104, 59 and as of now, 101 unbeaten.
3rd Test Century for Stephen Cook!
49.3 : D Chameera to Cook, The batsman does well to stand tall and play that short delivery. They pick up a single.
49.4 : D Chameera to Amla, A short ball around off, pulled with total control through square leg for a run.
49.5 : D Chameera to S Cook, FOUR! A bit of an edge but as of now, the slips look like standing a kilometre behind. Full and outside off, Cook pushes forward but the ball goes off the outside edge, wide of first slip and to the third man fence. Would not have carried to second slip.
49.6 : D Chameera to Cook, Full and outside off, pushed through point for a single. 13 from the over, Chameera gets his half century in just 6 overs. Perhaps the team management would have liked it more if he had done it with the bat. Well, he has got one more innings with the willow. Unless South Africa do what Gujarat did recently in the Ranji Trophy quarter-final against Odisha.
50.1 : N Pradeep to Cook, A short ball on middle, tucked through square leg for a single.
50.2 : N Pradeep to Amla, WIDE. A bouncer, dug in way too short, Amla ducks. 100-RUN STAND COMES UP IN 108 BALLS. Solid run-rate.
N Pradeep to Amla, Some chin music for the batsman, he lets that bouncer through to the wicket-keeper.
50.3 : N Pradeep to Amla, Goes back in his crease and blocks.
50.4 : N Pradeep to Amla, Outside off, left alone.
50.5 : N Pradeep to Amla, NO BALL. A beautiful delivery though. On a good length around off, Amla looks to defend but is squared up and the ball whizzes past the outside edge.
N Pradeep to Amla, FOUR! THAT TAKES THE LEAD PAST 300. Amla shuffles across his stumps, gets a length ball around off and tickles it to the fine leg fence.
50.6 : Pradeep to Amla, OUT! LBW NUMBER 10,000 IN TESTS! What a moment for Pradeep. Not quite sure he will be too focussed with the milestone but at least he has got a wicket. Full and straight, Amla shuffles across and misses his flick. Pradeep appeals as the ball hits his pads and umpire Oxenford raises his finger! Amla has a chat with Oxenford, not quite sure what for and then walks off. A superb knock. To come out of form with an innings like that. That will be TEA ON DAY 3, SOUTH AFRICA LEAD
End of a longggggggggggggggggggg session. 182/2 in 40 overs. All South Africa's. Elgar threw his wicket away while Amla missed a straight one, trying to be a bit cheeky. But the bottom line is that the lead has crossed 300.
Nothing spectacular for Sri Lanka. They just went through the motions, just waiting for something to happen. The ball is not moving and run-scoring seems to be pretty easy. Nothing on the pitch. Amla gave a chance early on but de Silva failed to grab it.
The Proteas will be happy with this. It is almost like business as usual. Get a good lead and then build on it. They might have just one thought to ponder now - When to declare. They should be getting somewhere close to 400 in terms of the lead if they play this session out. They have a huge amount of time left, but then if they look at the forecast, they might be tempted to declare earlier than normal. Join us back at 1950 IST (1420 GMT) for the final session. We will be going home late tonight
... DAY 3, SESSION 3 ...
JP DUMINY has walked in the middle to partner the centurion, Stephen Cook. These two like the previous partnership will look to add some quick runs, taking the lead past 400 and then giving their bowlers ample of time to bowl out the visitors. Dushmantha Chameera to continue his spell. Can Amla's wicket lift Sri Lanka's spirit? Let's find out...
51.1 : D Chameera to Cook, Length delivery outside off, Cook watches it till the very end and defends it late.
51.2 : D Chameera to Cook, Back of a length delivery outside off, Cook hops across and punches it through covers for a single.
51.3 : D Chameera to Duminy, Fuller around leg, defended solidly with a straight bat.
51.4 : D Chameera to Duminy, Fullish on middle and leg, angling away, defended on the leg side.
51.5 : D Chameera to Duminy, Full on middle, driven to mid off.
51.6 : D Chameera to Duminy, Length delivery, angling across, Duminy taps it with soft hands towards covers and gets off the mark.
Nuwan Pradeep to continue.
52.1 : N Pradeep to Duminy, Straying on the pads, Duminy looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the thigh pad.
52.2 : N Pradeep to Duminy, Outside off, angling away, Duminy reaches for it and steers it through covers for a single.
52.3 : N Pradeep to Cook, Length delivery outside off, driven to covers.
52.4 : N Pradeep to Cook, Full and wide outside off, Cook pushes through the mid off region. The short cover fielder cuts across by running towards his right.
52.5 : N Pradeep to Cook, Length delivery with width on offer, cut through point for a single.
52.6 : N Pradeep to Duminy, Fuller on middle and leg, Duminy drives through covers for a brace. As Duminy connected the shot there was a sound off the pads and Pradeep started appealing but the umpire turned it down. The sound maybe was of the bat brushing the pads on its way.
53.1 : D Chameera to Cook, Outside off, tapped to point for a single.
53.2 : D Chameera to Duminy, On the pads, tickled round the corner for a single.
53.3 : D Chameera to Cook, Length delivery outside off, Cook punches it towards gully.
53.4 : D Chameera to Cook, Outside off, driven to mid off.
53.5 : D Chameera to Cook, Back of a length delivery, directed towards the body, tucked behind square on the leg side for a single.
53.6 : D Chameera to Duminy, Outside leg, JP looks to work it on its way but misses.
54.1 : N Pradeep to Cook, Fuller around off, Cook shuffles across and plays it with soft hands towards mid-wicket for a single.
54.2 : N Pradeep to Duminy, Length delivery, angling away, Duminy defends it with the angle on the off side.
54.3 : N Pradeep to Duminy, Angling across the southpaw, steered with soft hands towards backward point region for a quick single. Good running!
54.4 : N Pradeep to Cook, Banged in short and angling in, Cook ducks under it.
54.5 : N Pradeep to Cook, Outside off, another gentle push towards covers for a quick single.
54.6 : N Pradeep to Duminy, FOUR! Just a punch! Length delivery, angling away. Duminy uses the angle beautifully as he gets back and punches it through covers for his first boundary of the innings.
55.1 : D Chameera to Cook, Short delivery angling down leg, SC gets across and tucks it from near his chest towards deep backward square leg for a single.
55.2 : D Chameera to Duminy, Length delivery, defended off the back foot back to the bowler.
55.3 : D Chameera to Duminy, Once again Duminy plays it back to the bowler.
55.4 : D Chameera to Duminy, Short delivery, angling away, a controlled pull through front of square on the leg side for a single.
55.5 : D Chameera to Cook, Full outside off, Cook leans into the shot and pushes it to mid off.
55.6 : D Chameera to Cook, Length delivery outside off, Cook stays in the crease and guides it towards gully where a good diving effort from the fielder present there gives away no runs.
DHANANJAYA DE SILVA is back on!
56.1 : de Silva to Duminy, Served fuller around off, defended straight back.
56.2 : de Silva to Duminy, On middle and leg, Duminy clears his front leg and drives it to long off for a single.
56.3 : de Silva to Cook, Comes from over the wicket for Cook, lands it on middle and off, defended to square leg.
56.4 : de Silva to Cook, Tossed up around off, Cook reverse sweeps it through point for a single.
56.5 : de Silva to Duminy, Spinning away from the southpaw, played gently with the spin towards covers for a quick single.
56.6 : de Silva to Cook, Spinning into the pads from outside off, Cook leans ahead and works it with the spin towards square leg. No run taken!
57.1 : D Chameera to Duminy, Outside off, Duminy looks to drive but ends up slicing it through point for a single.
57.2 : D Chameera to Cook, Length delivery outside off, Cook looks to drive it on the up but is late into the shot and gets beaten past the outside edge.
57.3 : D Chameera to Cook, Length delivery, defended into the ground by getting on his toes.
57.4 : D Chameera to S Cook, Length delivery outside off, Cook gets across and cuts through point for a single.
57.5 : D Chameera to Duminy, Bye! Down the leg side, JP leaves it alone. Chandimal behind the stumps dives to his left but fails to grab the ball. The batsmen run through for a bye!
57.6 : D Chameera to Cook, OUT! The centurion departs! He was flirting with danger, got lucky earlier but now has to pay the price! Length delivery outside off, Cook in his typical fashion gets across and looks to run it down but misjudges the bounce as the ball catches the outside edge and goes straight in the gloves of Chandimal. The Lankans start celebrating and Cook takes off immediately. Doesn't wait for the umpire's call. Nonetheless, it was a great innings which took South Africa in such
Skipper FAF DU PLESSIS comes in at number 5, replacing Cook.
58.1 : de Silva to Duminy, Full and around off, defended back to the bowler.
58.2 : de Silva to Duminy, Goes back and blocks.
58.3 : de Silva to Duminy, Full toss outside off, cut away but straight to point.
58.4 : de Silva to Duminy, Goes back and punches it to sweeper cover for a single.
58.5 : de Silva to Plessis, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
58.6 : de Silva to Plessis, On middle and leg, flicked straight to short leg.
59.1 : D Chameera to Duminy, Full around off, Duminy defends it late near the practice pitches in covers for a quick single.
59.2 : D Chameera to Plessis, Back of a length delivery, pulled through mid-wicket for a brace.
59.3 : D Chameera to Plessis, Full outside off, left alone.
59.4 : D Chameera to du Plessis, Pitched full outside off, driven through widish mid off for a single.
59.5 : D Chameera to Duminy, Full outside off, Duminy unleashes his exquisite cover drive but sadly finds the man at covers.
59.6 : D Chameera to Duminy, On the pads, defended on the leg side.
60.1 : de Silva to Plessis, Served around leg, Faf leans into the on drive and gets it past the diving short mid-wicket through to long on for a single.
60.2 : de Silva to Duminy, Tossed up outside off, pushed to covers for another quick single.
60.3 : de Silva to Plessis, On the pads, flicked to mid-wicket for another quick single. When these two are out in the middle, one expects them to be busy and take such quick singles.
60.4 : de Silva to Duminy, FOUR! Whipped away! Duminy charges down, converts the ball into a full toss and whips it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
60.5 : de Silva to Duminy, Flatter delivery, punched off the back foot to deep cover for a single.
60.6 : de Silva to Plessis, Shortish delivery, sliding away from the right hander, Faf punches it off the back foot to covers and takes off for a quick single. The fielder present there has a shy at the non-striker's end but misses. The batsmen run through for an overthrow as the ball races towards deep mid-wicket. Two runs taken!
RANGANA HERATH is back on.
61.1 : R Herath to Duminy, Comes down the track and whips it to long on for a single.
61.2 : R Herath to Plessis, Full outside off, powerfully driven through covers for a single.
61.3 : R Herath to Duminy, On the stumps, driven through mid on for a single.
61.4 : R Herath to Plessis, Outside off, du Plessis drives it through covers for another single.
61.5 : R Herath to Duminy, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
61.6 : R Herath to Duminy, GREAT DELIVERY! Tossed up outside off, spins in sharply from the rough, surprises Duminy who gets back in the crease looking to punch it but gets off the inside edge through both his legs. That will create doubts in the batsmen's minds!
62.1 : de Silva to Plessis, Sliding away, defended off the back foot towards covers for a single.
62.2 : de Silva to JP Duminy, Full outside off, driven to long off for a single.
62.3 : de Silva to Plessis, On the pads, clipped through mid-wicket for a single.
62.4 : de Silva to Duminy, OUT! What a catch by Mathews! Served outside off, Duminy prods forward in defence, expecting the ball to slide in with the angle but the ball straightens a touch and catches the outside edge of his bat towards first slip. Angelo Mathews present there gets low towards his right and takes a superb catch. Duminy's short stint is over! First wicket of the match for de Silva! SOUTH AFRICA WITH A LEAD OF 348 RUNS!
TEMBA BAVUMA walks in at number 6, replacing Duminy.
62.5 : de Silva to Bavuma, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
62.6 : de Silva to Bavuma, On the pads, Bavuma looks to work it by closing the face of his bat but misses it and gets rapped up on the pads.
63.1 : R Herath to Plessis, The arm ball around off, Faf punches it towards cover for a single.
63.2 : R Herath to Bavuma, Goes back and punches it towards cover.
63.3 : R Herath to Bavuma, FOUR! Uppish, but safe! Lovely loop on that delivery, fuller in length outside off, Bavuma leans and checks his cover drive. Luckily for him, the ball flies between cover and mid off to the boundary. THE LEAD MOVES TO 353.
63.4 : R Herath to Bavuma, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
63.5 : R Herath to Bavuma, Short and outside off, punched off the back foot towards cover.
63.6 : R Herath to Bavuma, Driven towards the mid off region. The batsmen have run through for a single.
64.1 : de Silva to Bavuma, On middle and leg, Bavuma goes back and works it to the leg side for a couple.
64.2 : de Silva to Bavuma, Whips it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
64.3 : de Silva to Plessis, Full on middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a run. The stand moves to 10 from 11 balls.
64.4 : de Silva to Bavuma, OUT! Caught at bat-pad! Second wicket for de Silva in the space of 7 balls. Tossed up around middle and leg, Bavuma leans to flick but the ball goes off the inside edge, hits him on the thighs and goes to short leg where Kusal Mendis completes the formalities. Wow. This is interesting. ULTRA EDGE does not detect any edge. Perhaps Bavuma did hit it because he did not even wait to think for a review. Just walked off. South Africa are effectively 358/5.
QUINTON DE KOCK walks in at number 7, replacing Bavuma.
64.5 : de Silva to Kock, Full on middle and off, pushed through the covers for a single.
64.6 : de Silva to Plessis, The batsman works it down the leg side.
65.1 : R Herath to Kock, Full and around off, worked straight to short mid-wicket.
65.2 : R Herath to Kock, Pushes this towards the bowler.
65.3 : R Herath to Kock, Comes down the track and blocks.
65.4 : R Herath to Kock, Goes back in his crease and blocks again.
65.5 : R Herath to Kock, The batsman defends it from within the crease.
65.6 : R Herath to Kock, Outside off, worked through fine leg for a single.
66.1 : de Silva to Kock, The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. One run added to the total.
66.2 : de Silva to Plessis, The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen have run through for a single.
66.3 : de Silva to Kock, The batsman has played the square drive.
66.4 : de Silva to Kock, Full and around off, defended towards short mid-wicker.
66.5 : de Silva to Kock, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
66.6 : de Silva to Kock, FOUR! THRASH! He is not going to miss out on those. A short ball on off, de Kock pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
67.1 : R Herath to Plessis, Full and around off, defended off the inside edge to the leg side.
67.2 : R Herath to du Plessis, Tossed up wider outside off, driven straight to extra cover.
67.3 : R Herath to du Plessis, Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a single.
67.4 : R Herath to Kock, Hmmmm.... thrown up around off, de Kock looks to flick but gets a bit of a leading edge back to the bowler.
67.5 : R Herath to Kock, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
67.6 : R Herath to Kock, 4 Byes.
68.1 : de Silva to Plessis, No run.
68.2 : de Silva to Plessis, 1 run.
68.3 : de Silva to de Kock, 1 run.
68.4 : de Silva to Plessis, 1 run.
68.5 : de Silva to Kock, 1 run.
68.6 : de Silva to Plessis, No run.
69.1 : R Herath to Kock, 1 run.
69.2 : R Herath to Plessis, No run.
69.3 : R Herath to Plessis, 1 run.
69.4 : R Herath to Kock, No run.
69.5 : R Herath to Kock, No run.
69.6 : R Herath to Kock, 1 run.
70.1 : de Silva to Kock, No run.
70.2 : de Silva to Kock, On middle, worked through long on for a single.
70.3 : de Silva to Plessis, 1 run.
70.4 : de Silva to de Kock, 1 run.
70.5 : de Silva to Plessis, No run.
70.6 : de Silva to Plessis, 1 run.
71.1 : R Herath to Plessis, 2 runs.
71.2 : R Herath to du Plessis, Floated outside off, du Plessis comes down the track and drives it straight to short cover.
71.3 : R Herath to du Plessis, Outside of, Faf goes back and eases it to cover.
71.4 : R Herath to Plessis, Good variation in pace, slows this down, tosses this one on middle, defended watchfully.
71.5 : R Herath to du Plessis, Short and outside off, punched through the covers for a single.
71.6 : R Herath to Plessis, Landed outside off, FdP goes back to cut but gets a bottom edge to point.
72.1 : de Silva to Kock, Full and around off, de Kock looks top work it through the leg side but gets a leading edge to cover.
72.2 : de Silva to Kock, Outside off, punched through the covers for a well-run couple.
72.3 : de Silva to Kock, Tossed up outside off, Quinton leans and drives it to point.
72.4 : de Silva to Kock, "AIYYYOOOO!" shouts Chandimal. Full and around off, QdK looks to flick but gets a leading edge which goes wide of cover. A run taken.
The square leg umpire has referred a run out appeal at the striker's end against du Plessis upstairs.
72.5 : de Silva to Plessis, NOT OUT. FOUR OVERTHROWS instead.
72.6 : de Silva to Plessis, 1 run.
73.1 : R Herath to Plessis, No run.
73.2 : R Herath to Plessis, 1 run.
73.3 : R Herath to Kock, 1 run.
73.4 : R Herath to Plessis, No run.
73.5 : R Herath to Plessis, No run.
73.6 : R Herath to Plessis, FOUR.
74.1 : de Silva to Kock, No run.
74.2 : de Silva to Kock, FOUR.
74.3 : de Silva to Kock, No run.
74.4 : de Silva to Kock, FOUR.
74.5 : de Silva to Kock, 1 run.
74.6 : de Silva to Plessis, 1 run.
75.1 : R Herath to Plessis, No run.
75.2 : R Herath to Plessis, Landed on middle and leg. Faf goes back and looks to work but misses and is hit on the pads.
75.3 : R Herath to Plessis, Short and outside off, punched through the covers for a single.
75.4 : R Herath to Kock, Full and outside off, de Kock lunges and defends.
75.5 : R Herath to Kock, Landed outside off, spits sharply from the rough, Quinton misses his defense and the ball hits his counterpart.
75.6 : R Herath to Kock, Full and outside off, Qdk comes down the track and pushes it back to the bowler.
76.1 : de Silva to Plessis, Full and outside off, worked through mid-wicket for a single. The lead is now 410.
76.2 : de Silva to Kock, Full and outside off, de Kock lunges and defends.
76.3 : de Silva to Kock, FOUR! Landed outside off, Quinton goes back and cuts it behind point. Won't go all the way to the fence and the batsmen take three as the fielder gets to the ball and slides to pull the back in. But it is referred upstairs and the replays show that while doing so, his right foot was touching the ropes. De Kock moves to 30.
76.4 : de Silva to Kock, Landed on off, worked through mid-wicket for three runs.
76.5 : de Silva to Plessis, Full on middle, worked through mid-wicket for one.
76.6 : de Silva to Kock, On middle and leg, tucked through backward square leg for another single.
SURANGA LAKMAL to bowl a maximum of two more overs tonight. Mathews is seeking an inspiration before stumps.
77.1 : S Lakmal to Kock, A short ball, pulled away for a single.
77.2 : S Lakmal to Plessis, Landed outside off, left alone.
77.3 : S Lakmal to Plessis, Landed around off again, du Plessis goes back and works it through mid-wicket for a single.
77.4 : S Lakmal to Kock, Comes around the wicket to the left-hander, bowls an absolutely harmless delivery outside off, wide as well, de Kock punches it behind point for a run.
77.5 : S Lakmal to Plessis, Outside off, left alone.
77.6 : S Lakmal to Plessis, Outside off, fuller in length, placed through point for one.
RANGANA HERATH to bowl the last over of the day from this particular end.
78.1 : R Herath to du Plessis, Full and around off, du Plessis stays leg side of the ball and drives it to long off for a single.
78.2 : R Herath to Kock, Short and outside off, de Kock goes back to cut but is too close to the ball. Ends up getting a bit of a bottom edge, past first slip to third man. Two runs taken.
78.3 : R Herath to de Kock, Full and around off, pushed down to long on for a run.
78.4 : R Herath to Plessis, Full and outside off, eased through cover-point for one. Moves to 40 from 53 balls. The stand is worth 70 from 84 balls.
78.5 : R Herath to Kock, Full and around off, Quinton comes forward and whips it through mid-wicket for another single. He too moves to 40, but from 46 balls.
78.6 : R Herath to Plessis, Landed around off, Faf goes back and punches it back to the bowler. Herath is done for the day.
Last over of the day then... Can Sri Lanka get something out of it?
79.1 : S Lakmal to Kock, Full and wide outside off, de Kock flays it through point for a single. The lead is now 430.
79.2 : S Lakmal to Plessis, Landed around off, going away, tapped through the covers for a run. 350 COMES UP FOR SOUTH AFRICA.
79.3 : S Lakmal to Kock, Full and outside off, Quinton comes forward and dead-bats it.
79.4 : S Lakmal to Kock, Full and outside off again, pushed straight to cover this time.
79.5 : S Lakmal to Kock, Fuller again, outside off once more, now QdK shoulders arms.
Last ball of the day... how about something exciting...
79.6 : S Lakmal to Kock, No excitement. Just a mere push behind point for a single to end the day's proceedings. STUMPS ON DAY 3, SOUTH AFRICA LEAD BY 432 RUNS!
End of a miserable day for the Lankans. They were 105 runs behind at stumps yesterday and this morning, could not add much with de Silva getting dismissed on the first ball. Vernon Philander got a well-deserved fifer and what followed after that, was a real drubbing.
Dean Elgar and Stephen Cook gave the Lankans a good batting coaching, adding 116 for the opening wicket. The former threw his wicket away while the latter got to his third century in 7 Tests. Then Amla came in and played a wonderful innings, although short, with the lead already swelling past 200. On the other hand, Duminy missed out on a big score when everyone was doing well.
There seemed to be some life in the Lankans, when the Proteas suddenly lost 3/32 after Tea but then Chandimal missed a simple stumping chance of de Kock off Herath. De Kock and du Plessis have raised a quick 74-run stand and taken South Africa to a position from where they cannot lose. Or, SHOULD NOT lose.
So what next then? If the weather stays good for the next two days, then South Africa will look to bat for two sessions, rack up a lead close to 550 and then give their bowlers 4 sessions to take 10 wickets. However, if there is some issue with the weather, Faf might declare at Lunch. Join us at 1330 IST (0800 GMT) to see what happens as Day 4 unfolds. Before that, you can catch all the action from the second Australia-Pakistan Test. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!
... DAY 4, SESSION 1 ...
Hello and a warm welcome to Day 4 of the first Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka. The hosts have taken a healthy lead of 432 runs in the third innings with Faf du Plessis and Quinton de Kock still in the middle. Now, the question is what total would Faf feel as a safe one before declaring. The weather will also play a factor in this decision, but the weather department predicts no rain for today but it would be overcast. The visitors also seem to be waiting for the same as seen from their
The players are out in the middle. QUINTON DE KOCK and FAF DU PLESSIS take their place in the centre. Sri Lanka have straightaway opted for the second new ball. DUSHMANTHA CHAMEERA to start the proceedings with the new ball and for the day.
80.1 : D Chameera to Kock, Length delivery on middle, de Kock clips it through mid-wicket and runs through for a single. Runs straightaway!
80.2 : D Chameera to Plessis, BEATEN! Length delivery outside off with a hint of away swing, faf looks to reach out for it but gets beaten by the away movement.
80.3 : D Chameera to Plessis, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
80.4 : D Chameera to Plessis, Outside off, left alone. After getting beaten on the first ball he faced today, Faf is being more careful.
80.5 : D Chameera to Plessis, Du Plessis covers his stumps and leaves the outside off delivery through to the keeper.
80.6 : D Chameera to Plessis, Another leave by Faf.
SURANGA LAKMAL to continue from the other end.
81.1 : S Lakmal to de Kock, Full outside off, driven to mid off.
81.2 : S Lakmal to Kock, Leg bye! On the pads, de Kock looks to flick it but misses. The ball hits him on the pads and lands near the practice pitch beside. They run through for a quick leg bye!
81.3 : S Lakmal to Plessis, Outside off, left alone.
81.4 : S Lakmal to Plessis, Back of a length delivery, angling in, fended with the angle near short leg for another cheeky single.
81.5 : S Lakmal to Kock, Straying on the pads, clipped through square leg for a single.
81.6 : S Lakmal to du Plessis, Fullish delivery outside off, du Plessis covers his stumps and looks defend it from within the crease but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
82.1 : D Chameera to Kock, No ball! Full on leg, de Kock clips it with ease through square leg for a single. No ball signaled for over-stepping. The replay shows that the decision was a touch harsh on Chameera!
D Chameera to Plessis, Fullish delivery on off, defended late with a straight bat.
82.2 : D Chameera to Plessis, Back of a length delivery outside off, defended off the back foot on the off side. Yet another quick single. Excellent rotation of strike from these two!
82.3 : D Chameera to de Kock, Full and wide outside off, de Kock leans into the drive but unfortunately it's straight at the man at short covers.
82.4 : D Chameera to Kock, Once again full outside off, once again de Kock drives it. This time it's straight down the ground where Chameera does well to stop it on his follow through, diving to his right.
82.5 : D Chameera to Kock, Length delivery tapped to point and Faf calls him for a quick single. De Silva rushes towards the ball and looks to throw it on the dive but fails to hit the target. however, Faf was quick and had made his ground. Another quick single taken!
82.6 : D Chameera to Plessis, Outside off, pushed to covers.
83.1 : S Lakmal to Kock, Fullish delivery on the stumps, defended off the front foot.
83.2 : S Lakmal to Kock, Length delivery angling away, defended off the back foot.
83.3 : S Lakmal to Kock, Length delivery, width on offer, de Kock plays it square of the wicket on the off side.
83.4 : S Lakmal to Kock, Back of a length delivery, played towards backward point. The gully fielder cuts it out and gives away no runs.
83.5 : S Lakmal to Kock, Length delivery, angling across, de Kock shuffles and cuts it front of square on the off side for a single.
83.6 : S Lakmal to Plessis, OUCH! Fullish delivery around off, du Plessis presses forward to defend but gets an inside edge onto the groin area. He is in pain and shouts in agony!
84.1 : D Chameera to Kock, On the pads, flicked through the square leg region for a single.
84.2 : D Chameera to Plessis, Length delivery outside off, Plessis pushes it towards point.
84.3 : D Chameera to Plessis, FOUR! Back of a length delivery outside off, du Plessis punches off the back foot through covers. Finds the gap and Kusal Perera giving it a chase does his best but can't prevent it from reaching the fence.
84.4 : D Chameera to Plessis, Outside off, left alone.
84.5 : D Chameera to Plessis, This time du Plessis leaves it much closer from the body.
84.6 : D Chameera to Plessis, Length delivery outside off, taped to point. De Silva fails to stop it and the batsmen take a couple.
85.1 : S Lakmal to Kock, Full and wide outside off, de Kock gets across and slashes it through covers for a brace. De Kock continues his sublime form by bringing another half century.
0.0 : 7th test fifty for de Kock!
85.2 : S Lakmal to Kock, Comes form around the wicket. Outside off, played to point.
85.3 : S Lakmal to Kock, Length delivery outside off, de Kock looks to cut it but only manages to get a faint bottom edge into the ground and towards the keeper.
85.4 : S Lakmal to Kock, Short and wide outside off, de Kock flashes his bat at it but misses.
85.5 : S Lakmal to Kock, Back of a length delivery, defended off the back foot.
85.6 : S Lakmal to Kock, Short and wide outside off, Quinton slaps it through covers for a couple.
86.1 : D Chameera to Plessis, On the pads, clipped through mid-wicket for three runs. He too brings up his fifty with this.
0.0 : 9th Test fifty for du Plessis!
86.2 : D Chameera to Kock, Full outside off, driven through mid off for a single.
86.3 : D Chameera to Plessis, Full outside off, pushed to mid off.
86.4 : D Chameera to Plessis, Back of a length delivery, punched off the back foot. Perera at short cover makes a good stop, saving a couple of runs for his team. Two runs taken!
100-run partnership between de Kock and du Plessis!
86.5 : D Chameera to Plessis, Outside off, driven to mid off.
86.6 : D Chameera to Plessis, FOUR! Creamed it! Once again it's full outside off, du Plessis leans into the cover drive beautifully and gains four runs for it.
DHANANJAYA DE SILVA comes on to bowl!
87.1 : de Silva to Kock, FOUR! Tossed up outside off, de Kock drives it through covers. Finds the gap and the ball reaches the fence in a flash!
87.2 : de Silva to de Kock, Shortish delivery wide outside off, cut through point for a single.
87.3 : de Silva to Plessis, On the pads, clipped on the leg side for a single.
87.4 : de Silva to Kock, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
87.5 : de Silva to Kock, FOUR! Inside out! Fullish delivery outside off, de Kock lofts it over covers for a boundary. There were 6 men on the off side but still managed to get the ball towards the fence.
87.6 : de Silva to Kock, Sliding into the pads, clipped through mid-wicket for a single.
Rangana Herath will bowl from the other end!
88.1 : R Herath to Kock, Sliding into the pads with the arm, de Kock looks to flick but gets beaten by the variation.
88.2 : R Herath to Kock, This time de Kock manages to connect his flick and gets a single for it.
88.3 : R Herath to Plessis, On middle and leg, clipped to mid-wicket for a single.
88.4 : R Herath to Kock, Spinning into the pads, tickled away on the leg side behind square for a single.
88.5 : R Herath to Plessis, Full outside off, pushed to covers for a single.
88.6 : R Herath to Kock, De Kock places it in the gap at covers for a single.
89.1 : de Silva to Kock, Driven towards the mid-on region. They pick up a single.
89.2 : de Silva to Plessis, Spinning down leg, played with the turn through mid-wicket for a couple.
89.3 : de Silva to Plessis, Once again du Plessis flicks it with the turn towards mid-wicket for a single.
89.4 : de Silva to de Kock, Full outside off, de Kock drives it through covers for another single.
89.5 : de Silva to Plessis, The field is set deep and the Protea manages to run through for another single. This time through the leg side as du Plessis flicks it with the turn.
89.6 : de Silva to Plessis, Full on middle and off, driven to mid on for a single.
90.1 : R Herath to Plessis, Tossed up outside off, du Plessis clears his front leg and drives through covers for a single.
Sri Lanka takes the review against de Kock for an lbw decision given not out!
90.2 : R Herath to Kock, NOT OUT! DECISION STANDS! Served outside off, spinning in, de Kock shuffles across and looks to play it with the turn but misses and gets hit on the pads. Herath and co. appeal but it's turned down. After a discussion with Herath, Mathews opts to take the review. The Ball Tracker shows that the impact is in line but the ball is going on to clip the leg stump. Hence, the onfield decision stands!
90.3 : R Herath to Kock, Played through mid-wicket by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single.
90.4 : R Herath to Plessis, Du Plessis gently pushes it to the widish mid on region and takes another single.
De Kock takes review after given out by the onfield umpire for an lbw decision.
90.5 : Herath to Kock, OUT! DECISION STANDS! Slightly flatter outside off, spinning in a touch, de Kock looks to sweep but misses it completely and gets rapped up on the front pad. The ball then goes in the hands of Mathews at first slip. Herath starts appealing as soon as the ball hit the pad and the umpire raises his finger in agreement. De Kock however reviews it. The Snicko shows no edge but even if it was present he would have been out as Mathews had caught it. But there is no edge and we m
So just 10.5 overs bowled this morning and the Proteas have declared. The runs would never have been an issue, the time factor would have. In all, the Proteas have a minimum of 183 overs to bowl Sri Lanka out - 85 today and 98 tomorrow. Should the Lankans face so many overs and survive, I daresay, we will see the biggest successful run chase in Test history.
A very good batting scorecard for the hosts. Stephen Cook got back-to-back centuries in Tests while Elgar, Amla, Faf and de Kock just made hay while the sun shone. The visitors were nowhere near what they were in the first innings with the ball and were already looking deflated from the very first ball.
The Lankans have their work cut out. They won't be looking at the target, or the overs remaining, but just try and bat out hour by hour and session by session. Perhaps looking for survival should not be the aim. Just play normal cricket, or at least TRY TO. They need not look far for an inspiration. Recently Pakistan gave Australia some shivers, almost chasing down an improbable target of 490. Stay tuned.
0.1 : V Philander to Karunaratne, Full and outside off, not much movement, left alone.
0.2 : V Philander to Karunaratne, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
0.3 : V Philander to Karunaratne, Slightly short outside off, Karunaratne slashes hard but misses.
0.4 : V Philander to Karunaratne, Landed outside off, this time Karunaratne quietly lets it pass.
0.5 : V Philander to Karunaratne, Another one left alone outside off.
0.6 : V Philander to Karunaratne, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
KYLE ABBOTT to share the new ball with Philander.
1.1 : K Abbott to Silva, EDGED, SHORT! Full and around off, Silva comes forward to defend but the ball bounces a shade higher, goes off the outside edge and spears towards the slip cordon. Faf du Plessis gets across from second slip but the ball lands short of him. He parries it towards the keeper. Kaushal played that with soft hands.
1.2 : K Abbott to Silva, Outside off, left alone this time.
1.3 : K Abbott to Silva, Full and outside off, pushed wide of cover for a single.
1.4 : K Abbott to Karunaratne, Around middle, Dimuth looks to play this but the bat turns in his hand and the ball goes off the inner half of the bat, wide of mid on.
1.5 : K Abbott to Karunaratne, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
1.6 : K Abbott to Karunaratne, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
2.1 : V Philander to Silva, Down the leg side, Silva looks to tuck it away but the ball goes off his pads down the leg side. A leg bye taken.
2.2 : V Philander to Karunaratne, Outside off, left alone.
2.3 : V Philander to Karunaratne, Full and outside off, angling away, let through.
2.4 : V Philander to Karunaratne, Full and just around off, watchfully defended.
2.5 : V Philander to Karunaratne, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
2.6 : V Philander to Karunaratne, Outside off, worked to the leg side.
3.1 : K Abbott to Silva, Full and outside off, pushed through the covers for a single.
3.2 : K Abbott to Karunaratne, Nicely bowled. On a good length around off, angling away, Karunaratne had a poke but missed.
3.3 : K Abbott to Karunaratne, Played to the point region by the batsman.
3.4 : K Abbott to Karunaratne, On middle and off, watchfully blocked out.
3.5 : K Abbott to Karunaratne, Full and around off, pushed back to the bowler.
3.6 : K Abbott to Karunaratne, Full and around off, pushed back to the bowler again.
4.1 : V Philander to Silva, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
4.2 : V Philander to K Silva, On middle, worked through the leg side for a single.
4.3 : V Philander to Karunaratne, On middle and leg, tucked to the leg side.
4.4 : V Philander to Karunaratne, Outside off, played straight to point.
4.5 : V Philander to Karunaratne, Oohhh... landed on middle, Dimuth looks to defend but the ball jags back in, takes the inside edge and goes through square leg for a single.
In between, there was some issue with the ball. However, the umpires were happy with it and they are continuing.
4.6 : V Philander to Silva, Full and around off, driven straight back to the bowler.
5.1 : K Abbott to Karunaratne, WIDE. A bouncer on middle, Karunaratne ducks.
K Abbott to Karunaratne, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
5.2 : K Abbott to Karunaratne, On middle, worked straight to mid-wicket.
5.3 : K Abbott to Karunaratne, Outside off, left alone.
5.4 : K Abbott to Karunaratne, On middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a run.
5.5 : K Abbott to Silva, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
5.6 : K Abbott to Silva, Outside off, played straight to point.
6.1 : V Philander to Karunaratne, Outside off, left alone.
6.2 : V Philander to Karunaratne, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
6.3 : V Philander to Karunaratne, Landed outside off, let through.
6.4 : V Philander to Karunaratne, Outside off, fuller in length, Dimuth plays inside the line and is beaten.
6.5 : V Philander to Karunaratne, Landed outside off, well kept out.
6.6 : V Philander to Karunaratne, On middle and leg, flicked uppishly through mid-wicket for a couple.
KAGISO RABADA comes on to bowl.
7.1 : K Rabada to Silva, Outside off, left alone.
7.2 : K Rabada to Silva, Down the leg side, Silva gets across to flick but misses.
7.3 : K Rabada to Silva, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
7.4 : K Rabada to Silva, A bouncer now, Kaushal ducks.
7.5 : K Rabada to Silva, Outside off, left alone.
7.6 : K Rabada to Silva, 1 run.
8.1 : V Philander to Silva, No run.
8.2 : V Philander to Silva, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
8.3 : V Philander to Silva, Full and outside off, watchfully kept out.
8.4 : V Philander to K Silva, The batsman has been struck on the thigh pad. The fielding side are asking the question. The umpire shows no interest in the appeal.
8.5 : V Philander to Silva, Outside off, well kept out.
8.6 : V Philander to Silva, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
9.1 : K Rabada to Karunaratne, FOUR! That is a fine shot. On a good length outside off, Karunaratne punches it through the covers for a boundary.
9.2 : K Rabada to Karunaratne, A short ball, worked to long leg for a couple.
9.3 : K Rabada to Karunaratne, Outside off, left alone.
9.4 : K Rabada to Karunaratne, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
9.5 : K Rabada to Karunaratne, Down the leg side, left alone.
9.6 : K Rabada to Karunaratne, On middle and leg, worked to the leg side.
Change of ends for KYLE ABBOTT.
10.1 : K Abbott to Silva, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
10.2 : K Abbott to Silva, Full and down the leg side, Silva misses his flick.
10.3 : K Abbott to K Silva, Full and outside off, Silva pushes this through the covers and sets off for a single. Stephen Cook gets across from point and has a shy at the keeper's but hits the stump microphone instead.
10.4 : K Abbott to Karunaratne, Full on middle, worked straight to mid on.
10.5 : K Abbott to Karunaratne, Outside off, left alone.
10.6 : K Abbott to Karunaratne, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
11.1 : K Rabada to Silva, EDGED, DROPPED, FOUR!
11.2 : K Rabada to Silva, Outside off, left alone.
11.3 : K Rabada to Silva, Outside off, short in length, Kaushal looks to shoulder arms but the ball jags back in and hits his box.
11.4 : K Rabada to Silva, Now he looks to work it to the leg side but misses and is hit on the pads.
11.5 : K Rabada to Silva, Bouncer! The batsman ducks in time to let that one go over him.
11.6 : K Rabada to Silva, A bouncer on middle, Silva ducks.
12.1 : K Abbott to Karunaratne, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
12.2 : K Abbott to Karunaratne, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
12.3 : K Abbott to Karunaratne, Around off, watchfully blocked.
12.4 : K Abbott to Karunaratne, A sharp bouncer, around off, Dimuth ducks.
12.5 : K Abbott to Karunaratne, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
12.6 : K Abbott to Karunaratne, Stays back in his crease and blocks.
13.1 : K Rabada to Silva, FOUR! Full and wide outside off, Silva leans and drives it through point for a boundary.
13.2 : K Rabada to Silva, Bouncer! The batsman ducks in time to let that one go over him.
13.3 : K Rabada to Silva, Down the leg side, short in length, tucked through the vacant leg slip region for a single.
13.4 : K Rabada to Karunaratne, The batsman fails to get bat on that one and is hit on the pad.
Excellent observation from Shaun Pollock on air. He is mentioning about why de Kock ended up dropping that catch an over ago. He keenly observes, stating that de Kock is not exactly ready when the ball is delivered. He is still moving, either to his right and left, and hence, is not exactly still. Good keepers always keep their heads and body still at the time of delivery.
13.5 : K Rabada to Karunaratne, Wide outside off stump, the batsman leaves it alone. The umpire has signalled a wide.
K Rabada to Karunaratne, Full on middle, pushed straight to mid on.
13.6 : K Rabada to Karunaratne, The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket. LUNCH ON DAY 4!
A good session for Sri Lanka. Runs are not that important. But they have negated 14 overs of the minimum 183. Silva got a life but that was a brute of a ball and you get that here and there in your innings. Karunaratne has looked solid from the other end. In short, the Lankan openers have shown in the brief period that they are prepared to survive.
South Africa bowled well but cannot say they were menacing. Yes, they were consistent, but plenty of balls were bowled in areas which were easily left alone. They needed to bowl more balls in the area between good and full lengths, as some of those were generating extra bounce. They will look to hit those areas more after Lunch. Join us back at 1610 IST (1040 GMT).
... DAY 4, SESSION 2 ...
We are back for the second session of day 4. Sri Lanka saw off the first session without any loss of wicket. Now, 5 more sessions to go. Kaushal Silva and Dimuth Karunaratne will look to extend their gritty opening stand as long as possible. VERNON PHILANDER to start off the proceedings. He will look to swing the match in his team's way.
14.1 : V Philander to Silva, Length delivery outside off, Silva covers his stumps and presses forward in defence but away movement with extra bounce surprises him and hits him on the glove.
14.2 : V Philander to Silva, Outside off, defended with a straight bat.
14.3 : V Philander to Silva, Full outside off, driven through mid off. There's no mid off in place. Maharaj from short mid off gives it a chase and keeps it down to three.
14.4 : V Philander to Karunaratne, Fullish delivery outside off, angling across, Karunaratne looks to push at it but fails to connect.
14.5 : V Philander to Karunaratne, Outside off, left alone.
14.6 : V Philander to Karunaratne, Fullish delivery around off, angling across, defended off the inner half of the bat back to the bowler. Philander mimes of throwing the ball back. Some aggression over there!
KYLE ABBOTT to bowl from the other end.
15.1 : K Abbott to Silva, Full outside off, pushed to point.
15.2 : K Abbott to Silva, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.
15.3 : K Abbott to Silva, Full on middle and off, almost a yorker. Silva brings his bat down in time and clips it to square leg.
15.4 : K Abbott to Silva, Fuller length delivery outside off, pushed to short mid off.
15.5 : K Abbott to Silva, Angling in from around off, defended off the front foot on the off side.
15.6 : K Abbott to Silva, BEATEN! Length delivery outside off, KS pokes at it and gets beaten past the outside edge. That's better from Abbott!
16.1 : V Philander to Karunaratne, Pitched up outside off, Karunaratne defends it off the inner half of the bat back to the bowler.
16.2 : V Philander to Karunaratne, Outside off and angling away further, punched to point.
16.3 : V Philander to Karunaratne, Comes from around the wicket to mix up things. Fires in a fullish delivery angling in, dug out well by Dimuth.
16.4 : V Philander to Karunaratne, Pitched outside off, Karunaratne leaves it.
16.5 : V Philander to Karunaratne, Length delivery angling in from outside off, defended with the angle on the leg side.
16.6 : V Philander to Karunaratne, Pitched outside off, DK covers his stumps and opts to leave the ball.
17.1 : K Abbott to Silva, FOUR! Shot! Full on middle and off, driven straight through mid on for a boundary. Everything was right about this shot! Head was still and just leaned into the drive! That was shot of the day!
17.2 : K Abbott to Silva, Once again Silva driven straight back, where Abbott makes a half stop.
17.3 : K Abbott to Silva, Full outside off, pushed to mid off.
17.4 : K Abbott to Silva, Banged in short! Silva ducks under it to let it sail through!
17.5 : K Abbott to Silva, Length delivery outside off, shaping away a touch, Silva pokes at it but once again is beaten!
17.6 : K Abbott to Silva, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through.
18.1 : V Philander to Karunaratne, FOUR! Easy pickings! On the pads, clipped through mid-wicket for a boundary. The short mid on fielder didn't even move. That's Karunaratne's strength!
18.2 : V Philander to Karunaratne, A peach of a delivery! From around the wicket, lands it outside off, gets the ball to move away after pitching. DK looks to defend it with the angle but gets beaten.
18.3 : V Philander to Karunaratne, Length delivery, angling in, defended from within the crease.
18.4 : V Philander to Karunaratne, Back of a length delivery, punched off the back foot on the off side.
Maharaj has been moved to deep square leg. Short ball might be around the corner!
18.5 : V Philander to Karunaratne, He bowls it fuller around off, defended solidly to covers.
18.6 : V Philander to Karunaratne, So that fielding move was a double bluff as once again he pitches it full outside off, defended with a straight bat.
19.1 : K Abbott to Silva, Pitched outside off, angles in but after getting past the stumps. Silva leaves it in his typical style.
19.2 : K Abbott to Silva, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
19.3 : Abbott to Silva, A mild appeal! Length delivery outside off, nips back in, Kaushal shuffles across and presses ahead to defend but gets beaten by the inward movement. Gets hit high on the pads. The fielding side appeal but the umpire shakes his head in denial. The replay shows that the impact was outside off and also was high.
19.4 : K Abbott to Silva, This time Silva defends solidly by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
19.5 : K Abbott to K Silva, FOUR! Guided through! Length delivery outside off, Silva leans ahead and guides it through the third man region. Elgar from the slip codon gives it a chase but as he dives to save the boundary, his body crosses the fence when in contact with the ball. Bavuma running along with him signals four to the umpire.
19.6 : K Abbott to Silva, Pitched outside off, Silva remains solid in defence.
KAGISO RABADA has been brought on.
20.1 : K Rabada to D Karunaratne, No run.
20.2 : K Rabada to Karunaratne, Length delivery outside off, defended off the back foot.
20.3 : K Rabada to Karunaratne, The batsman defends it from within the crease.
20.4 : K Rabada to Karunaratne, Angling into Karunaratne, punched off the back foot to mid on.
20.5 : K Rabada to Karunaratne, Outside off, left alone.
20.6 : K Rabada to Karunaratne, BEATEN! Length delivery outside off, DK presses forward in defence but gets beaten as the ball whizzes past the outside edge with a hint of away movement.
21.1 : K Abbott to Silva, Outside off, watchfully defended.
21.2 : K Abbott to Silva, Nice shot. Driven down the ground but Duminy at silly mid on dives to his right and parries it to mid on.
21.3 : K Abbott to Silva, Bouncer! The batsman ducks under the bouncer at the last moment.
21.4 : K Abbott to Silva, Length delivery outside off, defended from within the crease.
21.5 : K Abbott to Silva, Angling into the batsman, defended with a straight bat off the back foot.
21.6 : K Abbott to Silva, FOUR! On the hips, Silva gets across and works it fine behind square on the leg side for a boundary.
Bowling change as KESHAV MAHARAJ is introduced! A backward short leg is in place for him!
22.1 : K Maharaj to Karunaratne, Tossed up outside off, defended by proding forward on the leg side.
22.2 : K Maharaj to Karunaratne, Spinning into the southpaw, defended with the turn to mid-wicket.
22.3 : K Maharaj to Karunaratne, Served fuller outside off, DK leans ahead and blocks it.
22.4 : K Maharaj to Karunaratne, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
22.5 : K Maharaj to Karunaratne, Flighted around off, spinning in, Karunaratne gets a long way across and looks to sweep it but doesn't connect. Is lucky to have got some glove on it else he would have been dead plumb. The ball then runs towards fine leg. Three runs taken! Good running!
22.6 : K Maharaj to Silva, Served on off, defended to mid on.
Change of ends for KAGISO RABADA!
23.1 : K Rabada to Karunaratne, Length delivery outside off, defended off the back foot.
23.2 : K Rabada to Karunaratne, Length delivery angling in, defended with a straight bat.
23.3 : K Rabada to Karunaratne, Angling into the pads, flicked on the leg side.
23.4 : K Rabada to Karunaratne, Angling down leg, DK looks to work it but misses.
23.5 : K Rabada to Karunaratne, On middle and off and angling in, played into the ground and towards short leg.
23.6 : K Rabada to Karunaratne, Banged in short, Karunaratne ducks under it!
24.1 : K Maharaj to Silva, Outside leg, clipped through mid-wicket for a couple. This also brings the 50-run stand for the opening wicket!
24.2 : K Maharaj to Silva, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
24.3 : K Maharaj to Silva, DROPPED! Slightly flatter and quicker on middle, Silva charges down and whips it from the pitch of the delivery. Elgar at short mid-wicket gets to his left and jumps full stretch. Gets his hand to it but fails to hold on to it. The ball then goes towards mid on and the batsmen run through for a single.
24.4 : K Maharaj to Karunaratne, On middle and leg, played through mid-wicket for a couple.
24.5 : K Maharaj to Karunaratne, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
24.6 : K Maharaj to Karunaratne, Karunaratne gets to the pitch of the ball and blocks it near the surface!
25.1 : K Rabada to Silva, Outside off, left alone.
25.2 : K Rabada to Silva, OUCH! That must have surely hurt! Banged in short, angling in, Silva gets his eyes off the ball and ducks. The ball doesn't bounce as much as he expects and gets hit on the rib cage.
25.3 : K Rabada to Silva, Length delivery outside off, Silva covers his stumps and lets it go through.
25.4 : K Rabada to Silva, 4 Byes! Wayward delivery! Tries a yorker but gets it wrong completely. Pitches it wide down the leg side. De Kock also fails to stop it and the ball runs away to the fine leg fence.
25.5 : K Rabada to Silva, Wide down the leg side, the batsman leaves it alone.
25.6 : K Rabada to Silva, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
26.1 : K Maharaj to Karunaratne, Defended with the turn to square leg.
26.2 : K Maharaj to Karunaratne, Dimuth stays in the crease and defends it late.
26.3 : K Maharaj to Karunaratne, DK gets to the pitch of the ball and defends it on the bounce.
26.4 : K Maharaj to Karunaratne, Karunaratne again uses his feet, gets to the pitch of the ball and drives through mid on for a single.
26.5 : K Maharaj to Silva, Beautiful delivery! Tossed up nicely outside off, Silva looks to defend it off the front foot but gets beaten by the ball spinning away. De Kock behind the stumps collects it cleanly and removes the bails off but there is no appeal as never Silva left his crease.
26.6 : K Maharaj to Silva, On middle and leg, Silva gets out of his crease and carves it towards covers.
27.1 : K Rabada to Karunaratne, Full and angling in, defended solidly.
27.2 : K Rabada to Karunaratne, FOUR! Shortish delivery wide outside off, Karunaratne looks to slap it but gets off the toe end through covers and to the fence. Rabada should be bowling closer to the stumps.
27.3 : K Rabada to Karunaratne, Beaten! Length delivery outside off, DK looks to defend it from within the crease but gets beaten as the ball straightens a bit.
27.4 : K Rabada to Karunaratne, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
27.5 : K Rabada to Karunaratne, Again a wide delivery, Dimuth looks to cut it but misses it this time.
27.6 : K Rabada to Karunaratne, Outside off, an easy leave for the batsman.
28.1 : K Maharaj to Silva, Silva once again uses his feet and plays it towards mid on.
28.2 : K Maharaj to Silva, Fuller on the stumps, Silva gets ahead and pushes it to covers.
28.3 : K Maharaj to Silva, Landed on middle and leg, spinning away, Silva looks to sweep it trying to play it with the angle but the away turn beats him and the ball goes from the behind of the bat towards mid-wicket.
28.4 : K Maharaj to Silva, Flatter outside off, punched through covers for a single.
28.5 : K Maharaj to Karunaratne, Fuller on the stumps, eased down to long on for a single.
28.6 : K Maharaj to Silva, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
29.1 : K Rabada to Karunaratne, A bouncer, Karunaratne ducks.
29.2 : K Rabada to D Karunaratne, Length delivery on the stumps, driven straight back. The batsmen take three runs.
29.3 : K Rabada to Silva, Outside off, left alone.
29.4 : K Rabada to Silva, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
29.5 : K Rabada to K Silva, FOUR! Sweetly timed! Length delivery outside off, punched from within the crease through covers for a boundary.
29.6 : K Rabada to Silva, Length delivery outside off, Silva remains composed in defence.
DRINKS BREAK! Sri Lanka have seen through another hour of play without losing any wickets. South Africa should now worry about the partnership and should be on the attack!
30.1 : K Maharaj to Karunaratne, Tossed up outside off, spinning in, Dimuth looks to defend it off the front foot but gets off the inner edge of the bat into the ground and towards leg gully.
30.2 : K Maharaj to Karunaratne, FOUR! Karunaratne brings out the reverse sweep! Fuller on the stumps, Karunaratne reverse sweeps through backward point for a boundary.
30.3 : K Maharaj to Karunaratne, Spinning into the pads, worked with the spin to mid-wicket.
30.4 : K Maharaj to Karunaratne, Once again, DK plays it with the spin towards mid-wicket.
30.5 : K Maharaj to Karunaratne, Spinning down leg, Dimuth camps back and works it with the spin to leg gully.
30.6 : K Maharaj to Karunaratne, This time Karunaratne finds the gap on the leg side as he flicks it with the turn and take a single.
VERNON PHILANDER is into the attack now!
31.1 : V Philander to Karunaratne, Length delivery outside off, angling in, Dimuth covers his stumps and makes the leave.
31.2 : V Philander to Karunaratne, Angling into the pads, Karunaratne shuffles and tucks it through square leg for a couple.
31.3 : V Philander to Karunaratne, FOUR! Similar delivery, similar shot but an even better result! Once again Karunaratne shuffles across and Philander gets his line wrong as he angles it down leg, tucked through backward square leg for a boundary.
31.4 : V Philander to Karunaratne, Outside off, left alone.
31.5 : V Philander to Karunaratne, Length delivery outside off, defended off the back foot.
31.6 : V Philander to Karunaratne, Full and angling in, played with the angle through mid-wicket for a single.
32.1 : K Maharaj to Karunaratne, Karunaratne gets to the pitch of the ball and defends it on the bounce towards mid-wicket.
32.2 : K Maharaj to Karunaratne, Shortish delivery outside off, DK waits for it to turn into him and then cuts through covers for a brace.
32.3 : K Maharaj to Karunaratne, Once again Karunaratne uses his feet, gets to the pitch of the ball and eases it down to long on for a single.
The square leg umpire has referred it upstairs for a run out appeal against Karunaratne!
32.4 : K Maharaj to Karunaratne, OUT! Run out! What have you done Karunaratne! Tossed up around middle and off, Silva uses his feet and carves it through covers. There's some confusion in the middle as Karunaratne calls Silva for a single but stumbles after taking off. However, he runs through in the end. Duminy is the man present at covers. He gets to the ball in a flash, collects the ball and throws in a single moment. It's a good throw as it goes straight in the gloves of de Kock, who takes
KUSAL PERERA walks in at no. 3!
32.5 : K Maharaj to Perera, Played through mid-wicket by the batsman.
32.6 : K Maharaj to Perera, Spinning into the pads, flicked away on the leg side for a single.
33.1 : V Philander to Perera, Length delivery outside off, defended to point.
33.2 : V Philander to Perera, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
33.3 : V Philander to Perera, Length delivery angling in, defended from within the crease.
33.4 : V Philander to Perera, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
33.5 : V Philander to Perera, Full on the pads, flicked behind square on the leg side for a single.
33.6 : V Philander to Silva, Full on middle and leg, clipped to mid-wicket.
34.1 : K Maharaj to Perera, Appeal for LBW! Served outside off, spinning in sharply, surprises Perera, who gets beaten by the turn and is hit on the pads. De Kock and Maharaj appeal but is turned down by Aleem Dar. The replay shows it was spinning too much and also was high.
34.2 : K Maharaj to Perera, FOUR! Spinning down leg, tickled round the corner for a boundary through fine leg.
34.3 : K Maharaj to Perera, Short outside off, Perera looks to cut it but gets a bottom edge into the ground and towards first slip.
34.4 : K Maharaj to Perera, Full on the stumps, driven to mid off.
34.5 : K Maharaj to Perera, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
34.6 : K Maharaj to K Perera, OUT! Maharaj strikes! Short outside off, Perera looks to cut it but once again fails to get it off the middle of the bat as the ball bounces a touch higher, catches the outside edge of the bat and de Kock behind the stumps takes a sharp reflex catch. Perera's short stint is over. Can this open the floodgates? SRI LANKA NOW TRAIL BY 395 RUNS WITH 8 WICKETS IN HAND!
KUSAL MENDIS walks in next!
35.1 : V Philander to Silva, Length delivery outside off, defended off the front foot.
35.2 : V Philander to Silva, Full on the stumps, driven to mid on.
35.3 : V Philander to Silva, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
35.4 : V Philander to Silva, BEATEN! Full outside off, Silva drives but gets beaten as he is late into it.
35.5 : V Philander to Silva, Once again Silva is beaten as the ball swings away after pitching.
35.6 : V Philander to Silva, Full outside off, driven on the up to mid off.
KYLE ABBOTT is back on!
36.1 : K Abbott to Mendis, Length delivery outside off, defended off the back foot.
36.2 : K Abbott to Mendis, Back of a length delivery outside off, nips back in sharply, Mendis gets on his toes and defends it into the ground.
36.3 : K Abbott to Mendis, Pitched on a length outside off, defended from within the crease.
36.4 : K Abbott to Mendis, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump.
36.5 : K Abbott to Mendis, Length delivery angling in, defended from within the crease.
36.6 : K Abbott to Mendis, Fullish outside off, angling in, defended with a straight bat.
Change of ends for KESHAV MAHARAJ.
37.1 : K Maharaj to Silva, Served fuller outside off, spinning away a touch, Silva prods forward in defence but is beaten by the turn and goes off the outer half of the bat and just wide of fist slip.
37.2 : K Maharaj to Silva, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
37.3 : K Maharaj to Silva, Silva charges down and blocks the ball on the bounce.
37.4 : Maharaj to Silva, A mild appeal! Served outside off, Silva comes out of his crease once again and plays it towards covers. There are two noises and the fielding side starts appealing but the umpire turns it down. The replay shows that the ball brushes the pad on its way and then comes off the bat towards covers. However, the impact was outside off!
37.5 : K Maharaj to Silva, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
37.6 : K Maharaj to Silva, Served fuller on the stumps, defended off the front foot with the full face of his bat.
38.1 : K Abbott to Mendis, Pitched outside off, left alone.
38.2 : K Abbott to Mendis, Mendis makes another leave to the outside off delivery.
38.3 : K Abbott to Mendis, Length delivery angling in, defended from within the crease with a straight bat.
38.4 : K Abbott to Mendis, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
38.5 : K Abbott to Mendis, Length delivery angling in, Mendis shuffles across and plays it late behind square on the leg side for a single.
38.6 : K Abbott to Silva, Length delivery outside off, nips back in a touch, Silva looks to defend it from within the crease but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
39.1 : K Maharaj to Mendis, Tossed up on middle and leg, Mendis clears his front leg and drives it back to the bowler.
39.2 : K Maharaj to Mendis, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
39.3 : K Maharaj to Mendis, Full outside off, driven to mid off.
39.4 : K Maharaj to Mendis, FOUR! Swept away! Low full toss, Mendis gets down on one knee and sweeps it through square leg for a boundary.
39.5 : K Maharaj to Mendis, Around off, KM prods forward in defence.
39.6 : K Maharaj to Mendis, Straighter one, landed outside off, Mendis goes back and defends it on the off side.
40.1 : K Abbott to Silva, Full outside off, driven to covers.
0.0 : A run out decision against Mendis is referred upstairs.
40.2 : Abbott to Silva, NOT OUT! Full outside off, driven straight back. Abbott gets a hand to it and deflects it onto the stumps. Mendis who is out of his crease, turns back immediately and dives back in. The players appeal and the onfield umpire refers it upstairs. The replays confirm that Abbott has got hand to it however Mendis has made his ground before the ball hit the stumps.
40.3 : K Abbott to Silva, Outside off, pushed to covers.
40.4 : K Abbott to Silva, Bouncer! The batsman ducks in time to let that one go over him.
40.5 : K Abbott to Silva, Another bouncer! Silva ducks under it once again!
40.6 : K Abbott to Silva, Sloppy from Duminy! Full outside off, driven through covers. Duminy present there misfields and gives away a couple.
41.1 : K Maharaj to Mendis, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
41.2 : K Maharaj to Mendis, Shortish delivery, going on with the angle. Mendis goes back and cuts it into the ground and towards covers.
41.3 : K Maharaj to Mendis, FOUR! Swept away uppishly! Tossed up on the stumps, Mendis kneels down and sweeps over mid-wicket for a boundary.
41.4 : K Maharaj to Mendis, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
41.5 : K Maharaj to Mendis, Served fuller outside off, driven to mid off.
41.6 : K Maharaj to Mendis, Landed around off, Kusal prods forward and blocks it.
42.1 : K Abbott to Silva, A touch fuller outside off, angling in, defended with a straight bat.
42.2 : K Abbott to Silva, Outside off, pushed to covers.
42.3 : K Abbott to Silva, Full outside off, driven through covers for a couple.
42.4 : K Abbott to Silva, Pitched outside off, Silva presses forward in defence.
42.5 : K Abbott to Silva, On a length outside off, Silva stays in his crease and defends it with a straight bat.
42.6 : K Abbott to Silva, Outside off, Silva lets it go through!
There is a slight delay to start of the over as Maharaj is having a conversation with his skipper. Might be about a ploy against Kusal Mendis!
43.1 : K Maharaj to K Mendis, Served outside off, spinning away, Mendis prods forward in defence but gets an outside edge into the ground and towards first slip.
43.2 : K Maharaj to Mendis, Outside off, spinning away, Mendis once again looks to defend it off the front foot but gets beaten by the away turn.
43.3 : K Maharaj to Mendis, Shortish delivery, KM goes back and cuts through covers. Duminy, present there, makes a half stop which allows the batsmen run through for a single.
43.4 : K Maharaj to K Silva, Silva leans ahead in defence but the ball spins away after landing, catches the outside edge and goes past Amla at first slip. The batsmen take a single!
43.5 : K Maharaj to K Mendis, Tossed up outside off, driven through mid off. This time it's the skipper who is sloppy in his field and gives away a single.
43.6 : K Maharaj to K Silva, FOUR! Shortish delivery outside off, turning away, Silva presses forward initially but then adjusts his shot seeing the length. However, ends up top edging it over Amla at first slip and through to the third man fence.
44.1 : K Abbott to Mendis, Full on middle and off, Mendis clips it superbly through front of square on the leg side and gets three runs for it.
44.2 : K Abbott to Silva, Length delivery outside off, defended off the front foot.
44.3 : K Abbott to Silva, Angling into the batsman, Silva looks to defend it from within the crease but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
44.4 : K Abbott to Silva, Short delivery, surprises Silva who plays an uncontrolled pull towards mid-wicket and runs through for a couple.
44.5 : K Abbott to Silva, Full outside off, driven on the up to mid off.
44.6 : K Abbott to Silva, Pitched up around off, driven straight back. Abbott fields it and hurls a friendly underarm throw at the striker's end to end things off of the second session as it's TEA ON DAY 4!
From 27/0 to 118/2 is what we witnessed in the session. Sri Lanka's openers continued their gritty innings and started frustrating the African bowlers as they saw off another hour after Lunch safely. However, luck was what South Africa needed and they got it when Karunaratne stumbled while going for a run and got run out! This boosted the confidence of the hosts as they soon got rid of Kusal Perera!
Keshav Maharaj was the pick of the bowlers for the hosts as he troubled the Lankan batsmen the most with the amount of turn he purchased from the surface. The quickies were trying their hearts out but the visitors played them well and didn't offer any loose shots. South Africa need 8 wickets more to win while Silva and Mendis still look to fight it out for their team in the middle. Let's see what the third session has in bag for us when we return shortly with it.
... DAY 4, SESSION 3 ...
Welcome back for the final session of day 4. Mendis and Silva calmed things down after losing 2 quick wickets. They will have to stay strong in the middle and the middle order batsmen to follow also have to step up if they want to save this match. South Africa will look to come up and running after the break and look to scalp some quick wickets. KESHAV MAHARAJ will begin the proceedings for this session!
45.1 : K Maharaj to Mendis, Full and outside off, driven waste of mid off.
45.2 : K Maharaj to Mendis, Played to the point region by the batsman.
45.3 : K Maharaj to Mendis, Half volley outside off, pushed straight to cover.
45.4 : K Maharaj to Mendis, Full and around middle and leg, defended back to the bowler.
45.5 : K Maharaj to Mendis, Landed outside off, pushed towards mid off.
45.6 : K Maharaj to Mendis, Full and outside off, pushed towards extra cover.
KAGISO RABADA is back on.
46.1 : K Rabada to Silva, Full and down the leg side, Silva misses his flick.
0.0 : Silva has been adjudged LBW! He has taken the review though.
46.2 : Rabada to Silva, OUT! LBW! Rabada strikes immediately on return! On a good length outside off, nipping back in, Silva looks to defend but misses the line and is hit on the pads. Rabada appeals, umpire Aleem Dar takes his time and then raises his finger! Silva has a chat with Mendis and then takes the review. Replays do not detect any inside edge and Hawk Eye shows that to be hitting leg stump, in spite of the ball hitting him on the knee roll. End of a watchful and patient knock.
ANGELO MATHEWS walks in at number 5, replacing Silva.
46.3 : K Rabada to Mathews, Full and just around off, flicked wide of mid on. Kyle Abbott puts in the hard yards after it and manages to stop it near the ropes. Three runs taken.
A short leg comes in place now.
46.4 : K Rabada to Mendis, On a good length around off, defended watchfully.
46.5 : K Rabada to Mendis, On middle and off, Mendis works it towards mid-wicket. Mathews wants a single but Mendis clearly shouts, "NO! NO!"
46.6 : K Rabada to Mendis, Outside off, placed behind point for a single.
47.1 : K Maharaj to Mendis, Landed around off, defended from the crease.
47.2 : K Maharaj to Mendis, Comes down the track, has a hack and luckily for him, does not time it well. The ball does not carry to mid on.
47.3 : K Maharaj to Mendis, Full and around off, watchfully kept out.
47.4 : K Maharaj to Mendis, Oohhh... that came off the edge. Full and outside off, Mendis looks to defend but the ball goes off the outside edge, wide of first slip towards third man. A single taken.
47.5 : K Maharaj to Mathews, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
47.6 : K Maharaj to Mathews, Landed around off, watchfully blocked out.
48.1 : K Rabada to Mendis, Full and outside off, pushed beautifully but straight to short cover.
48.2 : K Rabada to Mendis, On middle and off, worked through mid-wicket for a single.
48.3 : K Rabada to Mathews, A short ball around off, Mathews sways away from the line.
48.4 : K Rabada to Mathews, That ball has struck the batsman on the thigh-pad. The batsmen have run through for a single. Leg byes signalled by the umpire.
48.5 : K Rabada to Mendis, FOUR! FABULOUS! Full and outside off, Mendis leans and drives it wide of mid off for a boundary!
48.6 : K Rabada to Mendis, Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
49.1 : K Maharaj to Mathews, No run.
49.2 : K Maharaj to Mathews, The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball.
49.3 : K Maharaj to Mathews, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
49.4 : K Maharaj to Mathews, Full and around off, well kept out.
49.5 : K Maharaj to Mathews, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
49.6 : K Maharaj to Mathews, Played to the mid-wicket region by the batsman. The batsmen have picked up a couple of runs.
50.1 : K Rabada to Mendis, Landed around middle and off, defended from the crease.
50.2 : K Rabada to Mendis, Bouncer! The batsman does well to evade it.
50.3 : K Rabada to Mendis, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
50.4 : K Rabada to Mendis, A bouncer now, Kusal ducks.
50.5 : K Rabada to K Mendis, A short ball outside off, Mendis rises to fend but the ball goes off the outside edge wide of slip to third man. A single taken.
50.6 : K Rabada to Mathews, The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket. They manage to come back for the second.
51.1 : K Maharaj to Mendis, Full and outside off, Mendis looks to defend and then tries to take his bat away but is beaten.
51.2 : K Maharaj to Mendis, Short and outside off, cut straight to point.
51.3 : K Maharaj to Mendis, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
51.4 : K Maharaj to Mendis, MISFIELD! FOUR! Too many of those today. Full and on middle, Mendis gets down and sweeps it through square leg. It is straight to Stephen Cook over there who gets down but lets it right through his legs. Gateway of India or Sydney Harbour Bridge. Or any other which might be in South Africa.
51.5 : K Maharaj to Mendis, Outside off, punched off the back foot.
51.6 : K Maharaj to Mendis, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
52.1 : K Rabada to Mathews, Full on middle, pushed straight to mid on.
52.2 : K Rabada to Mathews, Outside off, left alone.
52.3 : K Rabada to Mathews, Landed around off, defended from the crease.
52.4 : K Rabada to Mathews, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot for a single. Leg bye signalled.
52.5 : K Rabada to Mendis, FOUR! Uppish but wide. Short and wide outside off, Mendis opens the face of the bat and guides it towards point, aerially. The fielder from backward point dives to his right but cannot get to the ball. Into the fence she goes.
52.6 : K Rabada to Mendis, The batsman does well to stand tall and play that short delivery.
53.1 : K Maharaj to Mathews, FOUR! THRASH! Full on middle, Mathews charges down the track and blasts it past the bowler down to long on for a boundary.
53.2 : K Maharaj to Mathews, Full and outside off, pushed straight to cover.
53.3 : K Maharaj to Mathews, Comes down the track and drives it to deepish mid off for a single.
53.4 : K Maharaj to Mendis, Landed around middle, spinning away, squares Mendis up who somehow pushes it to the off side.
53.5 : K Maharaj to K Mendis, FOUR! Wasn't in total control but got it into the gap. Short and outside off, Mendis rocked back and looked to cut. The ball flew off the top edge but well wide of the man at point, over covers for a boundary. 150 UP FOR SRI LANKA.
53.6 : K Maharaj to Mendis, Full and outside off, flicked through mid-wicket for a couple. Mendis wants the third but is sent back.
54.1 : K Rabada to Mathews, Outside off, left alone.
54.2 : K Rabada to Mathews, FOUR! A full toss on the pads, Mathews flicks it away with ease through mid-wicket for a boundary!
54.3 : K Rabada to Mathews, FOUR! More runs. A short ball outside off, Mathews places it nicely behind point and gets another boundary.
54.4 : K Rabada to Mathews, Full and around off, Angelo looks to defend but the ball goes off the inside edge through square leg. A single taken.
54.5 : K Rabada to Mendis, FOUR! The runs are flowing now. Full and outside off, Mathews drives it straight down the ground and beats mid off comfortably for the third boundary of the over!
54.6 : K Rabada to Mendis, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
55.1 : K Maharaj to Mathews, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
55.2 : K Maharaj to Mathews, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
Review taken by South Africa. Maharaj reckons he has Mathews trapped LBW in front, albeit not convincingly. Faf du Plessis is happy to take the half-chance.
55.3 : K Maharaj to Mathews, NOT OUT. It was the arm ball, around off, skidded on, beating Mathews on his flick. He was hit on the pads and Maharaj and de Kock immediately went up on the appeal but umpire Oxenford shook his head. Maharaj intially did not look too keen on the review but Faf du Plessis asked someone and then went for the review. Hawk Eye showed the ball to be missing leg.
55.4 : K Maharaj to Mathews, FOUR! Nicely played. Fractionally short around off, Mathews uses his wrists and works it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
50-run stand is up in just 56 balls!
55.5 : K Maharaj to Mathews, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
55.6 : K Maharaj to Mathews, Full and around off, watchfully kept out.
VERNON PHILANDER returns.
56.1 : V Philander to Mendis, On a length around off, turned towards mid-wicket for a couple.
56.2 : V Philander to Mendis, Down the leg side, tickled straight to backward square leg.
56.3 : V Philander to Mendis, Landed around off, watchfully defended.
56.4 : V Philander to Mendis, A short ball around off, Kusal rises with the bounce and keeps it down.
56.5 : V Philander to Mendis, On middle and off, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.
56.6 : V Philander to Mendis, FOUR! On the pads, flicked easily through mid-wicket for a boundary. Don't want to be missing such gifts.
57.1 : K Maharaj to Mathews, Landed around off, punched straight back to the bowler.
57.2 : K Maharaj to Mathews, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
57.3 : K Maharaj to Mathews, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman.
57.4 : K Maharaj to Mathews, Around off, worked straight to short mid-wicket.
57.5 : K Maharaj to Mathews, Full and outside off, pushed towards cover. Mendis wants a single and comes half way down the track but is sent back.
57.6 : K Maharaj to Mathews, Almost a yorker on middle, Mathews comes forward and defends.
58.1 : V Philander to Mendis, On a good length around off, defended watchfully.
58.2 : V Philander to Mendis, Similar ball, closer to the off stump, defended awkwardly.
58.3 : V Philander to Mendis, Down the leg side, flicked uppishly towards backward square leg for a single.
58.4 : V Philander to Mathews, Around off and outside off, pushed back to the bowler.
58.5 : V Philander to Mathews, Landed outside off, defended awkwardly back to the bowler.
58.6 : V Philander to Mathews, Another back foot defense to end the over.
59.1 : K Maharaj to Mendis, Landed around off, defended watchfully.
59.2 : K Maharaj to Mendis, Tossed up outside off, Mendis drives it inside out through the covers where Temba Bavuma dives to his left and stops the ball. Hurts himself in the process, perhaps the ball hit him on the lips.
59.3 : K Maharaj to Mendis, FOUR! THUMP! Full and outside off, Mendis gets down and sweeps it over mid-wicket for a boundary! It has been a good, controlled knock. Solid, to say the least.
THIRD TEST FIFTY for Kusal Mendis.
59.4 : K Maharaj to K Mendis, Full and outside off, Kusal pushes at it and gets a thick outside edge wide of slip to third man. A single taken.
59.5 : K Maharaj to Mathews, Driven through the covers by the batsman.
59.6 : K Maharaj to Mathews, Comes down the track and drives it to mid on.
60.1 : V Philander to Mendis, On a good length around off, defended solidly.
60.2 : V Philander to K Mendis, Full and outside off, driven straight to cover.
60.3 : V Philander to Mendis, Landed outside off, angling in, defended towards covers.
60.4 : V Philander to Mendis, Comes back in, Kusal stays back to defend. The ball hits the toe end of the bat and drops down ear his feet.
60.5 : V Philander to Mendis, Outside off, eased behind point for a couple.
60.6 : V Philander to Mendis, Short and outside off, Mendis jumps and plays with his back leg in the air, ala flamingo type, towards cover.
61.1 : K Maharaj to A Mathews, Full and outside off, driven back to the bowler.
61.2 : K Maharaj to Mathews, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. He wants the single but Temba Bavuma at silly mid on comes in front of him to stop the ball and Mendis is obstructed. He still tries to run around him but Mathews now sends him back. Meanwhile, short mid-wicket gets around and has a shy at the bowler's end, seeing Mendis wandering out of his crease. Mendis hurries back.
61.3 : K Maharaj to Mathews, Full and outside off, Mathews guides it off the outside edge to Hashim Amla at first slip.
61.4 : K Maharaj to Mathews, The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total.
61.5 : K Maharaj to Mendis, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
61.6 : K Maharaj to Mendis, Landed outside off, Kusal looks to defend but gets an inside edge through square leg. A run taken.
62.1 : V Philander to Mendis, Landed around off, defended back to the bowler.
62.2 : V Philander to Mendis, A short ball on middle, pulled through mid-wicket for a single.
62.3 : V Philander to Mathews, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
62.4 : V Philander to Mathews, On a good length outside off, Mathews feels for it and the ball shapes away to beat the outside edge.
62.5 : V Philander to Mathews, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
62.6 : V Philander to Mathews, Outside off, watchfully played at.
63.1 : K Maharaj to Mendis, On middle, flicked away for a single.
63.2 : K Maharaj to Mathews, Comes down the track and blasts it straight back. Maharaj tries to stop it with a right hand but is hurt. The ball goes to long on and the batsmen take a run.
63.3 : K Maharaj to Mendis, Comes down the track, hits it uppishly but mistimes it. The ball does not carry to mid on.
63.4 : K Maharaj to Mendis, Full on middle, swept away for a run.
63.5 : K Maharaj to Mathews, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
63.6 : K Maharaj to Mathews, Works it down the leg side for one.
KAGISO RABADA is back on. He is going to be bowling around the wicket with a deep backward square leg, deep mid-wicket and a backward short leg.
64.1 : K Rabada to Mathews, A short ball outside off, pulled through mid-wicket for a single. One bouncer for the over signalled.
64.2 : K Rabada to Mendis, OUT! Caught! That is a loss in concentration. The short ploy works. But the shot played was poor. That happens when you are in a zone of scoring. This partnership was scoring runs briskly and it is difficult to leave balls alone in that mode. A short ball around middle, could have been left alone, but Mendis arches his back and tries to play the upper cut. Unfortunately for him, the ball grazes the inside half of the bat and goes to Quinton de Kock who collects and leap
DRINKS are on the field.
DINESH CHANDIMAL walks in at number 6, replacing Mendis.
64.3 : K Rabada to D Chandimal, Full and outside off, driven wide of mid off for a single.
64.4 : K Rabada to Mathews, A sharp bouncer on middle, Mathews ducks.
64.5 : K Rabada to Mathews, The batsman defends it from within the crease.
64.6 : K Rabada to Mathews, A short ball around middle, pulled through square leg for a run.
65.1 : K Maharaj to Mathews, Full on middle, Mathews comes down the track and drives it back to the bowler.
65.2 : K Maharaj to Mathews, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
65.3 : K Maharaj to Mathews, Short and outside off, punched through the covers for a single.
65.4 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, Full and around off, watchfully defended.
65.5 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, The batsman drives this through the covers. Goes past short cover.
65.6 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, Short and outside off, punched straight to cover.
66.1 : K Rabada to Mathews, On a good length around middle, pushed back to the bowler.
66.2 : K Rabada to A Mathews, Shorter in length, pulled through mid-wicket where Dean Elgar makes a good stop to his left.
66.3 : K Rabada to Mathews, A bouncer outside leg, Mathews ducks.
66.4 : K Rabada to Mathews, WHOA. A high full toss outside off, placed straight to point. No no ball signalled. Looked close to one.
66.5 : K Rabada to Mathews, FOUR! Short and wide outside off, angling further away, Mathews reaches out and punches it through the covers for a boundary. 200 UP FOR SRI LANKA.
66.6 : K Rabada to Mathews, A bouncer on middle and leg, Angelo ducks.
67.1 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, Full and outside off, defended to the off side.
67.2 : K Maharaj to D Chandimal, Full and outside off again, driven straight to mid off.
67.3 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
67.4 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, Landed around off, defended back to the bowler.
67.5 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
67.6 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, Thrown up wide outside off, slapped straight to cover.
68.1 : K Rabada to Mathews, A short ball around off, pulled through mid-wicket. Two is the call, but he will get only one.
68.2 : K Rabada to Chandimal, A bouncer around leg, Chandimal ducks.
68.3 : K Rabada to Chandimal, A short ball down the leg side, Dinesh swivels and pulls it towards fine leg. Stephen Cook covers good distance to his right, dives full length and saves the boundary. Two runs taken.
68.4 : K Rabada to Chandimal, Another bouncer around leg, DC allows it to go over.
68.5 : K Rabada to Chandimal, APPEAL FOR A CAUGHT BEHIND. Not out. Rabada wants a review but no one else is sure about it. Faf does not take it. A lovely ball, banged in short around middle and leg, Chandimal leaps and then tries to sway away. The ball goes off something to the keeper generating a noise and Rabada appeals but no one is sure what it hit. Replays show that it hit the chest.
68.6 : K Rabada to Chandimal, NO BALL. Third bouncer of the over and Aleem Dar signals a no ball.
K Rabada to Chandimal, A short ball angling away, Dinesh sways away from the line.
69.1 : K Maharaj to Mathews, Down the leg side, Mathews misses his flick.
69.2 : K Maharaj to Mathews, CHANCE OF A RUN OUT! On middle and leg, Mathews works it through square leg and sets off for a single. Chandimal responds but is a bit slow to take off. There is a chance of a run out but substitute Wayne Parnell returns a wild throw to the keeper and Chandimal gets in.
69.3 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, DROPPED! Oh dear... atrocious shot, poor fielding. Full and outside off, Chandimal, for reasons known best to him, dances down the track and has a wild hack. He mistimes it and the ball goes straight to Stephen Cook at mid off who cups his palms to take the catch but it bursts through. Two runs taken. Poor Maharaj is frustrated.
69.4 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, Full and outside off, this is driven cautiously, along the ground, towards mid off.
69.5 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.
69.6 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, Full and outside off, watchfully defended.
70.1 : K Rabada to Mathews, A short ball outside off, Mathews looks to pull but gets a bottom edge towards short mid-wicket.
70.2 : K Rabada to Mathews, Short and down the leg side, pulled straight to Stephen Cook at long leg for a single. The crowd gives an ironic cheer now that he stops the ball.
70.3 : K Rabada to Chandimal, Comes back into the right-hander, Chandimal defends.
70.4 : K Rabada to Chandimal, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
70.5 : K Rabada to Chandimal, A bouncer down the leg side, Dinesh ducks.
70.6 : K Rabada to Chandimal, Landed outside off, DC runs it down to third man and sets off for a single. Is sent back in time. Looking very fidgety out there.
71.1 : K Maharaj to Mathews, Full and outside off, Mathews comes down the track and drives it to mid off for a single.
71.2 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, Full and just around off, watchfully defended.
Forward short leg moves to silly point.
71.3 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, Outside off, driven straight to cover.
71.4 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, Full and around off, worked through mid on for a run.
71.5 : K Maharaj to Mathews, Full and just around off, Mathews comes forward and defends.
71.6 : K Maharaj to Mathews, Short and outside off, Mathews reaches out and punches it through the covers for one.
72.1 : K Rabada to Mathews, A bouncer around middle, Mathews ducks.
72.2 : K Rabada to Mathews, Around middle, Mathews tucks it towards square leg.
72.3 : K Rabada to Mathews, Landed outside off, angling away, left alone.
72.4 : K Rabada to Mathews, That is an exceptional piece of fielding. A short ball around middle, Mathews pulls it through mid-wicket. The ball races to the ropes but Keshav Maharaj gives it a good chase from deep square leg and gets to the ball. Dives first, parries the ball away, but it rolls back in. He is careful not to touch it as he is in contact with the ropes. Dives out, pushes the ball away and then falls down. Two runs taken. Brilliant presence of mind.
72.5 : K Rabada to Mathews, ALMOST A CATCH! The plan almost works. There is a leg gully in place for Mathews and Rabada bowls this short and outside leg. Mathews pulls it and the ball goes aerially, but just fine of that fielder towards fine leg. A single taken.
72.6 : K Rabada to Chandimal, Outside off, left alone.
73.1 : K Maharaj to Mathews, On middle and off, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.
73.2 : K Maharaj to Mathews, Landed outside off, Mathews prods to defend but the ball spins and bounces away.
73.3 : K Maharaj to Mathews, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat.
73.4 : K Maharaj to Mathews, Full and outside off, Angelo has a wild slog sweep but misses. Maharaj smiles.
73.5 : K Maharaj to Mathews, Full and outside off, pushed towards point.
73.6 : K Maharaj to Mathews, Landed wide outside off, AM need not be playing at those, but he is a man who likes to feel playing for balls. Misses. Ball stays low as well.
JP DUMINY into the attack now with 6 overs to go to the second new ball.
74.1 : JP Duminy to Chandimal, Around off, defended back to the bowler.
74.2 : JP Duminy to Chandimal, Down the leg side, tucked behind square leg for a single.
74.3 : JP Duminy to Mathews, Full and down the leg side, Mathews leans to flick but misses. Almost loses his balance.
74.4 : JP Duminy to Mathews, Comes forward again and this time connects bat with ball, pushing it to long on for a single.
74.5 : JP Duminy to Chandimal, Short and outside off, Chandimal looks to cut but gets it off the bottom of the bat towards deep backward point. A run taken.
74.6 : JP Duminy to Mathews, Full on middle, pushed back to the bowler.
75.1 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, Landed around off, pushed towards cover.
75.2 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, Full and outside off, pushed towards cover again but this time Temba Bavuma intercepts from silly point.
75.3 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, Full and around off, pushed back to the bowler. No Bavuma this time as he has hopped across to short leg.
75.4 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, Outside off, punched towards point.
75.5 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, Full and outside leg, pushed back to the bowler.
75.6 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, The arm ball on the stumps, pushed towards cover.
76.1 : JP Duminy to Mathews, Down the leg side, Mathews misses his flick.
76.2 : JP Duminy to Mathews, Around middle, worked through square leg. Temba Bavuma rushes to his right and slides to stop the ball.
76.3 : JP Duminy to Mathews, Outside off, Angelo looks to cut but misses. Too full for that shot.
76.4 : JP Duminy to Mathews, Goes back and punches this shortish delivery towards short mid-wicket.
76.5 : JP Duminy to Mathews, Full around off, Angelo leans and flicks it towards short mid-wicket again.
76.6 : JP Duminy to Mathews, Brilliant piece of work from Rabada. Short and outside off, Mathews punches it through point. Rabada sprints to his right from third man and slides to save the boundary. Three runs taken. He is a good athlete, Rabada.
77.1 : K Maharaj to Mathews, FOUR! Short and wide outside off, Mathews rocks back and slaps it through the covers for a boundary! A very good responsible knock from the skipper. He needs to stay till the close tonight and then get a big hundred tomorrow.
0.0 : 26th Test Fifty for Mathews.
77.2 : K Maharaj to Mathews, Short again, outside off, punched through the covers for a single.
77.3 : K Maharaj to Chandimal, OUT! Waste of a wicket. Full on middle, Chandimal comes down the track and has a wild hack. He mistimes it towards mid on where Kagiso Rabada takes it easily. Chandimal is cross with himself. A very poor shot.
DHANANJAYA DE SILVA walks in at number 7, replacing Chandimal, with 24 minutes left in the day.
77.4 : K Maharaj to Silva, Landed around off, watchfully defended.
77.5 : K Maharaj to Silva, Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
77.6 : K Maharaj to Silva, Full and outside off, pushed past Bavuma at silly point. The ball hits his legs and goes towards backward point. Not quite sure whether that was a catch.
78.1 : JP Duminy to A Mathews, Short and outside off, cut through the covers. Kagiso Rabada puts in a good sprint to his right and tumbles but stops the ball. A single taken.
78.2 : JP Duminy to Silva, Flicks it away for a run.
78.3 : JP Duminy to Mathews, Full and on middle, whipped towards short mid-wicket.
78.4 : JP Duminy to Mathews, Full and outside off, Mathews leans and flicks it towards short mid-wicket again.
78.5 : JP Duminy to Mathews, DROPPED! Short and outside off, Mathews looks to cut but gets an outside edge. It goes thick and fast to Quinton de Kock's right pad and pops out of his reach, falling ahead.
78.6 : JP Duminy to Mathews, Landed around off, Angelo gets across to defend.
79.1 : K Maharaj to Silva, Full on middle and leg, pushed back to the bowler.
79.2 : K Maharaj to Silva, Tossed up outside off, driven straight to cover.
79.3 : K Maharaj to Silva, Short and outside off, punched straight to silly point.
79.4 : K Maharaj to Silva, Full and around off, de Silva lunges to block.
79.5 : K Maharaj to Silva, Around off, watchfully defended.
79.6 : K Maharaj to Silva, Full and outside off, Dhananjaya hits it hard through the off side but hits Dean Elgar at silly point.
THE SECOND NEW BALL IS TAKEN. Around 14 minutes left for the close.
VERNON PHILANDER gets the first crack with the second new cherry.
80.1 : V Philander to Mathews, On a good length around off, defended back to the bowler.
80.2 : V Philander to Mathews, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
80.3 : V Philander to Mathews, Landed outside off, fuller in length, swinging away a touch, Mathews shoulders arms.
80.4 : V Philander to Mathews, Action replay of the previous delivery. No swing on this occasion.
80.5 : V Philander to A Mathews, FOUR! Edged away, but along the ground. Full and outside off, Mathews looks to defend but is squared up. The ball goes off the outside edge, between slips and gully to the third man fence.
80.6 : V Philander to Mathews, Outside off, defended back to the bowler.
KYLE ABBOTT to share the second new ball with Philander.
DE SILVA has been adjudged LBW! He has taken the review. Looked plumb.
81.1 : K Abbott to Silva, NOT OUT! The decision is overturned! What a review. Full and straight, de Silva is slightly across while trying to flick it away and misses, getting hit on the pads. Umpire Oxenford raises his finger on the appeal and de Silva takes the review, more out of hope. Replays are shown and with every angle, it just looks plumb. However, Hawk Eye shows it to be MISSING LEG STUMP.
81.2 : K Abbott to Silva, Landed outside off, left alone.
81.3 : K Abbott to Silva, FOUR! Full and on middle, de Silva flicks it through mid-wicket and the ball races away to the fence.
81.4 : K Abbott to Silva, On a good length outside off, nice bounce, Dhananjaya lets it through.
81.5 : K Abbott to Silva, Outside off, let through once more.
81.6 : K Abbott to Silva, Landed outside off, DdS pushes but misses.
82.1 : V Philander to Mathews, Outside off, Mathews lets it through.
82.2 : V Philander to Mathews, Outside off, Angelo pushes but misses.
82.3 : V Philander to Mathews, The batsman has nudged the ball fine down the leg side. They pick up a single.
82.4 : V Philander to Silva, FOUR! Full and wide outside off, de Silva opens the face of the bat and steers it behind point for a boundary.
82.5 : V Philander to Silva, Outside off, left alone.
82.6 : V Philander to Silva, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. STUMPS ON DAY 4!
Excellent day for Sri Lanka. Yes, they are 5 down and are staring down the barrel in terms of saving the Test, but at least they have shown some fight. It would have been a wonderful day had Chandimal and Mendis not thrown their wickets away.
The Proteas did not waste much time this morning, declaring immediately after de Kock's dismissal. They gave themselves 85 allotted overs to bowl at the Lankans today and would have expected plenty of wickets. However, they had to work hard.
Karunaratne and Kaushal Silva played the new ball bowlers very well. They frustrated them and then took their stand to 87 before a mini-collapse occurred, reducing them to 118/3. Mathews and Mendis then had a quickfire 75-run stand before the latter, then Chandimal, played poor shots to bring the Proteas back into the game.
Everyone toiled hard with Rabada and Maharaj getting 2 wickets apiece. The fielders did not quite support their bowlers else the Proteas would not have had to do so much effort.
98 overs to be bowled tomorrow. 5 wickets needed for South Africa. 248 runs required for Sri Lanka. Normal mathematics will tell you either is possible. But practical assessment will tell you that the Proteas are just a wicket away from getting into the tail and wrapping it up.
The first session of every morning has been producing wickets in this match, apart from today. Will Sri Lanka be able to weather the storm and take the game deep? Or will the Saffas bowl them out quickly? Join us at 1330 IST (0800 GMT) for all the action from Day 5. In the meanwhile, you can also have a look at all the action from the Australia-Pakistan Test in Melbourne. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!
.....DAY 5, SESSION 1.....
Hello and welcome to our coverage of the final day's play. Another 248 runs are required for the Lankans to pull off an improbable victory. The realistic possibility is of Proteas needing five more wickets to win. The current partnership will decide if the Lankans stay alive in the day as an early strike could trigger a collapse. A wicketless first session might make things interesting in the run chase. The action isn't far away.
The players and umpires are making their way out to the middle. Crucial session this for the tourists with the second new ball still fresh. KYLE ABBOTT to start the proceedings on day 5. Two slips and a gully in place.
83.1 : K Abbott to Mathews, Good length on middle, blocked well from the crease.
83.2 : K Abbott to Mathews, Fuller and around off, Mathews defends it firmly back to the bowler.
83.3 : K Abbott to Mathews, Length ball outside off, no shot offered to that one.
83.4 : K Abbott to Mathews, Good length outside off, watchfully left alone by Mathews.
83.5 : K Abbott to A Mathews, Fuller on middle, leans across and drives it to mid on.
83.6 : K Abbott to Mathews, Good length around off, blocked off the back foot towards point.
VERNON PHILANDER to bowl from the other end.
84.1 : V Philander to Silva, Good length closer to off, de Silva defends solidly from the crease.
84.2 : V Philander to Silva, Length ball on the pads, tucked through backward square leg for a single.
84.3 : V Philander to Mathews, Fuller and closer to off, solid defence from the Lankan captain.
84.4 : V Philander to Mathews, Good length on the pads, Mathews shuffles and clips it neatly down to long leg for a single.
84.5 : V Philander to de Silva, FOUR! First boundary of the morning! Length ball outside off, de Silva opens the bat face and plays it with soft hands. The ball flies off the outer half past gully and trickles to the ropes.
84.6 : V Philander to Silva, Length ball around off, gets right behind the line and blocks it solidly.
85.1 : K Abbott to Mathews, Full and outside off, bunted firmly back to the bowler.
85.2 : K Abbott to Mathews, Full and around off, Mathews plays around his front pad and jams it towards short mid-wicket.
85.3 : K Abbott to Mathews, Back of a length on off, hangs back to that one and blocks it firmly.
Mathews has been given out lbw. Looked quite plumb but he decides to review it after a chat with de Silva. Probably a gamble.
85.4 : K Abbott to Mathews, OUT! MASSIVE STRIKE! Body blow to the Lankans. Fuller around off, Mathews was shuffling too far across the stumps to start the proceedings today and this time Abbott gets the ball to jag back in to rap the back leg. Loud lbw appeal and it's given by the umpire. Mathews tries his luck with the review after a chat with his partner. No bat involved and Hawk Eye shows it to be clipping the top of middle and leg. Umpire's call and so the on-field call will stay. A decent i
RANGANA HERATH is the new man in.
85.5 : K Abbott to Herath, OUCH! What a welcome for Herath! Back of a length ball angled in from outside off, rises off the deck as he looks to fend it awkwardly. Raps him flush on the glove as he drops his left hand in pain.
The medical staff is out to attend to Herath. It's his bowling finger too, so the tourists will be concerned. Finally, he seems ready to go. Good news for the Lankans.
85.6 : K Abbott to Herath, Short of a length around off, Herath looks to block but the ball goes off the outside edge to gully on the bounce. He's certainly a bit nervy out there.
86.1 : V Philander to Silva, Good length outside off, gets back to that one and jabs it towards point.
86.2 : V Philander to Silva, Full and outside off, leans forward and defends it firmly.
86.3 : V Philander to Silva, Fuller ball outside off, a big stride forward and pats it towards cover.
86.4 : V Philander to Silva, Short of a length outside off, blocked firmly off the back foot to the off side.
86.5 : V Philander to Silva, Back of a length outside off, worked off the back foot through mid-wicket for a brace. Nice use of the wrists there.
86.6 : V Philander to Silva, Dug in short closer to off, de Silva sways away from the line.
87.1 : K Abbott to Herath, Short ball and this time Herath goes for the pull. Mistimes it aerially over mid-wicket. Falls safe and they get a single.
87.2 : K Abbott to Silva, Fuller on middle, de Silva flicks it well but it was in the air for a while. Doesn't carry to Duminy at short mid-wicket.
87.3 : K Abbott to Silva, FOUR! Good shot! Fuller outside off, de Silva gets forward and punches it serenly past the bowler down the ground. Mid off is a bit wider and this goes away to the fence. Offered the full face of the bat and it was a pleasing shot.
87.4 : K Abbott to Silva, Good length outside off, jags in a bit as de Silva blocks well.
87.5 : K Abbott to Silva, Full and outside off, leans forward and blocks it firmly.
87.6 : K Abbott to Silva, Banged in short outside off, de Silva thought of the pull initially but withdraws his bat eventually. Too high and wide called.
K Abbott to Silva, Another short ball and this time de Silva goes after it with a pull but misses.
88.1 : V Philander to Herath, Play and a miss! Good length angled in from outside off, holds its line to whiz past the outside edge.
88.2 : V Philander to Herath, Beaten again! Back of a length angled in from outside off, once again Herath misses the poke.
88.3 : V Philander to Herath, Length ball on off, tails in a bit as Herath looks to play around his front pad. Gets a hit on his glove again. His fingers are getting a work over at the moment.
88.4 : V Philander to Herath, Back of a length outside off, punched solidly off the back foot.
88.5 : V Philander to Herath, Short ball outside off, Herath swivels and pulls it well. Straight towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
88.6 : V Philander to Silva, Full and outside off, de Silva leans forward to push at it with soft hands and an angled bat. The ball goes off the outer half past a diving gully fielder towards third man. Cook gives a long chase and keeps the batsmen down to a couple.
89.1 : K Abbott to Herath, Good length outside off, Herath gets right behind it and blocks it well.
89.2 : K Abbott to Herath, That looked awkward but effective eventually. Short ball angled into Herath who plays an unconvincing pull past backward square leg for a single.
Abbott has trapped de Silva lbw. Looked really close. De Silva is the last specialist batsman out there, so he rightfully decides to review it. Was it a bit high?
89.3 : K Abbott to Silva, OUT! NO IT ISN'T! Another big wicket for the Proteas. Good length around off, nips back in sharply to ping de Silva on his front pad. Huge shout for lbw and it looked close to the naked eye. De Silva opts for the review as a gamble because he is the last key batter left for the tourists. No way there is any bat there and Hawk Eye shows it to be clipping the top of middle and leg, quite like the Mathews dismissal. So both important overnight batsmen back in the hut insid
DUSHMANTHA CHAMEERA is the new man in.
89.4 : K Abbott to Chameera, Good length closer to off, blocked firmly by Chameera by getting right behind the line.
89.5 : K Abbott to Chameera, Short ball this time and Chameera ducks under it.
89.6 : K Abbott to Chameera, Good bowling! Length ball just outside off, draws Chameera forward and the ball flies past the outside edge.
90.1 : Philander to Herath, OUT! Brilliance from Philander. He seems to have hurt himself a bit but that's a superb catch. It's a leg cutter at 121 kph, Herath is early into the shot. Gets a leading edge that goes to the left of the bowler. Philander reacts sharply by sticking out his left hand and takes a fine tumbling return catch. Looked awkward when he landed but he seems to be fine. The procession continues for the Lankans. SA just two away now.
0.0 : SURANGA LAKMAL is the new man in.
90.2 : V Philander to Lakmal, Good length outside off, blocked well off the back foot.
90.3 : V Philander to Lakmal, FOUR! Nice stroke! Too straight from Philander and Lakmal flicks it elegantly through mid-wicket to find a boundary. There are two men close catching on the leg side, so Philander won't mind this.
90.4 : V Philander to Lakmal, Almost! This is what I was talking about. Another full and straight ball from Philander, Lakmal cannot keep the flick down and luckily for him, it falls between forward short leg and short mid-wicket.
90.5 : V Philander to S Lakmal, FOUR! Slashed hard! Back of a length outside off, Lakmal throws his bat at that one and gets a thick slice over gully to find a boundary. He's not going to die wondering for sure.
90.6 : Philander to Lakmal, Back of a length on middle and leg, Lakmal looks to fend but the ball lobs high towards forward short leg. Stifled appeal for a catch but it came off the thigh pad.
91.1 : K Abbott to Chameera, Short of a length around off, Chameera stands tall and blocks well.
91.2 : K Abbott to Chameera, Beaten! A touch fuller this time and Chameera pokes at it with zero footwork. The ball goes past the outside edge.
91.3 : K Abbott to Chameera, Full and outside off, pushes at it with an angled bat as the ball trickles towards gully.
91.4 : K Abbott to Chameera, Dug in short around off, Dushmantha ducks under it.
91.5 : K Abbott to Chameera, Almost found the edge! Chameera is flirting with danger every ball. Chases a length ball outside off without moving his feet and is lucky not to get an edge.
91.6 : K Abbott to Chameera, Fuller around off, Chameera blocks it off the inside half towards short mid-wicket.
92.1 : V Philander to Lakmal, Good length outside off, defends it well off the back foot.
92.2 : V Philander to Lakmal, FOUR! That's a pretty shot! Fuller ball on middle, Lakmal shuffles a bit and flicks it uppishly over mid-wicket with ease to find the fence.
92.3 : V Philander to Lakmal, Length ball on middle, nicely blocked from the crease down the track.
92.4 : V Philander to Lakmal, In the air....but safe! Fuller on middle, Lakmal gets across and chips it just past the short mid-wicket fielder. It trickles to the deep and they get a brace.
92.5 : V Philander to Lakmal, Good length around off, solidly blocked from the crease to short cover.
92.6 : V Philander to Lakmal, Back of a length outside off, stays back and blocks it well.
KAGISO RABADA comes on to bowl.
93.1 : K Rabada to Chameera, Starts with a bumper that doesn't quite rise up. Chameera tries to duck and luckily for him, it slips down the leg side.
93.2 : K Rabada to Chameera, Fuller on middle and leg, gets across and blocks it solidly.
93.3 : K Rabada to Chameera, OUT! Rabada strikes! That's a corker of a delivery and a lower order batsman stands no chance. Back of a length from around off, extra bounce takes Chameera by surprise as he tries to fend at it. The ball flies off the gloves through to de Kock who takes it with ease. Unplayable ball really and the Proteas are on the brink of taking a lead in the series.
Drinks break....
NUWAN PRADEEP is the last man in.
93.4 : K Rabada to Pradeep, Good length around off, blocked solidly from the crease.
93.5 : K Rabada to Pradeep, Back of a length around off, defended off the back foot.
93.6 : K Rabada to Pradeep, That was very close! Length ball outside off, Pradeep decides to leave it alone but the ball shapes back drastically to go just past the off pole.
KESHAV MAHARAJ comes on to bowl.
94.1 : Maharaj to Lakmal, Floated on middle, steps out to flick but is struck high on the pad. Stifled lbw appeal but turned down.
94.2 : K Maharaj to Lakmal, Floated around off, blocked solidly from the crease.
94.3 : K Maharaj to Lakmal, Fuller on middle, worked towards short mid-wicket.
94.4 : K Maharaj to Lakmal, Beaten! Drifting in from around off, holds its line after pitching to go past the outside edge.
94.5 : K Maharaj to Lakmal, Fuller on middle, clipped towards mid-wicket.
94.6 : K Maharaj to Lakmal, Flatter around off, Lakmal steps out and jams it to long off for a single.
95.1 : K Rabada to Lakmal, Short ball on middle, Lakmal ducks under the bumper.
95.2 : K Rabada to Lakmal, Good length on middle, clipped through backward square leg for a single.
95.3 : K Rabada to Pradeep, Just falls safely! Back of a length on off, Pradeep looks to fend but gets an edge that lobs up in the air. Doesn't carry to the man at point.
95.4 : K Rabada to Pradeep, Good length closer to off, defended well from the crease.
95.5 : K Rabada to N Pradeep, FOUR! That looked comical. Back of a length on middle, Pradeep was backing away and pushes at it. Gets an inside edge that goes off the body and past leg stump. De Kock is wrongfooted and it beats him to the right to the fence.
95.6 : K Rabada to Pradeep, Good length around off, Pradeep looks to block but gets an inside edge to the leg side.
96.1 : K Maharaj to Lakmal, Floated outside off, steps out to that one and drives it down to long off for a single.
96.2 : K Maharaj to Pradeep, Drifting in from around off, blocked well from the crease.
96.3 : K Maharaj to N Pradeep, OUT! That's it! It's all over and the Proteas are absolutely elated. Slower through the air around off, drifting in and Pradeep plays for the angle but the ball just holds its line to go past the outside edge and hits the top of off stump. That finishes the proceedings, SOUTH AFRICA WIN BY 206 RUNS.
Emphatic win for the Proteas and they go 1-0 up in the 3-match Test series. It was always going to be an uphill task this morning with a lot riding on Mathews and de Silva. Both departed quite early to Abbott and it was a mere formality after that as the hosts sealed the game just after the drinks break. Rabada and Maharaj took three wickets apiece in the innings while Abbott made the big breakthroughs today. It was a promising start to the game for the Lankans though as they competed well in th
After opting to bat, a good opening partnership along with a Duminy fifty had set the platform for the Proteas as they were 213-3 at one stage. However, on a pitch with enough movement for the pacers, Lakmal's fifer brought the Lankans back in the game as the last 7 SA wickets fell for just 73 runs to give the visitors a chance. However, poor batting let them down as nobody really went on to get a big score.
Mathews, Chandimal and de Silva minimized the damage but an 81-run lead was always going to be massive on such a pitch. Philander with a fifer and Abbott with a 3-fer did bulk of the damage for the hosts. South Africa then drove home the advantage with a fantastic batting performance on day three. Cook followed his first innings fifty with a century while Elgar, Faf and de Kock all struck fifties too.
With a lead of 487, du Plessis declared rather early on day four and it was always going to be a big ask for the Lankans. They had a good opening stand but once it was broken due to a bizarre run out, they lost the plot. Some poor shots coupled with excellent bowling saw the visitors five down by stumps and from there, it was going to be a superhuman challenge for them. Thoroughly professional performance by the Proteas.
ANGELO MATHEWS feels that the bowling was good but they didn't quite bat well in the first innings. Feels that the pitch was tough in the first two days and then eased on. Laments poor shot selection as a reason for their loss. Admits that they fought back well but adds that they should have shown it from the start of the game. Feels that the short break between matches isn't a matter, stresses on the mindset factor. Hopes that his team can better their team and individual performances in the ne
FAF DU PLESSIS feels that it's been a good Test to end the year. Says that they had to work hard especially in the first few days. Credits his team for the good effort. States that 2016 has been great in the last six months for them. Feels that it was good to start well on a green surface and although they were 50 runs lesser than they wanted, opines that the bowlers were very good. Feels that the 81-run lead was big for such a total. Says that he knew it would be more difficult to get wickets i
STEPHEN COOK (MAN OF THE MATCH) feels it's good to return to form and says that he wants to capitalize as much as possible on this purple patch. Says that he sticks to his work ethics every day regardless of whether South Africa are batting or not. Hopes to keep his form going forward.
With that, we come to the end of our coverage of this game. Sri Lanka competed initially but didn't have the quality to stretch South Africa deep. Let's hope the visitors can show better fight in the next Test that begins in Cape Town on 2nd January 2017 from 1330 IST onwards. Do join us for that one. Cheers and have a great New Year weekend!