Durban: Lahiru Kumara struck twice as Sri Lanka’s bowlers did better than the rain-affected first day of the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead on Wednesday.
South Africa had scored 80 for four when rain stopped the day’s play shortly before lunch. Fast bowler Kumara led his side with wickets in consecutive overs — and was denied a third wicket by the no-ball.
“The bowling team had a lot in their favor and they bowled well. Ashul Prince, South Africa’s batting coach, said the wicket-taking balls were decent. “It’s a skilled bowling line-up and they’ve obviously done their homework.”
Sri Lanka bowling coach Darshana Gamage said that pace is Kumara’s biggest asset. With a hamstring injury history, he is now being used as a Test specialist. “In this Test Championship, we wanted to refresh all our bowlers,” Gamage said.
“Our biggest challenge is to have pace guys that will win us Test matches and I can say that we now have the core to work away from home.” Sri Lanka’s decision to bowl first on a well-grassed pitch paid off under heavily overcast skies.
Ajitha and Vishwa Fernando dismissed both the South African openers for a total of 14. Ajitha Fernando caught Aiden Markram at first slip and left-hander Vishwa had left-hander Tony De Zorzi caught at second slip which was a virtual mirror image. Out, with the ball swinging away from the batsmen.
Tristan Stubbs and South African captain Temba Boma defended hard to take the total to 29 after 13 overs. There was a flurry of scoring when Kumara came into the attack in the 14th over, adding 17 runs in his first over – four leg-byes, a no-ball and three boundaries from Stubbs.
But the strong Kumara got extra bounce on the first ball of his second over, with Stubbs caught at third slip for 16. David Bedingham hits a boundary but is then hit for pace by a ball that flies off his off-stump.
Kumara celebrated his third wicket when Bavama attempted to be caught out by wicketkeeper Kosal Mendes on the first short-pitch delivery of Kumara’s innings for 20 runs.
But a check by the third umpire revealed that Kumara had overstepped. Bavama, who was dropped by Dimuth Karunaratne at third slip off Vishwa Fernando when he was on one, was not out for 28 when rain forced the players off the field.
The weather is expected to clear from Thursday and Prince said South Africa were in a good position, referring to the first Test between Australia and India in Perth last weekend when the Indian second innings was held after two low first innings scores. had a strong performance.