'Really enjoying the challenge so far' - Keshav Maharaj

Keshav Maharaj did not have the best of starts to the opening Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka, going wicketless on a turning track in Galle in the first innings.

However, with his side having already conceded a massive 161-run lead after folding for 126 on the second day, the left-armer made amends by picking up three crucial Sri Lankan wickets to wrest some of the momentum in South Africa's favour.

"Very very happy with that performance," the South African frontline spinner said after a tough day out for the visitors on Friday 13 July. "Bowled better than what I did in the first innings.

"Felt I was a bit rusty, but I found some rhythm here and just tried to keep the ball in simple areas and try and force the batsman to make a mistake."

South Africa must have have been the happier side after day one having bowled out the hosts for 287. But, on a surface that aided turn and bounce the Sri Lankan spinners led by Dilruwan Perera's four-wicket haul bundled the visitors for just 126 in 54.3 overs.

Sri Lanka, then already ahead by plenty added a further 111 runs for the loss of four wickets to end the day comfortably ahead by 272 runs. With the surface already deteriorating, South Africa will have a tough task up their sleeves chasing in the fourth innings.

Maharaj though remained confident of his side's chances in the Test.

"We did not bat to how we had set our plans," admitted Maharaj. "But having said that if we come out firing tomorrow morning and hopefully restrict the Sri Lankans to a minimum total who knows what we can chase in our second innings.

"We will obviously look to rectify our errors in the first innings and make amends in the second innings. We have been working hard.

Despite the Galle surface gripping and turning right from the start, Maharaj insisted the surface was "fair".

"To be honest it is a fair surface here," he said. "Once you get in and take your time it could become a lot easier. The pitch is deteriorating but it will be interesting to see how we go about things in the second innings."

This is Maharaj's first trip to the subcontinent. He didn't have the best of starts in the first innings, but having found his rhythm will hope to add to his three wickets and keep the Sri Lankan lead to a minimum on the third day.

"You have got to make the kind of adjustments in terms of pace and lengths," said Maharaj about his first trip to the subcontinent. "The lengths are a bit different to what you are exposed to back home, but I am really enjoying the challenge so far."