South Africa hope for improved showing against Lankan tweakers

Overview

Sri Lanka v South Africa
Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo
2nd Test
Friday, 20 July, 04:30 GMT, 10:00 Local

Their batsmen were so deeply troubled by the Sri Lankan spinners in Galle that the final Test in Colombo, beginning on Friday, 20 July, is as much about the South African batsmen restoring their reputations as it is about the visitors saving the series.

In Galle, South Africa collapsed twice in as many days. They were bundled out for 126 in the first innings – itself largely thanks to Faf du Plessis’s 49 – and then succumbed to their lowest total since readmission when Dilruwan Perera’s 6/32 restricted them to just 73.

Afterwards, du Plessis, the South Africa captain, said, “we’ve only ourselves to blame,”. The batting coach, Dale Benkenstein, said it was all down to South Africa’s mental make-up. “Technically, you have to face the spinning ball and there's a few things that you have to adjust to. But 90% of it is being tough mentally, being used to the ball missing the bat or spinning past the bat.”

With the first Test getting over in three days, South Africa had five full days to prepare for round two. They would, surely, have done all they can in the nets. But as important will be their team combination in Colombo.

In Galle, they opted for an extra bowler, with all of Tabraiz Shamsi, Keshav Maharaj, Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada taking the field. South Africa’s struggles with the bat, however, might prompt a seventh batsman to be included, which could lead to the exclusion of Philander, who bowled just 11 overs in two innings in Galle.

Sri Lanka, of course, have none of these concerns. Rangana Herath and Perera will once again hope to repeat their feats from the first Test. Lakshan Sandakan, the young left-arm wrist-spinner, will be equally optimistic, while Dimuth Karunaratne, who scored 218 runs over two innings in Galle, will look to cash in once again on his excellent form.

Key players

**Dimuth Karunaratne (Sri Lanka):**The opener scored 158 and 60 in his two innings at Galle, and was a large reason for Sri Lanka’s 278-run victory. His efforts in the first innings – the second-highest score was just 26 from Dhanushka Gunathilaka – put Sri Lanka on the course for victory, and in similar conditions, he will once again hope to play a crucial role in defying the South African bowlers. The visitors will be desperate for his scalp.

**Hashim Amla (South Africa):**South Africa badly needed an experienced hand to guide them in Galle, when their batsmen were at times guilty of letting the Sri Lankan spinners play on their minds. Amla, however, managed just 15 and 0 in his two outings. With AB de Villiers no longer an option to bail them out, the visitors will need Amla’s experience more than ever in Colombo.

Conditions

Thunderstorms are expected in Colombo, and the match will certainly be interrupted a few times. As far as the pitch is considered, a typical turning track is expected.

Squads

Sri Lanka: Suranga Lakmal, Akila Dananjaya, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Danushka Gunathilaka, Rangana Herath, Dimuth Karunaratne, Lahiru Kumara, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, Dilruwan Perera, Kusal Perera, Kasun Rajitha, Lakshan Sandakan, Roshen Silva

South Africa: Faf du Plessis (c), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Theunis de Bruyn, Quinton de Kock (wk), Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Lungi Ngidi, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn, Shaun von Berg