South Africa Battles Back After Early Wickets in Second Test Against Sri Lanka
GQEBERHA: South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma and Ryan Rickleton staged a resilient recovery for the hosts after an early collapse, reaching 179-4 at tea on day one of the second Test against Sri Lanka on Thursday.
Sri Lanka capitalized on early breakthroughs after winning the toss and opting to bowl, claiming three wickets in the opening session. However, Bavuma and Rickleton steadied the ship, putting on a crucial 133-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Bavuma, who was looking well-placed for a century, was dismissed just before tea, edging a rising delivery from Asitha Fernando to the keeper after being lured into an attacking shot against a series of short balls. This marked Bavuma’s 23rd Test half-century but his third century continues to elude him.
Rickleton, playing in place of the injured Wiaan Mulder, brought up his maiden Test fifty from 121 balls and was unbeaten on 72 at the break, with David Bedingham on one.
Earlier, Sri Lanka’s Lahiru Kumara made history by taking his 100th Test wicket, dismissing Aiden Markram for 20 with a fine delivery. Kumara then removed home favorite Tristan Stubbs for just four, caught behind off a rising ball.
The early dismissals started with Tony de Zorzi, who was trapped lbw by Fernando off the second ball of the day. Despite reviewing the decision, de Zorzi was unable to overturn the call. Markram’s struggle with form continued as he went for an ambitious drive only for the ball to swing back and hit the stumps. His run of poor scores continues, with an average of just 25 in his last 10 innings.
Stubbs, fresh off a century in the first Test, fell to a sharp catch by wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis after pushing at a rising delivery.
With both teams vying for victory to keep their World Test Championship hopes alive, South Africa will be looking to extend their advantage after winning the first Test by 233 runs in Durban.
