Proteas captain Temba Bavuma says his team’s 109-run win in the second Test against Sri Lanka at St George’s Park is a big step forward for a largely inexperienced group of players.

“For a lot of the guys it was a proper taste of what Test cricket is about,” said Bavuma of a hard-fought match which went into the fifth day.

“It’s rare when you get to play for five days and it’s also rare when the game is always in the balance. There were times when we were on top and times when Sri Lanka were getting the momentum on their side.”

The win put the Proteas on top of the World Test Championship table, which is based on average points gained.

South Africa can make certain of qualifying for the final at Lord’s in England next June by winning one of the two Tests against Pakistan in a series which starts on 26 December.

“The championship table looks good,” said Bavuma during the post-match presentation. “We see ourselves at No 1 with two games to go. I don’t know what the maths looks like but we’re playing good cricket and we want it to continue.”

Bavuma was named Player of the Series after scoring 327 runs in four innings, with a century and three fifties, but said other individuals in the team were making major contributions.

Three South Africans made centuries and three bowlers had five-wicket hauls, including left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, who took 5-76 to seal Monday’s win.

“It’s always a good sign when guys are putting in match-winning performances. It speaks to the hunger and desire amongst the team.”

Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva said his team had improved on their performance in Durban, where they were beaten by 233 runs after being blown away for 42 in the first innings.

“The guys fought hard but it was not good enough,” said De Silva. “The bowling attack that South Africa had kept asking questions.”

De Silva said Sri Lanka were improving in away Test matches. “We’re getting better but we need to be 100% better in every department.”

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