Dale Steyn’s 4-48 helped skittle Sri Lanka for 191 as the Proteas took a lead of 44 runs into tea on day two of the first Test at Kingsmead. KHALID MOHIDIN reports.
The Proteas performed exceptionally in the first session on day two of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Durban.
After being bowled out for 235 on day one, a collective effort from the Proteas seamers served Sri Lanka a taste of their own medicine as the visitors were reduced to 133-6 in the first session.
Vernon Philander took two wickets in the morning session, as did Dale Steyn, while Kagiso Rabada and Duanne Olivier added one apiece towards the end of the session.
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Steyn took his third shortly after the break as Sri Lanka lost their seventh wicket for 142 runs. He followed this with his fourth wicket, removing danger man Kusal Mendis (51) shortly after he reached an all-important half-century. Mendis aimed to smash the ball over extra cover, but instead sliced it to substitute fielder Zubayr Hamza at deep extra cover.
The dismissal took Steyn to 437 Test wickets to equal the mark of England’s Stuart Broad, who occupies the No 7 position on the all-time Test wicket-takers list.
What followed was a remarkable piece of fielding from Aiden Markram. Kasun Rajitha hit the ball towards short leg and it was gathered by Markam who caught the batter out of the crease with a direct hit.
Sri Lanka frustrated the Proteas by surviving through almost an entire session before Kagiso Rabada removed debutant Lasith Embuldeniya to bring the tea break forward by 20 minutes as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 191, 44 runs behind the Proteas.
Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images
