We were caught off guard, admits Quinny

Sri Lanka’s attack for the first Test against South Africa included two pacemen with just seven previous Test appearances between them and a debutant left-arm spinner, but their unknown quantity was enough to severely tax the Proteas’ batsmen on the opening day at Kingsmead on Wednesday.

South Africa were bowled out for just 235 as left-arm swing bowler Vishwa Fernando led the way with four for 62 in 17 overs in just his fourth Test, while paceman Kasun Rajitha claimed three for 68 in his fifth game and debutant Lasith Embuldeniya turned the ball and took one for 51.

That the home side managed to get more than 200 was mostly thanks to Quinton de Kock, their left-handed wicketkeeper/batsman who struck a wonderfully mature 80 off 94 deliveries.

“We didn’t think we would have such a bad start, but credit to Sri Lanka for bowling very well up front. We were caught a bit off guard by their bowlers, although we know very well how serious a bowler Suranga Lakmal is. The angle of their bowling, their skills, different actions and the way the ball skids or bounces is all a bit different,” De Kock said after his face-saving innings.

Sri Lanka had reached 49 for one in reply at stumps, but the pitch should still be assisting the bowlers in overcast and humid Durban on the second day, so De Kock is confident the Proteas can still grab a first-innings lead.

“There will definitely be some movement in the morning but as the day goes on it will get flatter. But Keshav Maharaj will definitely come into play, we’ve seen some turn already.

“It’s never the quickest pitch in Durban, but it’s still a good wicket and perfectly fine for our bowlers. Our pace bowlers are all a bit different so I’m sure one of them will figure out how to conquer the Sri Lankan batsmen,” De Kock said.

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