The Proteas suffered yet another top-order collapse as they posted 89-4 at lunch on day one of the first Test against Sri Lanka, KHALID MOHIDIN reports.
The Proteas had a terrible start to their innings in what has become a familiar scene for them – this time losing their top three for just 17 runs.
The Sri Lanka bowlers were aided by the gloomy overhead conditions and humidity that helped them produce consistent early swing.
This saw the Proteas reduced to 0-1 with the dismissal of Dean Elgar for a duck as Vishwa Fernando found his edge.
Sri Lanka are off to a dream start in the 1st test as Elgar is dismissed for a duck.
South Africa are 1-1 after 3 overs 🏏
Coverage continues on SS2 & @DStv Now > https://t.co/3wUsZ183KY #SAvSL pic.twitter.com/8NsM6dM6Ap
— SuperSport (@SuperSportTV) February 13, 2019
They should have been 0-2 when Sri Lanka appealed for leg-before against Hashim Amla, but it was given not out by the on-field umpire, Aleem Dar. Sri Lanka took too long to make a decision on taking the review and missed out on sending Amla back to the pavilion for a duck.
Sri Lanka are off to a flyer after the Lions took 3 wickets in the first 12 overs of play.
But was Amla lucky to have stayed on after the Sri Lanka review was overturned by the umpire? #SAvSL pic.twitter.com/hJ9jnbeqrw
— SuperSport (@SuperSportTV) February 13, 2019
Despite Amla’s luck, SA were reduced to 9-2 after he guided a Suranga Lakmal delivery to Kusal Mendis at first slip.
Aiden Markram was next to go, with his bails flying off after a beautiful inswinger from Fernando, who was enjoying a perfect start to his first tour to South Africa.
All the pressure was shifted onto Faf du Plessis and Temba Bavuma, who needed to dig deep to haul the Proteas out of trouble.
They would have aimed to survive until lunch, but Du Plessis lost his wicket just before the break with his score on 35.
The Proteas will have their work cut out for them after the break, and the last six wickets will need to earn their keep if they hope to reach 250.
Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images
