Sri Lanka to Take on South Africa in First Test from Today

 SMTV Desk 2019-02-13 15:01:03  Sri Lanka,South Africa,Cricket
Sri Lanka to Take on South Africa in First Test from Today

An Asian side should be happy to start the series on a slow track. But, this inexperienced Sri Lankan side has more than one problem to address - both on the field as well as off the field. Their batsmen were exposed against the short-pitched deliveries against Australia and the bowling looked toothless. They'll know that this South African side, if anything, will be more hostile. With the previous captain sacked & dropped, Angelo Mathews still unavailable, a couple of pacers out injured ... the Sri Lankan selectors made plenty of changes. How will the Islanders perform under their newest captain - Dimuth Karunaratne?


Kingsmead is all in readiness to host this encounter. South Africa don't have a great record playing at this venue - winning just one of their last eight Tests. The traditional 'fast- bowler's paradise' pitch has been now turned into a 'slow track'. Will this force the Proteas to pick Keshav Maharaj? If so, which one from the pace quartet (Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn, Duanne Olivier) will be omitted? Good luck, if you're part of the panel that gets to decide the South African playing XI. While Morne Morkel's absence hasn't been felt, the hosts' batting department - sans AB de Villiers - looks a bit iffy. Hashim Amla, who last scored a Test ton, in October 2017, has the backing of his captain.

Sri Lanka's Test series results in South Africa: 0-2, 0-2, 0-2, 1-2, 0-3. The past records, as well as the recent performances, show a vast gap between the two sides

Wiaan Mulder was added to the 13-man South Africa squad, but the hosts could go in with the same combination that did the job against Pakistan. It will mean Keshav Maharaj might have to wait for his opportunity while one of Zubayr Hamza or Theunis de Bruyn will have to sit out - to make way for captain du Plessis who returns after serving his one-Test ban due to slow overrate.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Dimuth Karunaratne(c), Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Lahiru Thirimanne, Oshada Fernando, Niroshan Dickwella(w), Suranga Lakmal, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lasith Embuldeniya
South Africa (Playing XI): Aiden Markram, Dean Elgar, Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Faf du Plessis(c), Quinton de Kock(w), Vernon Philander, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn, Duanne Olivier