The second Test between the Proteas and Sri Lanka has gotten off to an enthralling start, with multiple momentum shifts throughout the first day in Gqeberha.
SA opted to bat first, but it was a horror start, as Tony de Zorzi was contentiously trapped LBW on his very first delivery. Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton tried to dig in, but the express quick Lahiru Kumara had the last laugh yet again. Markram was knocked over, and Tristan Stubbs edged behind. All of a sudden, the hosts were off balance at 44/3.
However, the arrival of Temba Bavuma would both end the mini collapse and build an innings-defining stand that would take SA ahead. Rickelton did well to occupy the crease, while Bavuma regularly found the boundary and rotated strike. Both players reached 50 during the second session, and the visitors were looking for respite.
The skiddy Asitha Fernando returned and got the better of the South African captain with a well-directed short ball. And that would end a brilliant 129-run stand.
Bavuma walked back for a well-made 78, as his rich form has continued to prop up his team. But it was Rickelton who stole the show with a steadfast maiden Test ton.
For someone who previously got a smattering of chances in this level, it was a relieving occasion. By then, an out-of-sorts David Bedingham had fallen after a very chancy stay at the crease. Fortunately, Kyle Verreynne provided able support.
Just when SA looked to pull away, Lahiru Kumara had Rickelton edging into the slips, and Marco Jansen was bowled by a fantastic delivery from left-arm seamer Vishwa Fernando.
350 might’ve been there for the taking, but the Lankan bowlers have made things more difficult now. The game is firmly in the balance, and the hosts will desperately look to prolong the first innings and cross the 300 threshold at the very least.
SA 269/7 in 86.3 overs (Rickelton 101, Bavuma 78 – Kumara 3/54)
