Dean-Elgar-(L)-of-South-Africa-celebrates-reaching-50-runs-with-teammate-Faf-du-Plessis-during-day-on
Dean Elgar (left) and Faf du Plessis © Getty Images (File Photo)

 

By R Vishal

Jul 16, 2014

Dean Elgar‘s scintillating second hundred along with Faf du Plessis held for for South Africa at Tea and completely decimated the Sri Lankan attack, who were toothless on a flat wicket at Galle on Day One of the first Test. The boundaries flowed in droves and the batsmen at the crease used their feet at will to feast on the bowling attack.

South Africa started the post lunch session firmly on the front foot and taking the Sri Lankan spinners head on. Boundaries were in full flow and it was Du Plessis who stuck a couple of huge sixes and a flurry of boundaries to frustrate the hosts.

South Africans were on the front foot against the spinners. Even the otherwise impeccable Herath was going for plenty and Sri Lankans looked bereft of answers. Du Plessis was in a punishing mood and was not afraid to go over the top to look for runs. The highlight of the session so far is a big six over long on by the man who celebrated his 30th birthday two days ago.
Sri Lankan shoulders were drooping and the spinners that they heavily bank on were  taken to the cleaners. You have got to tip your hat to Dean Elgar will and audacity today. The pitch though has been placid for the most part and the batsmen have captalised on it with utmost glee. Having said that the Lankan spinners went through a rare good phase by getting three maiden overs in a row. Dean Elgar then got to his century with a huge six over long on and there was a war cry after reaching the millestone.

Brief scores:

South Africa 194 for 1 (Alviro Petersen 34, Dean Elgar 102*, Faf du Plessis 57; Dilruwan Perera 1 for 66) vs Sri Lanka

 

Full Scorecard

 

(R Vishal is a journalist and an alumni of the Asian College of Journalism. He can be followed on Twitter @vishhell)