South Africa vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test, Day 3, preview and predictions: Hosts eye quick wickets to strengthen grip
Day Two was totally opposite in regards to what one witnessed on Day One. It was a day where wickets were of common and runs were luxury. South Africa did very well to comeback into the match while Sri Lanka crumbled under the pressure carrying their momentum. South Africa lost 4 wickets in span of 9 overs, while Sri Lanka lost three-fourth of their side in the process of acquiring runs. South Africa were easily the more content of the sides by the end of the day while Sri Lanka would have been upset by their outing in the field.
Day 3, Sri Lanka perspective: Sri Lanka with only 3 wickets in hand, have only Dhananjaya de Silva to get them out of hole. de Silva so far has played a resilient knock but will need to get a move on if Sri Lanka have any hopes of nearing South Africa’s score of 286. Sri Lanka will be happy to get 50-run as quick as possible and cross the 200 run mark, to have a psychological up over the hosts. Dushmantha Chameera has shown that he can put his bat in front of the ball to good use and will continue to do the same on Day Three. Suranga Lakmal and Nuwan Pradeep can score quick runs but would if it difficult to stand the wrath of the South African bowlers with the moving ball.
LIVE Cricket Scorecard, South Africa vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test at Port Elizabeth
If Sri Lanka gets out early it could very well be a blessing in disguise. Lakmal, Pradeep and Chameera showed on Day Two that they are no duds with the ball and can very well inflict damage on the hosts. Day Three surface would also assist Rangana Herath who will add another dimension to the visitors.
Day 3, South Africa perspective: South Africa will surely be inspired by Sri Lankan bowlers show from Day Two and look to emulate the same. Kyle Abbott and Vernon Philander took apart the Sri Lankan batting line-up with their swing bowling while Kagiso Rabada looked completely out of form. Abbott could use early morning condition to great result for his side as he showcased against Australia at Hobart. Philander too showed exemplary control with the ball and will be on the look out for a couple of more scalps. Keshav Maharaj has been underused so far and in all likelihood not be needed to bowl a lot.
South Africa will surely be eyeing an early opportunity to bat. Dean Elgar and Stephen Cook would want to rekindle their knocks from first innings. Both batsmen gave their wicket away in their last knock, surely will want to make good use of the batting track on Day 3. More importantly for South Africa, they will eye big runs on the board and think of batting till Day Four.