1st Test: Dale Steyn’s four help South Africa claim 44-run lead

Sri Lanka were bowled out for 191 with an early tea taken when the last wicket fell.

Dale Steyn finished with four wickets as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 191. © AFP

Fast bowler Dale Steyn took four wickets as South Africa claimed a 44-run first innings lead at tea on the second day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Kingsmead on Thursday.

Sri Lanka were bowled out for 191 with an early tea taken when the last wicket fell. (FULL SCORECARD: 1st TEST)

Steyn took 4/48. He was denied a 27th Test five-wicket haul during a 10-over post-lunch spell when tailender Kasun Rajitha gloved him to gully but Dean Elgar spilled a simple chance.

Steyn took his career tally to 437 Test wickets, passing India’s Kapil Dev (434) and drawing level with Stuart Broad of England in joint seventh place on the all-time list. (ALSO READ: TV broadcaster reveals South Africa’s strategy against Sri Lanka batsmen)

Kusal Perera top-scored for Sri Lanka with an aggressive 51 off 63 balls. When he was caught at deep cover off Steyn an early end to the innings seemed likely.

But Lasith Embuldeniya and Rajitha defied the bowlers for 55 minutes, adding 32 for the ninth wicket despite being subjected to numerous short-pitched deliveries. The stand was eventually ended when Rajitha was run out by sharp fielding by Aiden Markram at short leg when he strayed out of his crease while playing a defensive shot.