By Srian Obeyesekere

South Africa once again wriggled out of early Sri Lankan strikes of 3 wivkets for 44 in 15.4 to 269 for 7 on Ryan Rickleton’s century 101 off 260 balls n a 133 fourth wicket recovery between skipper Temba Bavuma 78 off 109 in negating Sri Lanka’s early strikes and helped by two dropped catches and half chances raising fitness questions in the most vital fielding department that dictates the outcome of contests yesterday at St.George’s Park on the opening day of the second test vital particularly to the Lankans in a thin edge faint ray of hope to staying in contention to the World Test Championship finals

The early strikes was triggered by Asitha Fernando who wrenched out opener Toni de Zorzi leg before wicket for 4 second ball of the innings followed by Lahiru Kumara clean bowling and Aiden Makram for 20 with the score 32 into 11.2 overs and proceeding to his second wicket with Triston Stubbs edging a back of length delivery to wicket keeper Kusal Mendis – South Africa 54 for 3 after 15.4.

Rickleton’ was sixth out caught by Pathum Nissanka giving the pacie his third wicket in a superb end of the day 3 for 54 returns off 18 overs. David Beningham was the only spin victim bowled by Prabath Jayasuriya for a duck while Vishwa Fernando bowled Marco Jansen for 4.