Vishwa Fernando shines as Sri Lanka defy the odds
Opening bowler skittles Proteas top-order as De Kock comes to the rescue for home side
Vishwa Fernando took four wickets as underdogs Sri Lanka heeded new captain Dimuth Karunaratne’s call to “compete in every session” on the first day of the first Test against SA at Kingsmead on Wednesday. SA, overwhelming favourites against a team seemingly in disarray, were bowled out for 235. Sri Lanka were 49/1 at the close. Left-arm opening bowler Fernando dismissed both South African opening batsmen cheaply as the hosts found themselves floundering at 17/3 after being sent in on a pitch which offered bounce and swing on a partially overcast morning. Fernando, 27, playing in his fourth Test, went on to claim career-best figures of 4/62. Kasun Rajitha took 3/68. Wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, batting at No6 because SA picked five specialist bowlers, gave the South African innings some respectability by hitting 80 off 94 balls before he was last man out. Sri Lanka lost Lahiru Thirimanne, caught behind off Dale Steyn for nought, but Karunaratne batted confidently to be 28 not out at...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.