*Official* South Africa Tour of Sri Lanka 2018

[Shady Slim]

SA are definitely in the game at SSC, should they bowl first they might get some seam on day 1 (the Aussies had SL 5/25 ish on day one at SSC back in 2016) and if they bat first then that helps to negate the 3 pronged spin threat that SL will most likely target

that was the best series we've had in the past two years

 

[Mr Miyagi]

that was the best series we've had in the past two years

We've been spoiled lately imo with many very good series.

My two favourites have been Aus in India and SA in England last year.

 

[Maximas]

So SL is batting first and have decided to go for 3 spinners again, although Akila comes in for Lakshan, bolsters the batting slightly I guess but I didn't expect that move. SA have gone with 3 seamers and 6 batsmen, lots of responsibility on the opening bowlers to get a couple breakthroughs and then Maharaj

 

[Borges]

Well, South Africa are clearly playing for a win. Philander out and Ngidi in.

 

[OverratedSanity]

Philander out is a big call. Weakens their batting even further

Edit: oh wait, de bruyn is in for shamsi which in theory is good for their batting.

 

[Borges]

With South Africa relying on extra pace and bounce, the first session is going to be crucial. Quite unusual for a test match in the subcontinent.

 

[Maximas]

Philander out is a big call. Weakens their batting even further

Edit: oh wait, de bruyn is in for shamsi which in theory is good for their batting.

In practice I honestly think their batting could be weaker for it, haven't seen much of de bruyn though

 

[Black_Warrior]

Dropping Philander is a massive call given his contribution with the bat. I suspect they've gone with Ngidi hoping for some reverse swing. I'm not sure if he is known for his old ball skills. SA fan familiar with SA domestic scene can confirm

 

[Mr Miyagi]

Hope Lungi Ngidi has a great game.

Love how SA keep producing serious seam bowlers.

 

[Mr Miyagi]

Dropping Philander is a massive call given his contribution with the bat. I suspect they've gone with Ngidi hoping for some reverse swing. I'm not sure if he is known for his old ball skills. SA fan familiar with SA domestic scene can confirm

Not really. SA was a bowler heavy last game with Philander batting 7.

Now they've gone with de Bruyn at 7 who is barely a bowler.

Can Maharaj do it all himself when the pitch becomes low, only offering turn assistance?

 

[Maximas]

Philander looked just about the most capable with the bat at Galle, plus he has a formidable record as a bowler, lots of experience. It is a big call to drop him and bring in an extra batsman without many test runs under his belt

 

[Maximas]

This pitch looks like a belter so far, Gunathilaka just playing through the line and the bounce/pace appears very true

EDIT: somewhat true bounce

 

[Borges]

Re. Bowling on this wicket, one has to agree that Lungi Ngidi is an improvement over Philander.

 

[OverratedSanity]

This is very good from SL.

 

[Maximas]

Gunathilaka needs to play a break out innings here, big hundred to cement his place, although he looks like he has some technical flaws that would be exposed by good fast bowling overseas

 

[Borges]

This must be thoroughly demoralising for the South Africans. It's not just that they haven't taken any wickets; their bowling hasn't even posed many questions so far.

 

[Maximas]

Ahh, wouldn't be an SL test without some touring commentator wondering why Tharanga is no longer in the side

 

[Maximas]

Well that could not have gone much worse for SA, both spinners looked slightly threatening but the fast bowlers produced very little after the first 15 overs, could be a long day or so in the field and then a tough examination with the bat

 

[StephenZA]

Poor team selection from SA, feels very defensive. Don't know if de Bruyn will add with the bat, but suspect not if we get into trouble. I can understand them wanting to play Ngidi, but we already had an enforcer, back of length type bowler with Rabada and Shamsi is was always going to be more effective.

Will see what happens if we can get the ball to start reversing, game may change quickly then.


Keep an eye out for sandpaper......

 

[Himannv]

Keep an eye out for sandpaper......

I reckon toffees are a bigger concern with this lot.