***Official*** South Africa in Sri Lanka 2014

[kykweer.proteas]

Its quite ironic that South African spinners are not threatening even when they get "ridiculous" assistance.

We dont claim it as our strength and the opposing teams weakness.

 

[YorksLanka]

omg what a hack from Sanga there !! tahir bowling well..nice to see a fifty partnership for us..

 

[Garson007]

A very un-South African declaration there.

 

[hendrix]

I would've made the lead 400.

 

[91Jmay]

Super aggresive declaration from Hashim/SA.

Need another wicket before the close.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Not watching but good to see Tahir keeping up his fantastic test record.

 

[morgieb]

Looks like South Africa were prepared to lose to win.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Warney will approve.

 

[Ryan19]

I don't understand why you would be so aggressive in a two test series. It's fun to watch but I don't think it was a very logical move.

 

[viriya]

Did not expect the match to be nicely poised like this... Nice counterattack from sanga.. You would have to think that if SL manage to play out the overs they would win it.. 261 from 90 overs is very doable... Even with the turn on offer I think steyn and morkel are the biggest hurdles for SL.. Would be SL's highest 4th innings chase if it happens.

 

[karan316]

Good move by Amla, we need such rist takers in international cricket, if tomorrow SA bowlers get reverse and run through the SL batting lineup, people will give him credit, if not, he will be criticized, but a good decision, Well Done Amla. Positive cricket from both sides.

 

[karan316]

What's SA' "worst 4 averages" compared to those of the other test playing nations over the last 5-6 years?

What? You think m Mohandas Menon?

 

[karan316]

We dont claim it as our strength and the opposing teams weakness.

All pains the immortal spirit must endure,
All weakness that impairs, all griefs that bow,
Find their sole voice in that victorious brow

 

[karan316]

I m so excited about Amla's captaincy already, looks like such a calm and composed individual, but if he takes such aggressive decisions, he'll take this SA team to another level.

 

[Migara]

Comfortable for the time being, but on Galle wickets do fall in clumps. 270 more or 90 overs is a massive ask, and that will need ALL the batters to bat out of their skins.

 

[Migara]

Its quite ironic that South African spinners are not threatening even when they get "ridiculous" assistance.

More than ridiculous TBH.

 

[Maximas]

its quite ironic that Sri Lankan spinners are only threatening when they get "ridiculius" assistance.

The game situation is probably more important than the pitch though, always tough to bowl when the batsmen feel like they have little to lose.

Pleasantly surprised to find we'd made it through to stumps and now find ourselves in an ok-ish position, can certainly win from here, Sanga and then Mahela and even Matthews will be crucial - gotta build partnerships and try not to let Tahir settle or let wickets fall in clumps.

 

[viriya]

Match is incredibly evenly poised atm.. Betfair odds:
SL 36%
SA 34%
Draw 30%

I'm not sure if I would favor SL right now.. if they get through the first hour tomorrow with no wicket lost then I think favoring SL to win is fair.

 

[YorksLanka]

Nicely poised and I reckon first session tomorrow will be vital to both teams..good fight back from Sanga n Kaushal...as others have said, if we bat the overs, we can win it...good test match...

 

[Jono]

For people watching, has Amla made a colossal ****-up here?