Port Elizabeth: South Africa will be seeking to bounce back in the second Test against Sri Lanka, starting at St George’s Park on Thursday, after Kusal Perera’a heroics handed them a chastening defeat in the first Test.
Although it was Perera who stole the headlines in the team’s dramatic one-wicket win, the rest of the players rose to rookie captain Dimuth Karunaratne’s challenge to “compete in every session”.
South Africa are likely to have a change of strategy after going into the Durban match with a four-pronged pace attack as well as spinner Keshav Maharaj.
It is certain that the hosts will include an extra batsman, either Theunis de Bruyn or Zubayr Hamza, for the second Test.
Opening bowler Vernon Philander did not bowl in Sri Lanka’s second innings in Durban because of a hamstring strain.
If he is not fit there is also a possibility that all-rounder Wiaan Mulder may win a first cap. (AFP)