Preview
Nobody would have given Sri Lanka any chance despite the depleted unit South Africa are set to field if it not were for their success on the last tour to the Rainbow Nation. The Sri Lankan side is short of experience with Angelo Mathews missing out, but last time became the only Asian side to win a Test series in South Africa.
Individual brilliance was a major factor in Sri Lanka’s win that time and they will need a lot of it this time too if they are to counter the Proteas. The bowling attack has a formidable look and as skipper Dimuth Karunaratne pointed out before the game, it could stand neck to neck with what the home side are likely to field.
South Africa are without Kagiso Rabada for this big game. They are also missing Vernon Philander, who retired, from the outfit they last fielded when playing a Test match. Lungi Ngidi is also a doubtful starter for this game. This could mean debuts for Glenton Stuurman and possibly even Lutho Sipamla or Miguel Pretorius.
Aiden Markram is in excellent form and is the second-highest run-getter in Case’s four-day challenge. His runs at home never dried up and his form alongside Elgar’s will be crucial for the Proteas.
The home side also have a temporary captain for the season in Quinton de Kock. His workload will also be under close scrutiny with him keeping wickets. He also opens the batting and does wicket-keeping alongside captaining in the shorter formats. The excessive workload is something that could be of concern.
Probable XI
South Africa: Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, Faf du Plessis, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Dwaine Pretorius, Keshav Maharaj, Glenton Stuurman, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi/Lutho Sipamla
Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Dilruwan Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Lasith Embuldeniya, Dushmantha Chameera
Recent record
- South Africa have won nine and lost seven of their home Tests since 2018. The result-oriented pitches mean that South Africa last saw a drawn Test match in August, 2016.
- Sri Lanka might have won in South Africa last time, but their away record is questionable. Since 2015, they have won just seven and lost 14 of their away Test matches.
Players to watch out for
Anrich Nortje: In the absence of Rabada and following Philander’s retirement, Anrich Nortje has a golden chance to become the strike bowler in the South African Test side. The hit-the-deck pacer had a terrific IPL and was also handy in the home series against England earlier this year. Nortje hitting his straps early will be crucial for South Africa.
Kusal Perera: He made a mind-blowing hundred, one of the best the format has ever seen, on the last trip to the country. But his dwindling form has seen him dropped out from the side before making a late return for the series. His form, and how he counters South Africa’s pace and bounce will be a big battle to watch out for this series.