Elgar is ecstatic after scoring his second Test century
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
South Africa opening batsman Dean Elgar stole the spotlight on a topsy-turvy first day against Sri Lanka in Galle with his outstanding knock of 103.
Elgar was well supported by batsman Faf du Plessis, who scored a brilliant half-century.
Standing in his first Test as captain, Hashim Amla would have been pleased with his decision to bat first as Alviro Petersen and Elgar amassed a 70-run partnership before Petersen was given out lbw off the bowling of Dilruwan Perera for 34.
Petersen decided to review the decision, but replays showed that the ball was clipping leg stump, which led to the third umpire upholding the original decision.
Elgar and du Plessis built on South Africa’s strong start with a 125-run partnership, during which Elgar brought up his second Test century and du Plessis his half-century, before Elgar was caught behind off the bowling of Suranga Lakmal.
Elgar’s innings of 103 tied his career-best and came off 187 balls and included 11 boundaries and three sixes.
Following Elgar’s wicket, the momentum changed as Sri Lanka started to look a lot more threatening.
Amla only made 11 runs before he was caught by Perera at extra cover off the bowling of Rangana Herath.
Du Plessis ended up making 80 off 196 deliveries, which included five boundaries and a six, before he was caught by Kaushal Silva at short leg off the bowling of Perera.
Du Plessis hit five boundaries and a six during his knock of 80
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
AB de Villiers managed to make 21 runs before he was clean bowled by Lakmal.
Wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock and pace bowler Dale Steyn amassed an unbeaten two-run partnership before stumps was called.
De Kock finished on 17 of 33 balls, which included one boundary, while Steyn has yet to face his first delivery.
Lakmal and Perera picked up two wickets apiece, while Herath chipped in with one.
South Africa ended day one on 268/5 and will continue batting tomorrow at 10:00 local time or 04:30 GMT.