The Galle Test in retrospect
That the South Africans were the better side broke no argument. They had a lot of depth in batting and, with Dale Steyn showing the way, had the fire-power to take 20 wickets. Their fielding, with Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers and JP Duminy excelling, was also of a high standard.
To come to the pitch provided, it defied expectations of a low, slow pitch with excessive turn. It was a good track with something in it to excite everybody. Sri Lanka’s spinners took 11 of the 15 wickets that fell, whereas the pacemen – South Africa’s proven match-winners – claimed 16 of the 20 that went down.
Dilruwan Perera did obtain a bit of turn in the South African first innings, but Rangana Herath’s 60 overs for 148 runs were disappointing. By and large, wickets were gifted to the visitors’ spinners. Upul Tharanga, on 83, chased a wide off break and was stumped. The admirable Angelo Mathews was bowled by a Imran Tahir full toss when he was lashing out. Horror of horrors, Kumar Sangakkara fell to a rank long-hop, a ball that was eminently pullable but one that he had to fetch from way outside off stump. 
The South African bowling is mostly about Steyn. He sets the tone, applies the pressure in his four over spells. Morne Morkel’s performance in the first innings defied his stature, however, he put up his hand when it came to the crunch on the last day and gave a much improved display. Vernon Philander lacks a yard or two of pace and went wicketless. He did pass the bat a few times with deliveries of impeccable line and length. Those apart, his only contribution was dubious and uncalled for.
Suranga Lakmal bowled impressively and strove manfully in the enforced absence of Shaminda Eranga. The reluctance of the skipper to take on more bowling responsibility continues to amaze. Surprisingly, Perera, though he went for plenty (8-241), looked the more likely wicket-taker. Herath applied the pressure while claiming 3-232 in his 82 overs.
The relative batting strengths tell the tale. Sangakkara remains masterful while Mathews seems to be the only other top-order player Sri Lanka can depend on. Mahela Jayawardena appears to be fading into full sunset gently. Dinesh Chandimal is rash and his obsession with the hook/pull shot leads to his undoing. Lahiru Thirimanne doesn’t gift his wicket that cheaply and his basic approach is sound.
Tharanga, on his return after six years in the wilderness, batted exquisitely for his 83. Kaushal Silva, second time round, dug in and provided good support to Sangakkara. Silva was undone by Steyn in a beautiful burst early on the fifth morning. A few out swingers that had him playing and missing were followed by a superb inswinger that pitched more or toss on the same spot and took the edge.
The South Africans, 266 for 5 at one stage, ended up on 455/9. Quinton de Kock and especially, Duminy guided the late order to take them to a position of strength. Hashim Amla and De Villiers, it must be noted, made token contributions of 11 and 21 in the first innings. The tremendous performance of de Kock, eight catches and a stumping, plus scores of 51 and 36, has gone largely unnoticed.
Finally, an interesting point, from David Heyn to Roy Dias, down to Roshan Mahanama, Upul Chandana and TM Dilshan, Sri Lanka has been well served by excellent cover point fielders. But who of the present team can adorn that position? It goes against the grain to see a fast bowler especially an over-worked one – manning that vital place in the field.