Early Bonanza for South Africa

By Harry Jayachandra

Sri Lankan ‘A’ Skipper Avishka Gunewardena may not get a Christmas card from National Captain Mahela Jayawardena this year. Gunawardena squandered a golden opportunity to grind the South Africans in their only practice match before the first test which begins on Thursday.

Hashim Amla square cuts during his unbeaten 128 yesterday.

Gunawardene won the toss and inexplicably invited the visitors to take first lease on a pitch that offered nothing to the spinners or seamers. The skipper’s decision seemed to have paid off when Nuwan Zoysa had Boeta Dippenaar caught plumb in front for just one with the total on five. Fellow opener Herschelle Gibbs showed glimpses of class as he resurrected the innings with Jacque Rudolph. The second wicket pair took the total to 88 before Gibbs was caught by Michael Vandort off left arm spinner Rangana Herath for 32 runs. Hashim Amla joined Rudolph at the crease and the pair safely negotiated their way to lunch.

After the break, both Rudolph and Amla cut loose. Both batsmen gave Murali and Co. something to think about. They were not afraid to use their feet to both Herath and Chandana. They put together an unbroken third wicket partnership of 242 runs before Chandana finally made the breakthrough. He had Rudolph caught by Mubarak for a fine 157. At close South Africa had made it to 351 for the loss of just three wickets.

Jacque Rudolph sways away from a bouncer - Pix by Dinuka Liyanawatte

The home side missed a golden opportunity of breaking the partnership. Amla while on 38 advanced down the track to Chandana. He misjudged the flight of the ball which nicked the bat and went just past the leg stump. Unfortunately with Amla stranded wicket keeper Prasanna Jayawardene was unable to collect the ball and effect the stumping. Amla made the most of his opportunity to remain unbeaten on 128 which included 14 hits to the ropes and one over it. Skipper Ashwell Prince joined Amla at the crease and remained unbeaten on 15. Gunawardene used as many as seven bowlers to no avail.

Other than for a little bounce which is the norm for a first day pitch, the wicket offers little to the bowlers. Thus Gunawardene faces the prospect of a massive leather hunt from the under strength visitors.