After Sri Lanka pushed second in the first game, South Africa will be hoping to close out the series with another win in the second Test, starting January 3 in Johannesburg.
Overview
South Africa v Sri Lanka, 2nd Test
New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
Sunday, January 3 – Thursday, January 7, 10.00am local time, 8.00am GMT
South Africa have lost all three of their last two bilateral test series, despite having two of those tournaments at home. Their last series win came two years ago, against Pakistan, so they will want to close out the series against injured Sri Lanka.
A 2-0 win would also help the Proteas to lose their impressive and historic loss at home to the same challenge in early 2019.
Sri Lanka, despite their humble case in the first Test, will try to seek inspiration from that very series as they try to bounce back in the second Test. But the visitors have to deal with a number of injury problems heading into the second game.
Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha and Suranga Lakmal are among those who picked up injuries in the first Test and are unlikely to recover in time to take part in the second game. Dhananjaya de Silva has already been rejected.
With the fast bowling unit hit particularly badly by injury concerns, the appearance of Dushmantha Chameera and Vishwa Fernando could take a look.
Remember last time:
Sri Lanka, playing their first Test since February, started positively in Centurion, getting 340/6 on the first day of the match. But things quickly emerged from there as they were sidelined for 396.
Faf du Plessis sublime 199 and South Africa scored 621 against an attack that prevented injury problems. Sri Lanka were then knocked out for 180 in their second innings as South African sailors hit two hits each to help their side win with innings and 45 runs.
What they said:
Temba Bavuma (South African bat): “There ‘s a sense of endless business (after being sent off for 71 in the first game) and the opportunity to get in and get some running. I’d like to do that, and take it. count. “
Ashantha de Mel (Sri Lanka manager): “I’ve never been on a trip with so many injuries. We haven’t played a test match since February, so that must have won.”