Image source– ESPNCricinfo X
Yesterday was a day of contrasting emotions for two sides amid a lush green Kingsmead Stadium in Durban as South Africa after making just a paltry 191 batting first, recovered rather beautifully to skittle Sri Lanka for all of 42 in just 13.5 overs.
Yes, just 42 meekly runs in the first innings of the first test which truth be told served as a devastating blow to the island nation’s chances of winning this Test enroute to making a case for the World Test Championship final.
Perhaps these runs looked rather shabby for an accomplished batter let alone an entire team.
The indentations on the pitch after a rainy first day was for everyone to see albeit some application by the batters couldhave got them runs before eventually succumbing to a delivery that possibly had to have their name.
Well for Sri Lanka the application was all but missing as it seemed they wanted to be rather aggressive to make quick work of South Africa’s 191 but ended up wilting to their lowest test score amidst a mighty fine bowling spell by South Africa’s sensation, the towering Marco Jansen.
The left arm speedster was mighty impressive with his pace and bounce as he demolished Sri Lanka’s top and middle order enroute to getting two prized scalps in Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews.
These experienced icons of Sri Lanka were all at sea facing Marco as Chandimal’s stumps were castled by a delivery that jabbed back in and Mathews went for a cut on a delivery that rose only to be caught at first slip by a waiting David Bedingham.
After cleaning up the top and middle order, it was just a matter of time as the lower order of Sri Lanka fell like nine pins to Jansen who perhaps after destroying Mathews and Chandimal was just knocking batters over for fun.
The feat was truly remarkable as it has put South Africa in a pole position to triumph in this Test, with the Proteas already building a remarkable lead of 281 runs with seven wickets still intact as we approach day 3.
This courtesy some good batting display from Tristan Stubbs and captain charismatic, Temba Bavuma who lest we forgetwas also crucial to the hosts reaching 191 in the first innings.
His 70 of 117 balls was undoubtedly vital as the batters around him were walking back to the pavilion in a matter of minutes courtesy some good Lankan bowling.
With mastering the direction of this Test as things stand, the South African faithful would undoubtedly pray with optimism that the Proteas ascend to glory in this one and also keep the momentum alive to soar in the next three games to guarantee them a place in the World Test Championship final.
But for now, it’s undoubtedly Marco Jansen’s time. Not only has he made his teammates proud, but he’s also brought immense joy to the 64 million people of Mzansi, who are eager to see their nation soar.
May his run of outstanding form continue for plenty of time to come!
