Elgar Falls Short Of Ton As South Africa Fight Back Against Sri Lanka

Opener Dean Elgar fell five runs short of a century as South Africa climbed to 317 for four at the close of play on day two of the first Test against injury-hit Sri Lanka at Centurion Park on Sunday.

Elgar looked set for his 13th Test ton until he offered Sri Lanka seamer Dasun Shanaka a sharp caught-and-bowled chance that was superbly taken.

Faf du Plessis (55 not out) and Temba Bavuma (41 not out) will resume on the third morning after adding 97 runs, hoping to push South Africa past the visitors’ first innings score of 396 after two free-scoring days that have produced 713 runs at a rollicking rate of 4.24 runs per over.

That would suggest a batting paradise, but the wicket has given assistance to the bowlers, with both sides perhaps guilty of erring in line and length and not taking advantage of the pace and uneven bounce.

“It is one of those wickets where if you apply yourself and simplify your game-plan, you can score runs,” Elgar told SuperSport at the close.

“We have changed the momentum through the day and potentially have it back in our changeroom after a tough day yesterday.

“We want to only bat once on this wicket and then it is up to the bowlers. We probably need another 200-plus runs tomorrow.”