Elgar leads South Africa fightback

CAPE TOWN: An unbeaten 76 from opener Dean Elgar led a South Africa fightback as they reached 147 for four at tea on the opening day of the second test against Sri Lanka at Newlands on Monday.

Captain Faf du Plessis survived a dropped catch to contribute 38 to a 76-run partnership with Elgar as South Africa lost one wicket in the second session, having been 69 for three at lunch.

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Sri Lanka struggled to make further inroads with Du Plessis the only wicket to fall as he attempted an expansive drive to Rangana Herath's left-arm spin and was caught at first slip by Angelo Mathews.

Elgar and Du Plessis had both played measured innings sprinkled with a few aggressive shots to revive the hosts after early problems.

The 21-year-old had taken over the gloves from Dinesh Chandimal, who is playing but was feeling unwell at the start of play.

Inconsistent bowling allowed Elgar and Amla to weather the next 21 overs and establish a 66-run partnership before the 19-year-old Kumara, playing only his third test, was brought into the attack.

The teenager replaced Dushmantha Chameera in the line-up for the second test in one of two changes for Sri Lanka, who lost by 206 runs in Port Elizabeth in the first game of the three-match series.

 

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