SA TO RELY ON PACE IN 1ST TEST AGAINST LANKA

Galle: South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis Wednesday backed “dangerous” paceman Dale Steyn and the rest of his bowlers to wreak havoc in Sri Lanka on the eve of the first Test. Steyn “gets one wicket and he is up there with the most dangerous bowlers in the world because he is so skilful. I am hoping to see Dale bowl really quick again,” du Plessis said. “In our bowling attack that we have, we have the ability to get 20 wickets on whatever the surfaces. I think this series will be won where the batters need to stand up for both teams,” he said. Steyn, who is returning from an injury, is expected to be a part of South Africa’s potent pace attack in the first of two Tests starting in Galle on Thursday. The 35- year- old speedster needs three wickets to add to his 419 scalps and surpass retired quick Shaun Pollock ( 421) to become South Africa’s leading wicket- taker in the five- day format. Du Plessis said he was also banking on Kagiso Rabada to swing it South Africa’s way and eventually to step into Steyn’s shoes as their foremost attack paceman. But Sri Lankan batsman Roshen Silva also struck a confident note, saying they will make most of the home advantage in conditions that favour spin more than seam. “At the moment they, South Africa, are the number two team in ranking. We expect them to come really hard at us. ( But) we have prepared and we will give our best,” said Silva.