PLAYS OF THE MATCH

1 SA’S CENTURY OPENING STAND

FAF du Plessis made a brave decision to bat first on a wellgrassed St George’s Park pitch. He was hoping South Africa’s inconsistent batting line-up would be given a solid start.

Enter Stephen Cook and Dean Elgar. The pair had tried to “dovetail” off each other in Australia without too much success.

In the Friendly City, they were in perfect sync, nullifying the Sri Lankan new-ball threat and in the process putting on a century stand for the first time.

It was just the impetus the Proteas were seeking to get the home summer started.

For good measure they repeated it in the second innings – only the 10th time it has been achieved in the history of Test cricket.

2 A FIRST FOR LAKMAL

Suranga Lakmal had played 31 Tests before the visit to Port Elizabeth, but he will forever remember St George’s Park.

The lanky opening bowler claimed his maiden “five-for” here and dispelled the myth that subcontinent seam bowlers could not be successful in South African conditions.

His efforts played a big role in dismissing the Proteas for 286 in the first innings and it’s a pity his batsmen could not follow-up his good work. It could have made for a much more intriguing Test match.

3 BIG VERN IS BACK TO STAY

Before Australia there were questions floating around relating to the future of Vernon Philander after a couple of injuries had affected his form.

But as in Hobart, when conditions are suited to seam bowling, there is nobody in the world to touch “Big Vern” and he proved it once again to bring the Proteas firmly back into the game with his 11th five-wicket haul.

With the next Test to be played at Philander’s favourite hunting ground, Newlands, the Sri Lankans are in for another stern test of their techniques.

4 BY HOOK OR BY COOK …

The search for a reliable opening batsman for the national team is over.

Stephen Cook entrenched himself in that role with two solid innings that will allow the selectors to head into the New Year with some peace of mind.

Cook put together a composed 59 in the first innings, but showed a different side in the second innings when he scored fluently on both sides of the wicket to register his third Test century in seven Tests.

5 THE FINAL PIECE OF THE JIGSAW

South Africa have long dithered on what type of spinner is suitable to the team game plan and conditions at home.

The debate has routinely cantered on whether an “attacking” or “defensive” spinner is required.

The latest left-armer to audition for the role is Keshav Maharaj, and thus far, the Durbanite has ticked every box required of him.

He had already showed he can contribute with the bat but it was in his primary role that he excelled in Sri Lanka’s last innings when he picked up three crucial wickets.

It was fitting he picked up the last wicket to fall that earned South Africa a hardfought win. – Zaahier Adams