SA cricket back on top
SOUTH Africa reclaimed top spot in cricket's test rankings after grimly hanging on for a draw in the second and final Test against Sri Lanka on Monday to win the series 1-0.
It was South Africa's first series win under new captain Hashim Amla and only their second series victory in Sri Lanka in 21 years. It sees them overtake Australia as the world's Number One team.
“Getting to Number One wasn't our primary aim. We wanted to find a winning formula with a new team,” an elated Amla told reporters afterwards.
“The first Test, which we did manage to win, and the character we showed here shows we are heading in the right direction and have a good formula for the years to come.”
Set 369 for victory South Africa, who started the day at 38-1, finished on 159 for eight with Vernon Philander holding firm with an unbeaten 27.
That was despite a marathon bowling effort from spinners Rangana Herath and Dilruwan Perera who sent down 89 overs between them, including 54 maidens, to claim all eight South African wickets that fell.
“To win a series here you have to encounter certain times where you would have to reach a breaking point,” added Amla.
“We almost reached that but the guys hung in there and we managed to come out with a draw.
“It's a very pleasing thing especially my first as captain. I certainly enjoyed winning here in Sri Lanka. Not many foreign teams come and do it and for us to have done it is a compliment to the team for the commitment they showed.”
Amla had led South Africa's resistance when he scored a fighting 25 off 159 balls before falling to Perera in the fourth over after tea when he edged an attempted drive to Mahela Jayawardene. MEANWHILE, England batsman Moeen Ali could be in trouble after wearing wristbands supporting the victims of the conflict in Gaza during the third Test yesterday.
It may have been an overt statement of his beliefs, and one that will garner sympathy from many quarters, but it may also place him on a charge with the International Cricket Council.
During his brief innings against India in Southampton, Moeen was spotted wearing white and black bands (right) bearing the messages: “Save Gaza” and “Free Palestine”. England's management made it clear that in its opinion he had committed no offence, but the ICC said it was investigating. It would be up to the match referee, David Boon, to lay any charge under the code of conduct.
A strict interpretation of the ICC's clothing regulations suggests that Moeen was in contravention. The clause on personal messages says: “Players and team officials shall not be permitted to wear, display or otherwise convey messages through armbands or other items affixed to clothing or equipment unless approved in advance by the player or team official's board. Approval shall not be granted for messages which relate to political, religious or racial activities or causes.”
Moeen has no qualms about expressing his affiliations or his beliefs, wearing his long beard as a label. In an interview last year he said: “I want people to know I am a Muslim and I want people to know I am representing the Muslim faith. I want to show that you can practise your faith and still play cricket at a high level. Yes, I see myself as a role model. And as a role model, I have to behave in a certain way. Do I see it as a mission? Yes.”