South Africa tour of Sri Lanka 2018 - Discussion Thread

[giri26]

CRICKET SOUTH AFRICA (CSA) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) today announced the itinerary for the Standard Bank Proteas tour of Sri Lanka in the second half of 2018. The tour will consist of two Test matches, five One-Day Internationals and a solitary T20 International match.

“This will be a very important tour for us,” commented CSA Acting Chief Executive Thabang Moroe. “We have a lot of exciting, young players coming into our side in all three formats and, with so much of our international cricket being played on the sub-continent these days it is important they get used to those conditions as soon as possible.

“Many of them have played very little cricket over there and indeed some none at all. For instance, we can look forward with tremendous anticipation to the performances of our leading Test match spinner, Keshav Maharaj, who has yet to play a Test on the sub-continent.

“The ODI Series forms an important part of our team preparation for next year’s 2019 ICC World Cup in England.

“Sri Lanka have always provided very tough opposition under their home conditions and I am sure this tour will be no exception. We are all looking forward to some very competitive cricket,” concluded Mr. Moroe.

SRI LANKA TOUR ITINERARY

July 4: SA arrive in Sri Lanka

July 7-8: Two-day practice match, P Sara Stadium, Colombo

July 12-16: 1st Test match, Galle

July 20-24: 2nd Test match, Colombo

July 26: One-day warm-up match, venue to be confirmed

July 29: 1st ODI, Dambulla (day match)

August 1: 2nd ODI, Dambulla (d/n)

August 5: 3rd ODI, Kandy (day match)

August 8: 4th ODI, Kandy (d/n)

August 12: 5th ODI, Colombo (d/n)

August 14: T20 International, Colombo (d/n)

 

[Ab Fan]

2 tests only and guess what when SL comes to SA, it is three.

It should have been the reverse. 3 tests when SA tours Sri Lanka and 2 should be enough when Sri Lanka is touring.

 

[Ozymandiasza]

2 tests only and guess what when SL comes to SA, it is three.

It should have been the reverse. 3 tests when SA tours Sri Lanka and 2 should be enough when Sri Lanka is touring.

Apparently the third test was cancelled to include ODIs:

"South Africa had been scheduled to play three Tests in Sri Lanka in July, but one of those Tests has been traded for a five-match ODI series and a T20I."

 

[Amirforpresident]

Excellent!!! Love the test matches being played in Sri Lanka.

 

[hadi123]

2 tests only and guess what when SL comes to SA, it is three.

It should have been the reverse. 3 tests when SA tours Sri Lanka and 2 should be enough when Sri Lanka is touring.

Agreed. 3 tests between those 2 teams in SL would be a pretty good series, but in SA it would be very one sided.

 

[barah_admi]

Will show how SA react to Asian conditions in a trans formative phase of their side. I assume Ngidi will be in the line up with Morkel retired. Actually Stayn may be fit and keep Ngidi out but I'd rather have the younger, fresher pair of legs.

Amla will really have to up his game or face the axe till he gets his form back, so this is a crunch series for him and Faf's captaincy (not entirely impressive) will be put to the test, including his batting ability which has been average at best recently.

Even such a weakened SL side can cause huge problems at home and push SA to the very brink.

 

[aloo paratha]

2 tests

 

[soso_killer]

I knew I was going to be left disappointed.
What's the point of playing 5 ODI's no one will remember next year?

We've just had a Test series for the ages, it had it all. No ODI game or series that's been played over the last 30 years comes anywhere near what we witnessed over the last month or so. At times like this I just wanna give up on cricket.

What a joke to play two Tests. It was agreed on the itinerary that there'd be three Tests.

 

[soso_killer]

Apparently the third test was cancelled to include ODIs:

"South Africa had been scheduled to play three Tests in Sri Lanka in July, but one of those Tests has been traded for a five-match ODI series and a T20I."

That is sickening, what a disgrace.
It's not the first time Sri Lanka have done this to us. We might as well not tour there.

 

[Hasan123]

Would have liked to see 3 tests. Will be interesting to see how Mahraj does in Asian conditions and how SA batsmen handle Dilruwan,Herath, and Danajaya.

 

[hadi123]

DALE STEYN make his long-awaited return to the Standard Bank Proteas Test squad for the two-match series to be played against Sri Lanka next month.

The 15-player squad also sees the return of Multiply Titans wrist spinner, Tabraiz Shamsi, whose only previous Test was the pink ball match against Australia at the Adelaide Oval in 2016, and the first-time inclusion of the uncapped Multiply Titans leg-spinner, Shaun von Berg.

“It is very welcome news to have Dale back in our pack of world-class seamers,” commented Cricket South Africa (CSA) National Selection Panel (NSC) convener Linda Zondi, “particularly in view of the retirement of Morne Morkel.

“Kagiso Rabada has also made a complete recovery from the injury concerns he had at the end of the Australia Test Series.

“A key factor in our selection process was to cover all our bases and all possible conditions that we may encounter in Sri Lanka. The two additional spinners to back up Keshav Maharaj have both had excellent records in recent times in our domestic cricket. Von Berg also gives us additional batting strength in the lower order.

“Heinrich Klaasen is the other uncapped player although he has been part of our squad for some time. He provides wicketkeeping cover for Quinton de Kock and is also a contender for a specialist batting position.”

Standard Bank Proteas Test squad: Faf du Plessis (Multiply Titans, capt), Hashim Amla (WSB Cape Cobras), Temba Bavuma (WSB Cape Cobras), Quinton de Kock (Multiply Titans), Theunis de Bruyn (Multiply Titans), Dean Elgar (Multiply Titans), Heinrich Klaasen (Multiply Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Multiply Titans), Lungisani Ngidi (Multiply Titans), Vernon Philander (WSB Cape Cobras), Kagiso Rabada (bizhub Highveld Lions), Tabraiz Shamsi (Multiply Titans), Dale Steyn (Multiply Titans), Shaun von Berg (Multiply Titans).


PROTEAS TOUR TO SRI LANKA 2018

July 4: SA arrive in Sri Lanka

July 7-8: Two-day practice match, P Sara Stadium, Colombo

July 12-16: 1st Test match, Galle

July 20-24: 2nd Test match, Colombo

July 26: One-day warm-up match

July 29: 1st ODI, Dambulla (Day match)

August 1: 2nd ODI, Dambulla (D/N)

August 5: 3rd ODI, Kandy (day match)

August 8: 4th ODI, Kandy (D/N)

August 12: 5th ODI, Colombo (D/N)

August 14: T20 International, Colombo (D/N)

 

[j_kazmi]

Here’s hoping he doesn’t get injured again.

If he does his career may well be over.

 

[ManFan]

So they are going to bring an aging Steyn on for a SL tour?

He’ll probably play support role for Rabada at this point since he has medium pace and only outswing.

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

So they are going to bring an aging Steyn on for a SL tour?

He’ll probably play support role for Rabada at this point since he has medium pace and only outswing.

And how many SC superstars (likes of Kohli including) can play outswing?

Steyn can still own SC top order (actually whole world's) in his sleep!

He might be aging but class will be there until his last day of cricket

 

[ManFan]

And how many SC superstars (likes of Kohli including) can play outswing?

Steyn can still own SC top order (actually whole world's) in his sleep!

He might be aging but class will be there until his last day of cricket

Of course.

But he will play second fiddle to Rabada but Steyn might be extra motivated to prove he still has it. And you know what happens when he over-experiments and psyches himself out.

 

[The_Odd_One]

Steyn will make the SA bowling attack complete. Steyn, Rabada, Philandar, and Maharaj is a dangerous bowling attack.

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

Steyn will make the SA bowling attack complete. Steyn, Rabada, Philandar, and Maharaj is a dangerous bowling attack.

And they have to bench Ngidi

Monstrous attack.

 

[shaz619]

Take this news with a pinch of salt, hope it isn't short lived like the last time; was so hyped

 

[Chief Destroyer]

The Glass is back. Hope they have enough cotton this time.

 

[Jabo]

Steyn is done

no interest in him bowling

one because of the pitches there
and two because he is done as a player
i don't think his heart is in it and his body definitely isn't

 

[Square Drive]

The Glass is back. Hope they have enough cotton this time.

Do you rate him as an ATG?

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Steyn is done

no interest in him bowling

one because of the pitches there
and two because he is done as a player
i don't think his heart is in it and his body definitely isn't

If his heart wasn't in it he wouldn't come back again and again.He would have retired a long time ago.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Do you rate him as an ATG?

Yes.

 

[UN talkz]

CRICKET SOUTH AFRICA (CSA) today took the next step in broadening the talent pool for Vision 2019 when it named both the Standard Bank Proteas squad for the ODI series in Sri Lanka as well as the South Africa A squad for the triangular limited overs series against India A and Australia A on the sub-continent.

“Both series are extremely important parts of Vision 2019 as we plan for next year’s ICC World Cup in England and Wales,” commented CSA National Selection Panel (NSP) convener Linda Zondi. “We will be facing extremely tough competition in the tri-series in India with both our opponents set to include quite a lot of seasoned international players. This series will be ideal to broaden our talent pool.

“As far as the Proteas squad is concerned we have taken the strategic decision to rest Imran Tahir so that we can get a clearer picture as to who our best second spinner is to back him up at the World Cup,” explained Mr. Zondi. “Imran will be our first- choice spinner at the World Cup but, if we play him against Sri Lanka, it is unlikely that we will be able to play both Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj.

“By taking this route, we will be able to play the two of them together. Tabraiz has been the outstanding bowler in franchise white ball cricket this past season. Keshav has been outstanding for us in red ball cricket and we need to give him the opportunity to show us what he can do at international level in the ODI format.”

There are two new caps in bizhub Highveld Lions batsman Reeza Hendricks and Multiply Titans fast bowler Junior Dala, who have both represented the Proteas in the T20 format. Young bizhub Highveld Lions all-rounder Wiaan Mulder also returns to the squad after missing the previous series against India.

The ODI squad will also do duty in the one-off T20 International match against Sri Lanka.

In addition to the tri-series squad the selectors have also named the South Africa A squad for the two four-day Test matches against India A.

First-time selections at SA A level are Hollywoodbets Dolphins batsman Sarel Erwee, bizhub Highveld Lions batsman Rassie van der Dussen and two young fast bowlers, Mthiwekhaya Nabe of the World Sports Betting Cape Cobras and Anrich Nortje of the Warriors.

Chris Morris could not be considered for any of the squads because of injury.

Standard Bank Proteas ODI squad: Faf du Plessis (Multiply Titans, capt), Hashim Amla (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Junior Dala (Multiply Titans), Quinton de Kock (Multiply Titans), JP Duminy (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Reeza Hendricks (bizhub Highveld Lions), Heinrich Klaasen (Multiply Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Multiply Titans), David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Wiaan Mulder (bizhub Highveld Lions), Lungisani Ngidi (Multiply Titans), Andile Phehlukwayo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kagiso Rabada (bizhub Highveld Lions), Tabraiz Shamsi (Multiply Titans).

PROTEAS TOUR TO SRI LANKA 2018

July 4: SA arrive in Sri Lanka

July 7-8: Two-day practice match, P Sara Stadium, Colombo

July 12-16: 1st Test match, Galle

July 20-24: 2nd Test match, Colombo

July 26: One-day warm-up match

July 29: 1st ODI, Dambulla (Day match)

August 1: 2nd ODI, Dambulla (D/N)

August 5: 3rd ODI, Kandy (day match)

August 8: 4th ODI, Kandy (D/N)

August 12: 5th ODI, Colombo (D/N)

August 14: T20 International, Colombo (D/N)

South Africa A one-day squad (to play in triangular against Australia A and India A): Khaya Zondo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins, capt), Temba Bavuma (bizhub Highveld Lions), Farhaan Behardien (Multiply Titans), Gihahn Cloete (Warriors), Theunis de Bruyn (Multiply Titans), Robbie Frylinck (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Beuran Hendricks (bizhub Highveld Lions), Sisanda Magala (Warriors), Pieter Malan (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Senuran Muthusamy (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Dane Paterson (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Rudi Second (VKB Knights), Dwaine Pretorius (bizhub Highveld Lions), Tabraiz Shamsi (Multiply Titans), Malusi Siboto (bizhub Highveld Lions).

SA A squad (to play in four-day series against India A): Khaya Zondo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins, capt), Sarel Erwee (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Zubayr Hamza (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Beuran Hendricks (bizhub Highveld Lions), Pieter Malan (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Senuran Muthusamy (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Mthiwekhaya Nabe (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Anrich Nortje (Warriors), Duanne Olivier (VKB Knights), Dane Piedt (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Dwaine Pretorius (bizhub Highveld Lions), Rudi Second (VKB Knights), Rassie van der Dussen (bizhub Highveld Lions), Malusi Siboto (bizhub Highveld Lions), Shaun von Berg (Multiply Titans).

SA A TOUR TO INDIA ITINERARY 2018

FOUR-DAY TEST SERIES

July 26: SA A arrives in India

July 30-August 1: three-day practice match, Bangaluru

August 4-7: 1st four-day Test match v India A, Bangaluru

August 10-13: 2nd four-day Test match v India A, Bangaluru

TRI-SERIES

August 17: India A v Australia A, Vijayawada

August 19: SA A v Australia A, Vijayawada

August 21: SA A v India A, Vijayawada

August 23: India A v Australia A, Vijayawada

August 25: SA A v Australia A, Vijayawada

August 27: SA A v India A, Vijayawada

August 29: Final, Vijayawada

 

[giri26]

Even in Sri Lanka, pacemen are South Africa’s ‘big strength’ – Faf du Plessis

Lessons learnt from 3-0 reversal in India in 2016 should help, says South Africa captain.

Faf du Plessis, the South Africa captain, has stressed that whatever the conditions, even in Sri Lanka in the upcoming multi-format series, the fast bowlers will always be his team's ‘big strength’.

South Africa will be touring the island nation for a two-Test series, the first starting in Galle on 12 July, followed by five one-day internationals and a lone Twenty20 International.

Despite the Sri Lankan conditions, which are known to assist the spinners, du Plessis expressed confidence in his fast-bowling unit, especially in Kagiso Rabada, Vernon Philander and Dale Steyn, who is set to return after recovering from the heel injury he sustained during the home Test series against India earlier this year.

Lungi Ngidi is the other frontline paceman in the Test squad, which also has three spin options in Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi and Shaun von Berg.

“No matter what the conditions are, a big strength of our team will always be our fast bowlers, especially the personnel we have: Steyn, Kagiso and Vernon are all wicket-taking bowlers,” said du Plessis. “Those three have proven they can do it in any conditions.

“Dale has got a fantastic record in the subcontinent and KG is gold. He will be able to do anything, and we've got Keshav. If we want to and there's an opportunity to, because the conditions are really bad, then we can look at a second spinner.”

Following AB de Villiers’ retirement from international cricket in May, the No.4 position in the batting order has been left vacant and du Plessis feels it will be a great opportunity for someone like Temba Bavuma to step into the gap.

“AB has only played the last one or two series for this Test team, so he has actually not been playing for a while,” the South Africa skipper noted. “It will be a nice opportunity for Temba or somebody else to put his peg in the ground and make the position his own again.”

It won’t be easy in Sri Lanka, and du Plessis knows that. If South Africa can apply the lessons learnt from their last tour to the subcontinent, which was back in 2016 when they were beaten 3-0 by India, it will help.

“I am expecting tough conditions,” said du Plessis. “I think Sri Lanka will look at it on paper and think ‘we've got a better side on paper’, and I think they will try and make it as dry as possible and spin as much as possible.

“It will be a nice opportunity to test ourselves in tough conditions. There were a lot of lessons learnt by us [in India]. You have to go through something like that to pick your game apart, start from scratch and look at how you get better.”

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/769220

 

[Abdullah719]

Sri Lanka announce squad for South Africa Tests, Dinesh Chandimal back as captain

Sri Lanka have announced a 16-member squad for the 2-Test series against South Africa, to be played from July 12 at Galle International Stadium and Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC). Sri Lanka have reinstated Dinesh Chandimal as captain after his one-Test ban due to ball-tampering allegations. Suranga Lakmal, who had led Sri Lanka to a famous win at Kensington Oval in Chandimal’s absence, has been named his deputy.

Angelo Mathews, who had returned midway from West Indies to be present during his son’s birth, will also make a return. Sri Lanka have also named the injured Kusal Perera and Rangana Herath in the squad, though they will be picked only if they pass the relevant fitness tests.

Sri Lanka had drawn the 3-Test series in June in West Indies 1-1, and will be raring to have a go at the South Africans. In stark contrast to their sub-par recent show in limited-overs cricket, they have done well in Test cricket over their last four overseas series: they won against Pakistan in UAE, lost 0-1 in India, beat Bangladesh in Bangladesh, and held West Indies to a draw.

Sri Lanka squad for South Africa Tests: Dinesh Chandimal (c), Suranga Lakmal (vc), Angelo Mathews, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Roshen Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Dilruwan Perera, Akila Dananjaya, Lahiru Kumara, Lakshan Sandakan, Kasun Rajitha, Kusal Janith Perera (subject to fitness), Rangana Herath (subject to fitness). Standby: Asitha Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Malinda Pushpakumara, Shehan Jayasuriya.

Before the Tests, South Africa will play a Board XI for a tour match, at P Sara Oval. Sri Lanka Cricket have announced that squad as well. Angelo Mathews will be at the helm.

Sri Lanka Board XI squad against South Africa: Angelo Mathews (c), Kaushal Silva, Danushka Gunathilaka, Roshen Silva, Minod Bhanuka, Avishka Fernando, Kasun Madushanka, Lasith Ambuldeniya, Vimukthi Perera, Asitha Fernando. Reserves: Ashen Bandara, Vikum Sanjaya, Wanindu Hasaranga.

http://www.cricketcountry.com/news/...tests-dinesh-chandimal-back-as-captain-724370

 

[Abdullah719]

Markram excited for sub-continent challenge


Thursday, 5 July 2018

Standard Bank Proteas batsman, Aiden Markram, says he is excited for his first taste of international cricket on the sub-continent in the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka starting in Galle on July 12th. The opener has made a stellar start to his international career since making his debut in October last year, scoring 1000 runs at an average of 55.55 in only 10 Tests.

Barring a trip with the South Africa Emerging side three years ago, this will be the 23-year-old’s first true test against the challenges of spin-friendly conditions. Markram says the series is an opportunity to prove to himself that he is able to achieve success in conditions outside of South Africa.

“ It is important for me,” he said of continuing with his good form. “ As an opening batsman, if you do well you are getting the team off to a good start, that is the most important thing in my view. If the team is ending up in a good position then I will be happy. I am excited, I’d like to do well on this tour but also without putting any additional pressure on myself because it is outside of South Africa. I also don’t want to be labelled as that guy who only does well in home conditions.”

The majority of the squad is coming from a cold winter in South Africa, but the coaching staff have been proactive in making sure the players – especially the batsmen- come into the series with some cricket under the belt. Several camps were held in Pretoria prior to the squad’s departure, an effort to make sure the players could hit the ground running upon arrival.

The Proteas have been in the country for three days, and have been using the time to acclimatise to the extremely hot and humid conditions on the island. The squad will play a two-day warm-up match against a Sri Lanka XI starting on Saturday, as preparations intensify ahead of the opening match next week.

“It is going to be different,” Markram remarked. “ Any sub-continent conditions pose a completely different challenge to South African conditions, I am looking forward to it. It has been winter back home and I have tried to simulate spinning conditions and balls that might stay lower, there is quite a bit of bounce back home. We tried our best before we came here to simulate how the conditions will play and from here on it is about assessing how it will be.

“ Generally back at home the wickets get slower than they are in summer, that naturally helped us,” he explained. “ We batted in different and worn-out creases to try and get some spin. We tried our best back home to make it as realistic as we think it might be. We don’t know how the wicket will be when we get to the first Test so we will need to assess that well.

“We are acclimatising,” he added. “ It is quite humid here but the training has been going really well so far. We could easily be lethargic with this weather but the guys’ intensity has been quite good. That is crucial in conditions like these.”

The warm-up match will take place on Saturday and Sunday at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo. The match will start at 10h00 local time.

 

[MenInG]

The Sri Lankan and South African team captains demanded clarity from the International Cricket Council (ICC) Friday on whether players were allowed to eat candy during matches following penalties for ball tampering involving saliva and other substances.

South African skipper Faf du Plessis and his Sri Lankan counterpart Dinesh Chandimal said they would ask the ICC match referee and umpires for do's and dont's at the start of next week's first Test in Galle.

Although the use of saliva or sweat to shine the ball is an accepted practice, using any other substance - such as sugary residue from sweets - to do so is prohibited.

Faf hints at AB's replacement
Chandimal was slapped with a 100 per cent fine of his match fees and banned from the 3rd Test against West Indies last month after he was found guilty of tampering with the ball.

Match referee Javagal Srinath said Chandimal applied saliva containing the residue of something he had in his mouth to the ball, in violation of the ICC Code of Conduct.

Du Plessis told reporters in Colombo that the ICC needed to lay down clearer rules on the subject and said: "They still haven't said what is allowed and what isn't. Is chewing gum allowed or is it not?"

"You want consistency," he added.

Chandimal said: "We will meet with umpires and the (ICC) match referee and ask what we can carry with us to the field. What sweets we can put in our mouths and when."

The ICC earlier this week unveiled tougher sanctions for ball tampering and sledging in a bid to improve on-field behaviour in the sport.

The changes come in the wake of a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in March that saw Steve Smith stripped of the Australian captaincy and suspended from international and domestic cricket for a year. His teammates David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were also banned.

Du Plessis said tougher sanctions would make players think twice before putting something in their mouth and then using saliva to shine the ball.

Sri Lanka's coach Chandika Hathurusingha, Manager Asanka Gurusinha and Chandimal have pleaded guilty to violating the spirit of the game by holding up the second Test against the West Indies for nearly two hours.

Their action followed the awarding of five penalty runs to the West Indies over Chandimal's ball tampering. The ICC is expected to announce possible penalties against the trio next week.

https://www.cricket.com.au/news/is-...chandimal-sri-lanka-v-south-africa/2018-07-07

 

[Abdullah719]

Tabraiz Shamsi’s five for 45 spearheaded a tough workout for the Standard Bank Proteas bowlers on day one of the two-day warm-up match against a Sri Lanka Board XI at the P.Sara Oval in Colombo on Saturday. The left-arm wrist spinner, along with fellow leg-spinner Shaun von Berg (2/82,) led the strikes with the ball as the hosts were dismissed for 287 in 78.2 overs.

It was a tough toil for the bowlers in hot and flat conditions, but the bowling loads were rotated strategically by captain, Faf du Plessis, after winning the toss and electing to bowl first. Vernon Philander and Dale Steyn partnered up with the new ball after six months, and both eased back into their rhythm throughout the course of the day. Kagiso Rabada ran in with pace and aggression, and looked at his best after recovering from a lower back injury.

Lungi Ngidi (1/52) was the only seamer in the wickets column with the scalp of Sri Lanka’s captain, Angelo Mathews, who top-scored with a valiant 92. There were other contributions from Kaushal Silva (76) and Danushka Gunathilaka (53), in a top five that features four batsmen in Sri Lanka’s squad for the first Test.

Although the placid conditions are in stark contrast to what is expected at the Galle International Stadium next week, the coaching staff will be encouraged by the intensity and mileage in the tank. All of the bowlers were able to put in at least three spells, although the fast bowlers came in with short bursts in the searing heat. Keshav Maharaj is struggling with an illness and was unable to take the field.

In response, the Proteas lost the early wicket of Aiden Markram after he played on a delivery from Lahiru Gamage for 0. Dean Elgar (14*) and Hashim Amla (2*) will resume the innings on 17/1 on the final day.

 

[MenInG]

Injury-prone South African fast bowler Dale Steyn appears fit and could play in the first Test against hosts Sri Lanka, skipper Faf du Plessis said Friday.

The 35-year-old was impressive in the nets and was included in the squad for the Test match starting in Galle on Thursday, Du Plessis said in Colombo.

"He is back for the squad. He looks really good in the nets. Its about getting his fitness levels back up to where we need them to be for Test cricket," he said adding that he was likely to play.

Steyn needs just three more scalps to break Shaun Pollock's record as South Africa's highest Test wicket taker.

South Africa plays two Tests against Sri Lanka in Galle from July 12 and the second in Colombo from July 20.

Steyn, 35, has missed 27 of South Africa's most recent 32 Test matches.

He has been plagued by groin, shoulder and heel problems and was unable to complete the most recent tests he started, against Australia in November 2016 and India in January this year.

https://www.cricket.com.au/news/dal...-return-first-test-sri-lanka-galle/2018-07-07

 

[MenInG]

Standard Bank Proteas coach, Ottis Gibson, believes a ‘positive’ brand of cricket will be the key to success in the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka starting in Galle on July 12th. The Proteas wrapped up their preparation in Colombo with a drawn two-day warm-up match against a Sri Lanka Board XI on Sunday, and will travel to Galle on Monday ahead of Thursday’s match.

Gibson has had a terrific start to his coaching tenure in the longer format of the game, winning seven out of nine matches in charge. The two-match Test series on the sub-continent will be his first trial outside of South Africa, a challenge he is relishing as he aims to take the Test team back to the No.1 on the ICC Test rankings.

“If we are going to win in these conditions we have to be positive and we have to try in most situations to take the positive option,” Gibson said in Colombo on Sunday. “ The way Sri Lanka play their cricket, when a batsman comes in they will have fielders close to the bat, which means there are scoring opportunities to be had.

“You have to be positive and confident enough in your game plan to take on those open spaces in the outfield. If you are going to scratch around and get out, you might as well be positive and try and make some runs while you’re at the crease. That has always been my philosophy, and these conditions here don’t change my feeling on that.”

The coach is satisfied with the outcome from the warm-up match, with the bowlers and batsmen receiving a thorough workout. Faf du Plessis top-scored with 79 in the batting response on day two, and was supported by key contributions from Hashim Amla (78) Dean Elgar (43) and Temba Bavuma (58), before a lower-order collapse led to the team being dismissed for 338.

“For the most part I thought we got what we wanted,” he said. “ Yesterday I thought we bowled very well, at this stage it is about getting used to the Sri Lankan conditions. We knew the wicket was going to be slow, it was about getting miles in the bowlers’ legs, especially the seamers.

“I thought Shamsi was excellent yesterday, he has really hit the ground running and put himself in the frame for a Test place. Today we batted well, we made a conscious decision to try and give everyone a hit. Hashim retired when he got to 78 to give the others an opportunity to have a hit. At the end I was a bit disappointed that the lower-order didn’t use their time a lot better. To get bowled out this afternoon was not ideal but it is not the end of the world. We move on to Galle, we have had a good week of preparation.”

Gibson is pleased with the variety of bowling options at his disposal, and feels that both pace and spin could be a factor in the series. He admits that playing two spinners is a strong possibility, but will only be able to make a decision after inspecting the conditions at the Galle International Stadium.

“ We have covered our bases with the team that we have picked,” he said. “ We have four quality fast bowlers and three quality spinners, we have to get to Galle and have a look at what the surface is going to be like. We are confident that whichever combination we put out will be a strong one, one that can go and win us a Test.

“ We will try and pick the best bowler for the conditions that we have,” he explained. “If the conditions are going to favour spin, we will obviously try and get another spinner into the attack. If it looks like it’s going to be a good pitch and we feel that having extra pace will make a difference to the Sri Lankans, we will also consider that option. At the moment we are not sold on one way or the other, looking at the surface will go a long way towards us making a final decision.”

 

[MenInG]

Standard Bank Proteas fast bowler, Kagiso Rabada, says he is fit and raring to go ahead of the first Test match against Sri Lanka starting in Galle on Thursday. The No.1 ranked ICC Test bowler has fully recovered from the lower back injury he sustained in April, and is hungry to return to action after the layoff.

“I am feeling quite good, so far so good,” he said after the squad’s practice in Galle on Tuesday. “We played a warm up game and all of the seamers bowled 12 overs. I have also been bowling some long spells in the nets, I bowled again today, so all is well. I am happy with where I am at the moment.

“I think so,” he said of making a successful comeback.“ A stress reaction is very common in bowlers, it shouldn’t hold me back.”

This is Rabada’s first trip to Sri Lanka and his second on the sub-continent after his debut tour to India in 2015. He played three matches on the disappointing tour, and although he had a slow start to his Test career – bar Virat Kohli as his first Test wicket - the experience in India has given him an idea of how to cope with the challenges of bowling on the sub-continent.

“We are playing on the sub-continent so it is generally harder for seamers,” he explained. “I have to play a role wherever I am playing in the world. The role we have to play here will be different to playing back home, I will try and fulfil the role.

“There isn’t much movement or bounce,” he said of the challenges. “You have to get your wickets differently, and because there isn’t much pace, most of the wickets will be in front of the batter, not behind the batter.”

Rabada is the leading wicket-taker in 2018, taking 38 scalps at an average of 19.65. He capped off a memorable home summer with a player of the series performance against Australia (23 wickets at an average of 19) and was announced as the SA Cricketer of the Year for the second time. Although he continues to make a meteoric rise up the world cricketing ranks, the 23-year-old remains calm and humble ahead of each mounting challenge.

“Past experiences can boost you and give you the extra belief,” he said of last season’s achievements. “Coming here, the time is now, we are not in the past. I am focusing on what I can do now in this series.”

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

That Shaun von Berg guy is an absolute unit. He literally looks like The Mountain from Game of Thrones. Hope South Africa play him just so I can see first-hand how physically intimidating he really is. Though it's probably going to be Shamsi in place of him

 

[MenInG]

Standard Bank Proteas Test captain, Faf du Plessis, has taken the charge to extend the Standard Bank Proteas’ proud record away from home in the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka starting in Galle on Thursday. This is Du Plessis’ first captaincy role on the sub-continent, and the start of a mission to improve the Proteas’ record on the sub-continent.

The Proteas have won seven out of eight series’ since Du Plessis took charge in 2016, and will face their first challenge away from quick and green wickets at the Galle International Stadium.

“ It’s exciting for me,” he said at the pre-match press conference in Galle on Wednesday. “ I enjoy the different challenges that come with it. The sub-continent is a difficult place to come and play so you have to motivate your players to understand that there is an opportunity to do something great. As a team, we have taken great steps in that direction for the last two years, that is something that has always been a big motivator for myself and the team, we are not a team that only wants to win in South Africa.”

This series marks the 25th year anniversary of bilateral series between Sri Lanka and South Africa, a rivalry that began in 1993 when the Kepler Wessels-led squad made the inaugural trip. Since then, the nations have played 25 matches, with South Africa winning 14 compared to Sri Lanka’s 5.

“ It’s always a great series playing against Sri Lanka,” he said. “ Many teams say they want to test themselves when they are playing in away conditions, and South Africa has a proud record when touring away. We have only lost two series recently, which were against India and England, and the last time we were here (2014) we played well and won the series for the second time since unity.

“We expect this series to be extremely tough, Sri Lanka in their home conditions are a different team. We played well against them in South Africa, but that was in our conditions where the pitches favoured quick bowling. We are expecting a different set of pitches, very dry, so we are looking forward to some fun and games.”

The playing XI is yet to be finalised, but Du Plessis indicated they will stick with the reliable formula of a three-pronged pace attack. The squad was frustrated by rain on both practice days in Galle, but remain confident in their preparation after an intense week of training in Colombo.

“We are still contemplating which three seamers will be best suited for these conditions,” Du Plessis said. “ We haven’t had a lot of practice over the last two days, especially for the bowlers, but we have an idea. We will see tomorrow.

“ We had a look at the wicket and it is quite dry. We need to consider whether or not we will play seven batsmen or two spinners, that’s a call we still need to make. We certainly believe that our three seamers, on a dry pitch, can get wickets. The ball will reverse-swing if the middle is dry and spinning, with pace, reverse-swing is always a factor.

“ Test matches get won by your bowling department and their ability to get wickets,” he explained. “We have been lucky to have a great pace attack, even with Keshav Maharaj coming into the Test team over the last year, he has also been an exceptional bowler for us. I do feel that within our bowling attack we have the ability to take 20 wickets on any surface.”

 

[giri26]

Suranga Lakmal to Captain the Test series

Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce that Suranga Lakmal will captain the test series against South Africa, which commences today.

This is following a voluntary undertaking given by Dinesh Chandimal, Chandika Haturusinghe and Asanka Gurusinha to the Judicial Commissioner appointed by the International Cricket Council, who conducted yesterday’s ICC Code of Conduct Hearing that they will not take part in the test series against South Africa, pending the decision of the Judicial Commissioner on the hearing.

The undertaking was given in view of the fact that in any event the minimum suspension points issued for a level 3 offense is 4 points, amounting to the ban of two test matches.

Tilan Samaraweera will act as the acting coach in the absence of Chandika Haturusinghe.

http://www.srilankacricket.lk/news/suranga-lakmal-to-captain-the-test-series

 

[hadi123]

The Standard Bank Proteas have shifted their focus to the all-important must-win second Test match against Sri Lanka starting at the SSC ground in Colombo this Friday. The squad has had two days of introspection and reflection following the disappointing 278-run loss in the first Test in Galle, and will move on with more clarity on how to counter Sri Lanka’s spin threat.

Batting coach, Dale Benkenstein, says there is no panic in the camp, and only small tweaks to the mindset and game plans are needed for a turnaround.

“It is a combination of both,” he said of the mindset versus technique. “ Technically you have to have faced a spinning ball, there are few things technically that you have to adjust to. I would say 90 percent is about being tough mentally, being used to the ball spinning past the bat. We were weak on that side, when you have had a lot of Test cricket you are ready for the pressures and we were a bit low on that.

“ All the players take responsibility, as well as the coaches,” he said. “ I don’t think we are far off, in the little time that I have had with the national team, we have had some poor days because we are off. It is not a big gap, it may seem like it with the result, but if we put all the things right we will be on the money in Colombo.”

Benkenstein, who toured Sri Lanka many times with the Proteas and South Africa ‘A’ teams during his playing career, admits no amount of practice can prepare a batsman for the real test against spin out in the middle. He hopes the players will learn from their experiences in the first match, especially those facing Messrs Herath, Perera and Sandakan for the first time in sub-continent conditions.

“These players have practised very hard,” he said in Galle on Monday. “ I don’t believe practices are going to make a huge amount of difference. Mentally there are a few things we have to put right, we have to remind ourselves that we are back in Test match mode, it is tough. We have two more days in Colombo to prepare for the next Test, it is not the end of the world.”

The squad travels to Colombo on Tuesday.

 

[hadi123]

Standard Bank Proteas left-arm spinner, Keshav Maharaj, hopes to gain insight on succeeding in spin-friendly conditions from Sri Lanka’s left-arm spinner, Rangana Herath in the ongoing Test series. This is Maharaj’s first tour of the sub-continent since making his debut in 2016, and the first opportunity for the prodigy to test his skills in conducive conditions.

Herath is one of the leading Test spinners in the world with a tally of 423 wickets in 91 matches, and is renowned for his accuracy and endurance at the age of 40.

Maharaj went wicketless in the first innings in Galle, but shook off the cobwebs in the second innings to finish with figures of 4/58. He says the turn-around in his second-innings performance was due to more consistency in his lengths, and newfound rhythm after missing the tour warm-up match due to illness.

“ Everywhere you go in the world you want to be consistent in your lengths to cause the batter to be uncomfortable when you are bowling,” he explained. “That is something I had to pick up quickly after the first innings where I didn’t have a lot of rhythm. I found that in the second innings I put the ball in better areas than I did in the first innings.


“ His consistency is phenomenal,” he said of Herath. “ Left-arm spinners are known to control the game but he does something special. He turns the ball at will, he slides the ball on at will, it is something that I would love to learn in my trade and I will try to get some knowledge from him going forward.

“I spoke to him when Sri Lanka toured South Africa last year and he gave me some insight, I would like to pick his brain more about playing in sub-continent conditions. He is the best in the world at what he does.”

Tabraiz Shamsi has returned back to Sri Lanka after leaving the tour for family reasons, and will be available for selection for the must-win match. The 28-year old Maharaj says he has enjoyed being part of a two-man spin attack, and says the pair complement each other well in their different roles.

“ Shamsi and I played a bit of domestic cricket together,” he said. “ We’ve always known each other and what we are about, we enjoy bowling together. It is something new for me because I have never bowled with another spinner at international level, but it is a lot of fun.”

Maharaj insists the belief and motivation remains high in the camp, despite the slow start to the series.

“ We have come here as underdogs,” he said. “ Sri Lanka are really good in their conditions, they showed that when they beat Australia here as well. There is everything to play for, South Africans are known to bounce back when we do lose our first match. The boys have worked hard, we are ready to give Sri Lanka a go in their conditions.”

 

[Nikhil_cric]

I hope Sri lanka wins but brother Keshav takes a fifer so that it doesn't affect his average Hope he really does well.

 

[Ab Fan]

I hope Maharaj does well as a spinner so that while picking post re-admission SA XI, I wont need to pick all four pacers.

Thank you!

 

[AssassinatedDevil]

Sri Lanka seeks 'clear rules' on ball tampering

Colombo - Sri Lanka's sports minister called on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to establish "simple, clear rules" on Wednesday after skipper Dinesh Chandimal was punished for ball tampering.

"Laws governing the offence / act of altering the condition of the ball are somewhat vague and lack clarity," Faiszer Musthapha said in a statement.

"I invite the ICC to revisit the applicable laws and ensure that a set of simple, clear and certain rules and procedures are put in place."

He did not elaborate but the statement came after Chandimal, coach Chandika Hathurusingha and manager Asanka Gurusinha were sanctioned following a tampering scandal.

Chandimal refused to take the field for two hours on the third day of the second Test against the West Indies last month after he was accused of ball tampering on the previous day.

Chandimal as well as Hathurusingha and Gurusinha were banned for two Tests and four one-day internationals for violating the spirit of the game by holding up the second Test against West Indies by two hours.

At the start of the first Test against a touring South African team last week, Chandimal and his tourist counterpart Faf du Plessis said they wanted a list of do's and don'ts from the ICC match referee.

Although the use of saliva or sweat to shine the ball is an accepted practice, using any other substance - such as sugary residue from sweets - is prohibited.

Chandimal was slapped with a 100 percent fine of his match fees and banned from the third Test against the West Indies last month after he was found guilty of tampering.

Match referee Javagal Srinath said Chandimal applied saliva containing the residue of something he had in his mouth to the ball, in violation of the ICC Code of Conduct.

The ICC last week unveiled tougher sanctions for ball tampering and sledging in a bid to improve on-field behaviour in the sport.

The changes came in the wake of a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in March that saw Steve Smith stripped of the Australian captaincy and suspended from international and domestic cricket for a year. His teammates David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were also banned.

Du Plessis said tougher sanctions would make players think twice before putting something in their mouth and then using saliva to shine the ball.

https://m.sport24.co.za/Cricket/sri-lanka-seeks-clear-rules-on-ball-tampering-20180718

 

[giri26]

'Trust your defence' – Faf du Plessis urges his batsmen

Faf du Plessis, the South Africa captain, has urged his batsmen to go out with a changed mindset and a better defensive game for the second Test against Sri Lanka.

The South African batsmen collapsed twice in the opening Test of the two-match series in Galle, bowled out for 126 and 73. Now, as they try to square the series in the second Test in Colombo, du Plessis wants them to “trust your defence”.

"I don't think we are a team that plays spin badly," du Plessis insisted on the eve of the game. "It is not something that we mentally struggle with.

“In the second innings, there was a carelessness about our batting, which doesn’t go well in Test cricket.

"The thing that let us down in the first Test was that we didn't trust our defence well enough. The important part of playing spin in Test cricket is trusting your defence.

“And obviously at times put the spinner under pressure by having clear game plans about what you’re trying to do. The guys worked really hard on their game plans and try to be positive against spin – which is an element of playing spinners well. But you have to also trust your defence as well – so that's two parts."

The South African captain again pointed to Dimuth Karunaratne, the Sri Lankan opener, who outscored their whole visiting team by 19 runs, as someone to emulate.

He didn’t take too many risks, simply playing with good defence, said du Plessis. “As a captain, I wanted him to take risks but he didn't take a lot of risks. He only started hitting the ball on the air when he was something like 80," he added.

“You don't get to the subcontinent and score 100 in 70 balls or so – you score 100 off 180 balls. You have to earn the right to do well. That is the only difference that we look to make – still being positive in your game plan, but making sure that if there’s good balls being bowled, you trust your defence a bit better."

The visitors, who have a proud record away from home, are keen to come back stronger. Unlike in 2014, when they won the series, they know that the best they can expect this time is a draw, but they'll still take that.

“It is never easy winning away from home," said du Plessis. "But when you come to the sub-continent, drawing a series is as good as winning 3-0 at home."

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/787424

 

[Abdullah719]

I hope Sri lanka wins but brother Keshav takes a fifer so that it doesn't affect his average Hope he really does well.

8/109 right now

 

[Nikhil_cric]

8/109 right now

Jai Shri ram. Proud of the brother!

 

[giri26]

Angelo Mathews returns to lead Sri Lanka in South Africa ODIs

Angelo Mathews will return to lead Sri Lanka in their ODI series against South Africa, with uncapped left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya the only newcomer in a 15-man squad.

Mathews was re-appointed as Sri Lanka's limited-overs captain in January but a hamstring injury sustained during the Bangladesh tri-series means he has only led the team in one match since his reappointment.

Danushka Gunathilaka, who has been handed a suspension by the SLC, is not included, nor Dinesh Chandimal, who’s serving a six-match ban of two Tests and four ODIs. Meanwhile Asela Gunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Pradeep, Shehan Madushanka and Wanidu Hasaranga are all excluded from the squad that featured in Bangladesh.

The ODI series begins on July 29 in Dambulla.

Sri Lanka squad: Angelo Mathews (captain), Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Janith Perera, Dhananjaya De Silva, Upul Tharanga, Kusal Mendis, Thisara Perera, Niroshan Dickwella, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha, Akila Dananjaya, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lakshan Sandakan, Shehan Jayasuriya

https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/788413

 

[MenInG]

The Standard Bank Proteas have shifted their focus to the five-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Sri Lanka starting in Dambulla on Sunday. The squad held their first full practice in Colombo on Wednesday, and will take on a Sri Lanka Board XI in a 50-over warm-up match taking place at the P. Sara Oval on Thursday.

Six news faces – JP Duminy, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Wiaan Mulder, Junior Dala and Reeza Hendricks have joined the squad, which is a timely injection of fresh energy following the disappointing Test series loss.

All-rounder, JP Duminy, says the squad will enter the series with new perspective and insight from the red ball format.

“ The guys seem in good spirits,” he said of the mood in the camp. “You want to try and dust it (Test series loss) off as quickly as possible and take what you can that will add value to the ODI and T20 series. There are quite a few guys coming in with fresh energy, that will definitely add to the environment. These are experiences that you go through in your career, it certainly won’t be the last. You have to learn from it and see how you can improve.

“It is an exciting group, very youthful,” he said of the squad. “ They have been playing well, they have earned their right to be in the team, which puts pressure on us old dogs. They bring a different energy which is good for the environment.”

Duminy made his ODI debut in Colombo in 2004, and is the most experienced ODI player in the current squad with 184 caps. He returns to a country where he has produced mixed fortunes in the 13 matches he has played, but hopes the series can be a step up from past tours.

“ It will be a great learning experience for any cricketer,” he said of the series. “ I have been here a few times, I have had some really tough tours, but have also had some success here. You want to draw on that success and reflect on what we have done well. In the last tour (2014) we did reasonably well in the ODI’s and T20’s, we want to draw on that and see how we can still improve.

“ I feel conditions wont be as challenging as they were in the Test series so batters will get good opportunities in the middle, we will need to grab it with both hands,” he concluded.

The 50-over warm-up match against the Sri Lanka Board XI will start at 10h00 local time. All 15 members in the squad are allowed to take part.

 

[MenInG]

All-rounder, Wiaan Mulder, was the star with both bat and ball as the Standard Bank Proteas beat a Sri Lanka Board XI by 63 runs in a 50-over warm-up match at the P.Sara Oval in Colombo on Thursday. Mulder stroked 56 off 57 balls batting at No. 8 and then took three for 12 with the ball to help start the limited-overs campaign on a positive note.

The 20-year-old clubbed eight fours during a valiant tenth-wicket partnership of 60 with Junior Dala (19 not out), which lifted the Proteas to a competitive score of 293 all out in 49.4 overs after Faf du Plessis won the toss and elected to bat.

Quinton de Kock’s struggles on the sub-continent continued with a three-ball duck, he was dismissed lbw to opening quick Binura Fernando in the first over. Hashim Amla (16) and Aiden Markram fell in quick succession, with the latter unfortunately run out at the non-striker’s end for one. The Proteas were struggling at 32 for three after seven overs, but captain Du Plessis and JP Duminy (19) briskly re-built the innings with an attacking fourth-wicket partnership of 67 to shift the momentum. Du Plessis went on to play an entertaining knock of 71 off 60 balls, and was the most successful batsman on the day blasting 10 fours and one six to all corners of the oval.

Reeza Hendricks (59 off 54 balls) and David Miller (40 off 47 balls) also found early tour form with solid contributions in the middle order, and put together 70 for the sixth-wicket in an extended batting line-up. It was a useful outing for most of the batsmen, particularly against a strong Sri Lankan outfit which featured several internationals.

The new-ball pair of Lungi Ngidi (1/37) and Junior Dala (2/45) ran in with good pace and intensity to set the tone upfront, and were well supported by the second change of Andile Phehlukwayo and Mulder (3/12), along with Tabraiz Shamsi (3/41) who was a handful in the middle overs. Duminy (1/16) also bowled a tidy five over spell, which highlighted the important role he could play with the ball in the upcoming series.

Isuru Udana (53) top-scored for the home team with a late burst towards the end of the innings, and Dimuth Karunaratne continued with his form from the Test series with a handy half-century at the top of the order.

Mulder, who only has one ODI cap to his name, hopes the players can take the learnings from the warm-up match into the upcoming series.

“I think the wicket was a fair indication of what the wickets are going to play like, especially with them playing some of their players who will be playing in the series,” he said. “For me it was a fair wicket, it was decent to bat and to bowl on. It is something we can take into the series, it was great preparation. There are a lot of us who will take a few things into the ODI series from this match, it can only benefit us as a team.”

Sunday, 29 July 2018

Sri Lanka v South Africa

1st ODI Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium

10h00

Standard Bank Proteas ODI squad: Faf du Plessis (Multiply Titans, capt), Hashim Amla (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Junior Dala (Multiply Titans), Quinton de Kock (Multiply Titans), JP Duminy (World Sports Betting Cape Cobras), Reeza Hendricks (bizhub Highveld Lions), Heinrich Klaasen (Multiply Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Multiply Titans), David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Wiaan Mulder (bizhub Highveld Lions), Lungisani Ngidi (Multiply Titans), Andile Phehlukwayo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kagiso Rabada (bizhub Highveld Lions), Tabraiz Shamsi (Multiply Titans).



Tour Itinerary



July 29: 1st ODI, Dambulla (Day match)

August 1: 2nd ODI, Dambulla (D/N)

August 5: 3rd ODI, Kandy (day match)

August 8: 4th ODI, Kandy (D/N)

August 12: 5th ODI, Colombo (D/N)

August 14: T20 International, Colombo (D/N)

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Standard Bank Proteas captain, Faf du Plessis, says the five-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Sri Lanka starting in Dambulla on Sunday will be an ‘opportunity to learn’ for his relatively inexperienced squad ahead of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup in less than a year. The squad features two debutants in Reeza Hendricks and Junior Dala, and several other players who will be aiming to establish themselves in an important World Cup season.

JP Duminy is the only player in the squad to have played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium – the Proteas lost both matches played in 2004 - while Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis, David Miller and Quinton de Kock have some experience of playing on the island.

The Proteas’ World Cup squad is far from finalised, which means finding the balance between giving opportunities and winning matches against the No.8 ranked home team.

“We will try and give everyone a game if possible,” Du Plessis said ahead of the first ODI. “ Once again it comes down to the combinations of our team and trying to find the best balance. It was nice for me to see a few guys put their hands up in the warm-up game.

“For me the opportunity to learn is the most exciting thing,” he said. “ I personally don’t look at winning the next few series as the be-all and end-all. It is trying to find out how we can give guys opportunities, how they can learn, how they can get experience and what they can learn from different scenarios. That will aid us and make us stronger to where we want to be in a year’s time.”

Although conditions are expected to be a lot more balanced for the series, the hosts are expected to rely on their spinners after their dominance in the Test series. Du Plessis says he is ‘excited’ to see how his squad grows from the unique and challenging experience of playing in Sri Lanka, and more importantly, taking learning on how to play spin.

“The Sri Lankan team will still have good spinners, that won’t go away,” he said. “I think it’s exciting, especially having a young team here. There are guys playing in these conditions for the first time, that excites me. It’s about them experiencing the conditions for themselves and figuring out a way of playing against the spinners. Whether it’s by making mistakes or doing well, that is okay, it is about learning.

“Atour like this, all we are trying to do is to make sure we can get better as team in a year’s time, that is how I see the next three of four months unfolding. As a one-day team it is about identifying the areas where we can get better, and spin is one of those areas. How we learn to deal with that is the challenge over the next few months.”

 

[Arham_PakFan]

Sri Lanka‘s injury-prone skipper Angelo Mathews has ruled himself out of bowling during the one-day internationals against South Africa which start Sunday.

Mathews has been troubled by recurring injuries since being brought back as one-day captain in January and had to sit out some matches before the current series against South Africa.

The 31-year-old all-rounder said he still expected the team to show new signs of recovery after a disastrous 2017. They convincingly beat South Africa in a two-match Test series.

“We would like to play better cricket than what we have been doing in limited overs,” Mathews said ahead of the first ODI at Dambulla.

“We started very well in the Test series, and hope we can continue with the momentum in the ODIs.”

Mathews, who has taken 114 wickets in 196 ODIs, said he will not risk himself against South Africa. “I won’t be bowling in this series. Hope to start bowling in the nets and see how I feel.”

Asked if the six-match ban against opening batsman Danushka Gunathilaka was a setback, Mathews said it was disappointing, but the team put the priority on discipline.

Gunathilaka, 27, was slapped with the ban for breaching player rules during the 2nd Test as police investigated the alleged rape of a Norwegian woman in his hotel room. The batsman has not been accused of rape, but a friend has been charged.

“It is disappointing to rule out a player when the team is doing well… they can be the best player, but they have to deal with consequences,” Mathews said.

All-rounder Shehan Jayasuriya, 26, is expected to replace Gunathilaka, while uncapped Prabath Jayasuriya was brought in to the squad.

The five-match ODI series ends on August 12 in Colombo. A one-off Twenty20 is to be played in Colombo on August 14.

http://www.cricketcountry.com/news/...ews-will-not-bowl-in-south-africa-odis-730142

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Sri Lankan captaincy is literally a game of musical chairs

 

[SLcric123]

South Africa to take this.

 

[hadi123]

The Standard Bank Proteas are out to keep their energy on the ‘front foot’ in the second One-Day International (ODI) against Sri Lanka taking place in Dambulla on Wednesday. The Proteas asserted themselves with a dominant five-wicket win in the opening match on Sunday, and will be hoping for a similar performance to go further ahead in the five-match series.

Paceman, Kagiso Rabada, says it will be a ‘massive advantage’ if the squad continues with the winning momentum at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

“It is always great to get off to a good start, you are on the front foot,” he said in Dambulla on Tuesday. “We are looking to carry on with this winning momentum. We want to continue with our game plans and try to make it 2-nil getting into Kandy. That will be a massive advantage for us.”

Rabada will be playing in his 50th ODI for South Africa, and although reluctant, is the standout leader of a young and inexperienced attack. His record – across all formats- since making his debut against Bangladesh in 2015 has been impressive, a historic debut where he became only the second player to take a hat-trick on debut. The 23-year-old is currently ranked No.9 on the ICC ODI rankings, with a tally of 79 wickets at an average of 27.

“I have never come to grips with the phrase that I am the leader, I don’t see it that way,” he explained. “I know that I have a responsibility within the team as an opening bowler.

“I know that out of all the bowlers I have the most experience, myself and Shamsi, so if you look at it that way we are leading. I don’t see myself as much of a leader, I know that I have a responsibility to perform. If anyone would like some help, I am always there to help and to give suggestions.

“At the moment I am thinking about what is happening in this series, that is the priority,” he admitted. “You work towards the World Cup and you want to be at a certain level where you want to be playing at your best and being really clear. Right now I am thinking about how I am going to play here and how to be clear here right now.”

Rabada toiled tirelessly in spin-friendly conditions during the Test series, and was relieved to find some pace assistance in the conditions in the opening match where he took 4/41. The second match will be played on the same pitch, which could open up the possibility of spin playing a bigger role.

“The Test matches were completely different, it was like playing on sandpits,” he said. “It’s completely different now, there is some bounce, it was more like a one-day wicket. I felt it was a good wicket.”

The match is a day/night ODI and play is scheduled to start at 14h30 local time.

 

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Standard Bank Proteas all-rounder, Andile Phehlukwayo, says he thrives on the responsibility given to him at the backend of an innings in the ongoing One-Day International (ODI) series against Sri Lanka. The 22-year-old had a slow start to the series in the opening match, but behind the scenes work with head coach, Ottis Gibson, and learning from his mistakes led to an improved performance in the five-wicket win in the second match in Dambulla on Wednesday.

He took 3/45 in a spell highlighted by the clever use of variations – particularly during the death overs- which helped to restrict Sri Lanka to a meagre score of 244/8.

“Personally, I went back to look at the footage with the coach to see if there was anything I could have gained or improved on from the first match,” he said. “I tried to use a lot of variations towards the end, I tried to hit the deck a lot harder. We had a good practice the day before the match and the guys were positive in terms of coming hard at the batters. That taught me how to execute my plans when the batsman is coming hard at me during the game.”

The big-hitting left-hander was also there at the death with the bat, and along with fellow all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, held his nerve to take the Proteas across the line in tricky conditions. Phehlukwayo has shown he can win matches for the Proteas under pressure before, notably with an unbeaten 42 in the chase against Australia in Durban and his heroics under pressure against New Zealand in Hamilton last year.

“It was my first time coming out to bat this tour, it was a bit tricky, the first few balls turned and ripped quite a lot,” he explained. “I got a lot of confidence after playing the reverse-sweep shot which is one I quite enjoy. There is still a lot of work that I still need to do on the side, getting used to the conditions isn’t going to be easy. I really enjoyed it and I thrive on taking responsibility and wanting to be there at the end. I was lucky enough to be there at the end which is something I am proud of.”

For the Proteas, the third ODI at the Pallekele Stadium in Kandy on Sunday presents an opportunity for a rare series win on the island, a feat that has only been achieved once before - a 2-1 triumph in 2014.

“That is the goal at the moment,” Phehlukwayo said of the series win. “The guys are working hard, they are positive and we are playing some good cricket as a team. We are not putting any pressure on ourselves but it is something that we would like to do. Teams don’t come here often and win, let alone being 3-0 up, that is something we would like to achieve as a team.”

 

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A confident South Africa is looking to extend their record winning streak against Sri Lanka in the third One-Day International (ODI) at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on Sunday. A win will give the Proteas a series win, and extend their impressive run of 10 consecutive ODI victories against Sri Lanka, a record against a Test playing nation other than Zimbabwe.

The streak started in Sri Lanka in 2014, and has run through fixtures at the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, a 5-0 whitewash at home, the 2016 ICC Champions Trophy and the ongoing series.

The resolve of the Proteas’ young bowling attack has been the standout highlight of the series so far, and has been key to limiting the hosts to reasonable totals in both matches. All four seamers along with left-arm wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi are playing in Sri Lanka for the first time, and have been effective and adapted well to the conditions.

“You can’t compare the attacks,” Hashim Amla said in Kandy on Saturday ahead of the third ODI. “We have a good bowling attack in terms of pace and guys who can utilise the first 10 overs, especially if the wicket doesn’t turn. We have Shamsi who has done wonders and JP (Duminy) as well as our spinners. Both attacks are good, we have managed to make inroads upfront which has helped us to keep the scores a bit low.”

Amla and Quinton de Kock have found their groove at the top of the innings this series, with their 91-run partnership setting up the platform for the win in the second ODI. The pair have an impressive average of 119 in the 24 innings’ they have opened together, and have racked up 10 100-plus stands including a record 282 not out against Bangladesh last year.

“Quinny and I have opened together for quite a few years,” Amla said. “We have a good relationship on and off the field. We take things with a smile on our face, we want to enjoy our batting as best as we can.

“When we got to our fifty partnership in the second game it felt like we hadn’t batted together in a long time, so we really appreciated that. Quinny is chilled, I try to encourage us to play our games and to be as positive as we can with a smile on our faces.”

Amla didn’t give much on the team selection for the match, but was full of encouragement and support for Aiden Markram, who has struggled against Sri Lanka’s spinners.

“Aiden is a wonderful player. He got two low scores but that could happen to anybody, it has happened to me throughout my career. He is a brilliant player, he will come right. I don’t know what the team for tomorrow is like but Aiden is someone who trains exceptionally hard and is determined in his batting, I have no doubt that in time he will come good,” Amla concluded.

 

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Standard Bank Proteas captain, Faf du Plessis, has been ruled out of the remainder of the tour of Sri Lanka due to a right shoulder injury. Du Plessis fell awkwardly while attempting a catch during the third One-Day International (ODI) at Pallekele on Sunday, and was unable to field for the rest of the match.

Proteas team manager, Dr Mohammed Moosajee explained the injury: “ Faf sustained an injury to one of the rotator cuff tendons in his right shoulder and will unfortunately be unavailable for the rest of the tour. He will need a rehabilitation period of up to six weeks to make a full recovery. His return date back to South Africa will be confirmed in due course.”

The selectors will name the stand-in captain for the remainder of the ODI series and one-off T20I on Tuesday. There will be no replacement added to the squad.

 

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Quinton de Kock and JP Duminy have been announced as the respective stand-in captains for the remainder of the One-Day International (ODI) series and one-off T20 International (T20I) against Sri Lanka. De Kock will take the reins for the last two ODI’s taking place in Kandy and Colombo, while Duminy will lead the tour closing T20I in Colombo.

This is De Kock’s first stint in a leadership position within the Proteas setup – he captained SA U19 in 2012 – a decision head coach, Ottis Gibson, believes will help grow the leadership group within the environment.

“I have always found Quinton to have a good cricket brain, he understands the game,” he said in Kandy on Tuesday. “With Faf injured, it seems like a good opportunity and chance for him to show that side of his game as a leader for the next two games. He is someone who understands the game, he is constantly helping the captain on the field, he shows good leadership on the field even as a normal player.

“It is about trying to grow the team and growing the leaders within the team,” he explained. “Aiden captained against India and he is not currently in the team, he has had some struggles on this Sri Lanka tour so far. We thought we would have a look at Quinton for the next two games, which will give Aiden time to settle himself. He is a fine player and we are confident he will find form and there will be other opportunities for us to continue to grow that side of his leadership.”

Duminy captained the T20I team in Du Plessis’ absence during the three-match series against India at home earlier this season, and returns to lead the group for the one-off match next Tuesday.

“For the last while when Faf was rested or injured JP has been the T20 captain,” Gibson explained. “He has done a good job with that, leadership in the T20 format has brought the best out of him so that is something we will continue with.”

The Proteas have an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series, and have turned their tour around after the disappointing 2-0 loss in the Test series. De Kock says he is excited for this next chapter and will aim to continue with the legacy introduced by Du Plessis.

“To be honest, I am feeling quite nervous, it is an honour to be given this responsibility of captaining the Proteas,” he said. “I want to carry on where Faf has left off and to continue with his legacy. As a captain, I will try to stay true to myself and stay true to what I believe it takes to be a good leader. I will strive to help others going forward, just to be there as a captain.

“The team performance at the moment speaks for itself,” he said the 3-0 lead. “Everybody is doing something right at the moment. Everyone is chipping in, the batsmen are scoring runs, the bowlers are taking wickets and the fielding has been on top. We will try to keep the standard of cricket that we have going for the next two ODI’s.”

The fourth ODI against Sri Lanka takes place at Pallekele on Wednesday. The match is scheduled to start at 14h30 local time.

 

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SRI LANKA finally broke their losing run in One-Day Internationals against the Standard Bank Proteas when they won a rain-disrupted fourth game in the current five-match series by 3 runs on the D/L method at Pallekele on Wednesday evening.

The Sri Lankans gave a much improved performance on what they had previously managed in the series. They finally produced a solid opening partnership from Niroshan Dickwella and Upul Tharanga, after they had lost the toss, of 61 in 11.3 overs and this laid the foundation for their total of 306/7 in their allotted 39 overs which was finished in spectacular style by Thisara Perera and Dasun Shanaka with their stand of 109 for the seventh wicket in just over 11 overs.

With play having been shortened several times by weather interruptions, first to 45 overs, then 43 and finally 39, the Proteas were set a target of 308.

The other key to the Sri Lankan victory was a much improved fielding display which was highlighted by a direct hit run out by Shanaka to get rid of JP Duminy and an acrobatic catch at short midwicket by Dhananjaya de Silva to account for Wiaan Mulder.

The Proteas made a fine start to their chase when new captain Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla took 21 off the first two overs before a further rain delay saw them chasing a revised target of 191 in 21 overs. In fact, they only got back on the field with two minutes to spare to stop the game being washed out.

The Proteas looked to have the chase well in hand as they kept their run rate in double figures for the first half of the chase but they then lost wickets at regular intervals to keep the home side in contention.

There were good bowling contributions at the death by Thisara Perera and Suranga Lakmal that eventually got the visitors home.

Shanaka, who had not played an ODI for Sri Lanka for the best part of two years, was named Man of the Match for his all-round contribution.

The Proteas take a winning 3-1 series lead into the final match, also a Day/Night encounter, at Colombo on Sunday.

 

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Sri Lanka name squad for one-off T20I against South Africa

Looking to bounce back from a drubbing in the ODI series, Sri Lanka have named a 15-man squad for the one-off T20I which will conclude South Africa’s visit to their shores.

Captain Angelo Mathews will return to lead the side after missing the Nidahas Trophy involving India and Bangladesh earlier in the year. In total five players not in the squad for that series have been included.

Tall left-arm quick Binura Fernando, who last played both his T20Is so far in 2015, has returned to the squad, while left-arm wrist-spinner Lakshan Sandakan, right-arm quick Lahiru Kumara and off-spinner Shehan Jayasriya are the other three to have been recalled.

Leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay has been recalled despite being handed a suspended one-year sentence for breaking team curfew during Sri Lanka’s tour of the Windies. Dinesh Chandimal, who missed both Tests and the first four ODIs through an ICC suspension, has also bene included.

Right-arm quick Dushmantha Chameera missed Sri Lanka’s tour of the Windies through injury and is yet to return, Danushka Gunathilaka is suspended, and Nuwan Pradeep, Jeevan Mandis, Isuru Udana and Amila Aponso have all been excluded.

After winning the Test series 2-0, Sri Lanka have lost the ODI series against South Africa and will look to bring Sri Lanka’s visit to an end with victory in the shortest format on Tuesday 14 August.

Squad: Angelo Mathews (c), Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Janith Perera, Dhananjaya De Silva, Upul Tharanga, Kusal Mendis, Thisara Perera, Shehan Jayasuriya, Shehan Madushanka, Lahiru Kumara, Dinesh Chandimal, Akila Dananjaya, Jeffrey Vandersay, Lakshan Sandakan, Binura Fernando

 

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The Standard Bank Proteas remain committed to finishing the One-Day International (ODI) series against Sri Lanka on a high in the fifth match at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday. Sri Lanka bounced back with a thrilling three-run win (D/L Method) on Wednesday, and will be aiming for another comeback to salvage some pride at the 35 000 capacity venue.

JP Duminy, who will lead the squad for the one-off T20 International on Tuesday, says finishing the tour off on a winning note will be quiet justice after the disappointing Test series loss.

“Even though the series has been won, we are still representing our country, we still want to win the game,” he said in Colombo on Saturday. “There is no doubt that we are going to give our best effort in the field. Our momentum is good, and we also want to try and win the one-off T20 game that follows. Coming off the Test series that we have had, it is important for us to end the tour well. I am confident that everyone is motivated to end the tour well even though we have a few days left.

“Our expectations were always going to be that Sri Lanka were going to fight back in the last two games,” he said. “We dominated in the first three matches, we played really good cricket. I don’t think we were too far under par in the fourth game, we were in positions to win the game but Sri Lanka bowled quite well. The learning we take out of the game is that we could have been a lot smarter but we were creating opportunities which is what we want.”

Duminy is the leading run-scorer of the series, with 215 runs at an average of 72, and has made an impact in all four matches this series. His attacking and positive mindset has ignited the Proteas’ middle-order, which continues to be tested and redefined with each match.

“Holistically as a team, we have changed our style of play a bit,” he explained. “We have taken a bit more on, we have a more aggressive mindset. The key for us is understanding how we get consistent with that. We can get a few things wrong, as we saw in the last match, but the beauty for us is that we have the opportunity to learn.”

 

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Standard Bank Proteas stand-in captain, Quinton de Kock, says he takes pride in his team’s bounce back to win the One-Day International (ODI) series against Sri Lanka despite the low end in the final two matches. De Kock, who stood in following the injury to Faf du Plessis, says the ability to put the Test series loss aside to win the ODI series 3-2 speaks volumes about the squad’s character

“To come to Sri Lanka and the sub-continent, it is always difficult to win series’ here,” he said after the disappointing 178-run loss on Sunday. “We saw in the Test matches, it was never easy for us. We came into the ODI’s down, and winning the first few matches and the series is pleasing for us as a team. To do it in the first few matches is a big plus, it was never easy initially but we did it.”

The selectors used the last two matches as an opportunity to change up the combinations, which more importantly, placed greater responsibility on the young attack to front up without either of Kagiso Rabada or Lungi Ngidi in each of the matches. Ngidi finished as the top wicket-taker with 10 scalps, while Rabada was the most economical against Sri Lanka’s big hitters.

“Those two are high-class bowlers,” De Kock said of Rabada and Ngidi. “They have been around for a while in Test matches and T20’s as well. They are always looking to take wickets, they naturally take wickets and they strike upfront in all formats. That is why we have given some of the new guys like Junior (Dala) and the other seam bowlers a chance to learn how to take wickets and how to bowl in certain situations. That is one positive we will take from the two matches.

“When you play the young guys there will always be mistakes made,” he admitted. “ As long as you learn from it going forward, that is all that matters.”

JP Duminy’s value in the squad was the highlight of the series. The all-rounder scored 227 runs at an average of 57- with a positive strike rate of 136 – and contributed with good control with the ball and energy in the field to take the Man of the Series award.

“JP has come into the series with a free mindset, it has worked well for him,” the captain said in praise. “He is also offloading that mindset onto the team, he is leading the boys well from a batting, bowling and fielding perspective, he is an all-round unit. It is great to have him with us in the mood that he is, he will be a big part of our team going forward.”

The Proteas will play in a one-off T20 International on Tuesday as the curtain-call of the tour.