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Sri Lanka tour of South Africa (2024) - Discussion Thread

The Bald Eagle

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The Sri Lanka cricket team is set to tour South Africa from November 27 to December 9, 2024, for a two-match Test series. The matches will be part of the 2023–2025 ICC World Test Championship.

Schedule:

1st Test: November 27 - December 1, 2024, at Kingsmead, Durban.

2nd Test: December 5-9, 2024, at St George's Park, Gqeberha
 
South Africa’s Neil McKenzie appointed Consultant Coach Sri Lanka Cricket appointed former South African batsman Neil McKenzie as the National Team’s Consultant Coach for a short stint

Accordingly, he will work with a group of Sri Lankan players who departed for South Africa last night to participate in a pre-series camp ahead of the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa.

"McKenzie will bring in vital, in-depth insights about the South African conditions to help Sri Lankan players adapt to the challenge," said: Ashley De Silva, CEO, Sri Lanka Cricket. The former South African batsman, who scored closer to 5,000 international runs for South Africa across formats, will work with the Sri Lankan players from November 13th to 21st. The upcoming test series forms part of the ICC World Test Championship Cycle for 20232025, making it a crucial encounter for Sri Lanka to stay in the race for a place in the WTC final.
 
Will be a good series SL is on a good run their batting and pace bowling has both done well recently
 
19th November 2024

The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee selected the following 17-member squad to take part in the two-match test series vs. South Africa.

The team will leave for South Africa on November 22, 2024. The two-match test series is part of the ICC World Test Championship. The test series will commence on the 27th November 2024 at Kingsmead Durban, while the second test will commence on the 5th December at St. Georges Park, Gqeberha.

01) Dhananjaya de Silva – Captain 02) Pathum Nissanka 03) Dimuth Karunaratne 04) Dinesh Chandimal 05) Angelo Mathews 06) Kusal Mendis 07) Kamindu Mendis 08) Oshada Fernando 09) Sadeera Samarawickrama 10) Prabath Jayasuriya 11) Nishan Peiris 12.) Lasith Embuldeniya 13.) Milan Rathnayake 14) Asitha Fernando 15) Vishwa Fernando 16) Lahiru Kumara 17) Kasun Rajitha
 
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JOHANNESBURG: Red-ball head coach Shukri Conrad has today announced a 14-player squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, which gets underway in Durban later this month.

Captain Temba Bavuma will lead the side after being cleared for selection following a fitness test on Monday. He has recovered from a left elbow injury that sidelined him during the recent Test tour of Bangladesh.

All-rounder Marco Jansen and fast bowler Gerald Coetzee return to the Test setup for the first time since the Test series against India last summer.

Kagiso Rabada, World Sports Betting Western Province paceman Dane Paterson, and DP World Lions all-rounder Wiaan Mulder complete the pace attack. Meanwhile, Keshav Maharaj and Dafabet Warriors’ Senuran Muthusamy have been named as the two frontline spinners for the series.

The first match of the tour is set to begin at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium in Durban on Wednesday, 27 November. The squad will then travel to Gqeberha for the second match, starting on Thursday, 05 December, at Dafabet St George’s Park.

The series is one of two remaining in the ICC World Test Championship for the Proteas, who are still in contention for a spot in next year’s final.

Commenting on the squad, Conrad said: “We are excited to be back on home soil after being on the road for some time. It’s always a great feeling to play in front of our supporters and deliver our best cricket at home.

“We’ve picked the strongest possible side to ensure we stay competitive and keep our hopes alive for a place in the World Test Championship Final.

“This time, we’ve named a squad of 14 instead of the usual 15 to allow players on the periphery of selection the opportunity to play first-class cricket for their respective provincial teams.

“It’s great to have Temba back leading the side after his recovery. His leadership and skill are invaluable to the team. I’d also like to thank Aiden for stepping up and captaining the side so successfully during the Bangladesh series.

“It’s also pleasing to welcome back Marco and Gerald to the Test side. Both have worked incredibly hard during their conditioning programmes, and it’s great to see them back in the fold, ready to contribute to the team.”

Proteas Test squad against Sri Lanka

Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), David Bedingham (World Sports Betting Western Province), Gerald Coetzee (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tony de Zorzi (World Sports Betting Western Province), Marco Jansen (Renault North West Dragons), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), Wiaan Mulder (DP World Lions), Senuran Muthusamy (Dafabet Warriors), Dane Paterson (World Sports Betting Western Province), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Tristan Stubbs (Dafabet Warriors), Ryan Rickelton (DP World Lions), and Kyle Verreynne (World Sports Betting Western Province).

The squad will attend a red-ball camp at the Centre of Excellence in Pretoria from 21 – 22 November before heading to Durban on Saturday, 23 November.
 
Love this time of year with the Southern Hemisphere cricket season and so many coinciding series.

SA are certain to qualify for WTC Final should they win all four home Tests vs SL and PAK. They're in good form after victories in WI and BAN. Their batting lacks Test experience but Stubbs (promoted to #3) and Bedingham possess strong FC records with the latter smashing it for Durham for years. The bowling remains potent despite absences of Nortje and Ngidi.

Meanwhile this is Sanath's biggest test as coach of a revitalised SL after winning the 3rd Test in ENG and hammering NZ at home.

It was at these venues, Durban and Gqeberha, where they won in 2019. They're generally more slower paced than other SA venues so tends to suit SC teams more.

Although their bowling is inferior to SA's, they've a more experienced batting lineup while Kamindu Mendis has enjoyed a fantastic start to his career. Very short turnaround from their ODI series vs NZ so the visitors lack of preparation may be a concern.
 
Sri Lanka turn focus to World Test Championship ahead of South Africa series

Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya explains the decision to play key Test personnel in the recently concluded white-ball matches against New Zealand.

With a 2-0 series win in the ODIs against New Zealand, Sri Lanka continued their unbeaten march at home where the side has secured wins over India, New Zealand, and West Indies across formats in recent months. There is especially encouraging news in the Test arena.

Given their win in The Oval Test in England and a 2-0 series victory over New Zealand at home, Sri Lanka are in third place on the ICC World Test Championship standings and have a good chance of making it to the next year’s final at Lord’s, should they give encouraging performances against South Africa in South Africa and against Australia at home. This would be Sri Lanka’s first-ever appearance in the final.

A number of Sri Lanka’s red-ball players are already in South Africa for the all-important Test series, but the side retained Test squad members Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, and Asitha Fernando for the limited-overs contest against New Zealand.

The four were eventually rested for the final ODI after Sri Lanka had secured the series after winning the first two games.

For Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya these selection calls are a part of a balancing act, which ensures that the side continued their winning run while providing adequate rest before the crucuial upcoming red-ball contests.

“We were discussing all these options, but we wanted to do well, even in Sri Lanka with the ODIs and T20s,” Jayasuriya said.

“Because we can't take things for granted even with this New Zealand team. Yes, some of their players didn't come but they have a good team. They played good cricket here.”

Jayasuriya then explained the call to rest the four for the final game, while also acknowledging that the batters will have a short time to adjust for the upcoming red-ball challenge.

“So that is why we give some of them to rest on the last game - to come back to Colombo, rest and then go to South Africa. Some of the players may have to adjust themselves as quickly as possible to the situation," he added.

“So Kamindu, Pathum, Kusal Mendis, those three players need to adjust themselves according to the situations, red-ball and white-ball."

However, Jayasuriya added that Asitha Fernando, who has 64 Test wickets at an average of 26 and is expected to play a key role in South African conditions, had ample rest prior to the Tests.

“We gave him a rest in the T20 games, where he had two games off. And after that we got him to play two ODIs and we gave him the third ODI off," Jayasuriya said.

“So we're managing him, because he's the one who's bowling really well at the moment. We have to look after him.

“Of course, we considered those areas (of resting players) with the selectors, but we came to the decision to play everyone in the first two games, and then to see how it goes.”

Sri Lanka’s first Test against South Africa commences from 27 November. The island nation will look to add to their previous three Test wins in South Africa, two of which came in a historic series win in 2019.

www.icc-cricket.com

Sri Lanka turn focus to World Test Championship ahead of South Africa series

Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya explains the decision to play key Test personnel in the recently concluded white-ball matches against New Zealand.
www.icc-cricket.com www.icc-cricket.com
 
South Africa vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test:

Sri Lanka have won the toss and have opted to field

TEAMS:

Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Mendis(w), Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva(c), Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando

South Africa (Playing XI): Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma(c), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne(w), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada
 
Will be interesting to see if Sri Lanka can replicate their heroics from last time. This is certainly a considerably weaker South African side than last time. And Sri Lanka under Jayasuriya are looking like a reinvigorated team.
 
South Africa 80/4 at Day 1, Lunch

Lahiru Kumara has been expensive but amongst the wickets: 4-0-35-2
 
South Africa vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test at Durban

Stumps

South Africa (20.4 ov) 80/4
 
FearlessRoar said:
South Africa vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test at Durban

Stumps

South Africa (20.4 ov) 80/4
Click to expand...

Rain saves Proteas after Sri Lanka seamers run riot on Day 1​


Sri Lanka left South Africa reeling at 80/4 on rain-affected Day 1 of the first Test at Kingsmead, Durban after they were on Wednesday, November 27. Lahiru Kumara was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka as he scalped 2/35 in four overs while Vishwa Fernando (1/17) and Asitha Fernando (1/22) also picked up one wicket each. Captain Temba Bavuma (28*) and Kyle Verreynne (9*) are at the crease for the hosts who will aim to rebuild their innings on Day 2.

Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva won the toss and elected to bowl first and the decision was vindicated by Asitha Fernando who managed to dismiss Aiden Markram (9) in just the third over of the day getting him caught at slips. Just three balls later, Vishwa Fernando got the second success of the day for his team as he managed to find the edge of Tony de Zorzi’s bat which was safely grabbed by Kamindu Mendis at second slip.

Sri Lanka seamers continued to pose challenges to South Africa bowling under overcast conditions by continuously testing their defence. However, they were let down by their fielders as Dimuth Karunaratne dropped Bavuma on 1. The South African skipper rubbed salt into the wounds by scoring a couple of boundaries in the very next over.

Tristan Stubbs also took on the attack from the other end hitting Lahiru Kumara for four boundaries in the 14th over. However, the right-arm speedster had the last laugh who managed to find his edge in the next over which was taken after a few attempts by Karunaratne. Kumara further thrashed the stumps of David Bedingham in his next over leaving the Proteas on 54/4.

He even made Bavuma glove one behind to wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis but unfortunately ended up overstepping giving second reprieve to the South Africa skipper. Despite losing wickets, Kyle Verreynne and Bavuma continued to find boundaries keeping the scoreboard moving. With South Africa on 84/4, the heavens opened up and strong showers pouring down interrupting the play in first session. There was no more play possible in the day as fans from both sides were left wanting for more.

www.indiatoday.in

SA vs SL, 1st Test: Rain saves Proteas after Sri Lanka seamers run riot on Day 1

Sri Lanka left South Africa reeling at 80/4 on Day 1 of the first Test in Durban as Lahiru Kumara picked up two wickets.
www.indiatoday.in www.indiatoday.in
 
Lahiru kumara is the fastest bowler in Asia in tests in terms of average speed.
He is so fat though. He is the fattest fast bowler in the world cricket right now.
 
This Jansen guy is one of the most sorry looking guy I have ever seen.

He is always angry like somebody ate his lunch.
 
Nikhil_cric said:
Poor batting by South Africa. Below average batting lineup
Click to expand...
This is one of the worst South African batting lineups I have seen in a long while. They didn't do themselves any favors by pushing Elgar into retirement either. I think some players in that side have potential but it will take them some time to get there. Good chance for Sri Lanka and Pakistan to spring a surprise or two.
 
RedwoodOriginal said:
This is one of the worst South African batting lineups I have seen in a long while. They didn't do themselves any favors by pushing Elgar into retirement either. I think some players in that side have potential but it will take them some time to get there. Good chance for Sri Lanka and Pakistan to spring a surprise or two.
Click to expand...

They have struggled against pace, surprisingly. Kumara's extra pace has been too much for them
.
 
sweep_shot said:
Their tail can bat.

Also, Bavuma is still there.

They need to reach 250-300 somehow to give bowlers something to defend.
Click to expand...
It's Bavuma bro. The guy barely averages 35 in test cricket.

They are not going to get 250-300.
 
Nikhil_cric said:
He was averaging 139.7 kph in this innings when they last showed. The rest were 131 or below.

Apparently, he is the fastest Asian Test pacer now.
Click to expand...
That's a good average pace for test cricket. Kumara has improved as a bowler. Previously he had all pace and no control. Still lacks control but atleast he is picking up wickets.
 
RedwoodOriginal said:
It's Bavuma bro. The guy barely averages 35 in test cricket.

They are not going to get 250-300.
Click to expand...

You are right but he is still a frontline batter.

Anyway, SA have lost another wicket. 143/8.

They are effectively 143/9 as one batter got injured (not sure if he will bat further).
 
South African Test batting is at such an all time low that Temba Bavuma looks like the best technician in the side.

Huge decline for a side that once boasted the likes of Kallis, Smith, AB, Amla etc.
 
Very hard for me to root for an Asian team. Kind of hate them all. But then I also hate poms and kiwis even more than the. I do like aus and SA.

So yea SA for the win.
 
kron said:
Very hard for me to root for an Asian team. Kind of hate them all. But then I also hate poms and kiwis even more than the. I do like aus and SA.

So yea SA for the win.
Click to expand...

South Africa used to be a fun team to watch (pre-2015 South Africa). Current South Africa team doesn't have the same vibe.
 
Superb from Rabada and Jansen...
Sri Lanka 2 down in no time for 8 runs
 
How good jansen is bowling atm. 3 wickets for him so far

Sri Lanka 4 down for 24
 
X-rays have revealed a fracture in Wiaan Mulder's right middle finger.

He will be unable to bowl or field for the rest of the match.
 
5th one is down now Deep deep trouble for Lankan tigers.

32/5
 
I thought South Africa were done preparing these kinds of wickets...Was that all for PR?
 
South africa has destroyed srilanka here.
Pakistan is gonna get embarrassed here badly.
 
Marco Jansen is robotic. He has no emotions.
He has picked up 4 wickets now.
 
Jansen has been brilliant so far. 4 wickets for him

Sri Lanka could be all out before 50 here...

32/6
 
Can srilanka cross 36. Hopefully they do.but then there's 46 as well. Hopefully they can score more than those scores.
 
32-8 now. 36 is in danger now.
Srilanka is gonna make a certain team proud with this performance.
 
SL are all-out for 42.

Jansen gets a 7-fer.

South Africa are leading by 149 runs.
 
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