South African captain Faf du Plessis said there was room for improvement after his team completed a comfortable 206-run win in the first Test against Sri Lanka at St George's Park
Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis
Port Elizabeth: South African captain Faf du Plessis said there was room for improvement after his team completed a comfortable 206-run win in the first Test against Sri Lanka at St George's Park yesterday.
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It took just 70 minutes and 13.3 overs for South Africa to claim the remaining five Sri Lankan wickets on the final morning and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Fast bowler Kyle Abbott made two crucial strikes, dismissing overnight batsmen Angelo Mathews (59) and Dhananjaya de Silva (22) inside the first seven overs. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 281 after adding 41 runs yesterday.
"We're playing some really good cricket. But it's about being consistent. As a team we're flying at about 80 per cent, so we still have another 20 per cent in the tank. The bowlers are doing a really good job but we can do better as a batting unit," said Du Plessis.
After the teams had been bowled out for 286 and 205 in the first innings, the pitch changed character and South Africa made 406 for six declared in the second innings. Sri Lanka put up a fighting performance to make 240 for five before the close on Thursday. Sri Lankan captain Mathews said: "It was hard work for the batters," he said.
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