Bavuma, Rickelton fifties prop SA up

Lahiru Kumara became the fifth Sri Lankan fast bowler to take 100 Test wickets but South Africa fought back from a shock start to reach 179 for four at tea in the second Test, which commenced at St George’s Park in Gqeberha yesterday.
Ryan Rickelton and Skipper Temba Bavuma led South Africa’s recovery with a 133-run stand for the fourth wicket with both batsmen completing half centuries. 
Rickelton was unbeaten on 72 from 159 balls inclusive of eight boundaries while Bavuma was dismissed shortly before the break for a splendid 78 in 109 deliveries and studded with one six and eight boundaries.     
Earlier, South Africa were made to work hard after their decision to bat first as they struggled to reach 82 for three at lunch. 
Sri Lanka’s seamers threatened as they found just enough movement on a surface with a significant grass covering and decent bounce.
South Africa were in trouble at 44 for three in the 16th over but Ryan Rickelton and Temba Bavuma steadied them by the lunch break.
In blustery conditions, Sri Lanka started well and got immediate reward. Tony de Zorzi was given out lbw off Asitha Fernando off the first ball of the second over when he was hit on the full by an inswinging delivery on leg stump. De Zorzi reviewed but both impact and wickets were umpire’s call and the decision stood.
That brought Rickelton, promoted to No. 3, to the crease. He was off the mark straightaway as he leaned into a drive and hit an Asitha full toss for four through mid-off. 
Aiden Markram was willing to chase width and scored three boundaries in the next two overs but Rickelton was more circumspect. He had to be as Vishwa Fernando tested him with away movement. 
Between them, they survived the new-ball bowlers’ opening spells and got to 26 for 1 before Sri Lanka made their first change.
Sri Lanka made a double change and introduced the spin of Prabath Jayasuriya at the other end, which was playing more placidly. Kumara broke through in his next over when Markram went for a drive to a delivery that nipped back in and bowled him. That gave Kumara 
his 100th Test wicket.
Tristan Stubbs, who scored a century at Durban, walked out to bat for the first time in a Test at his home ground with the band in full flow but his stay was short. 
He reached for a wide Kumara delivery with hard hands and edged to Kusal Mendis, who took a good catch moving to his right. (Agencies)