Sri Lanka vs South Africa: Test 1, Day 2 - 3 talking points

Keshav Maharaj picked three of the four fallen Lankan wickets so far

#3. A cautious approach to batting by Sri Lanka

Sri Lankans came out to bat second, with a 161-run-lead from their first innings. From the way they took their chances, it was evident that the hosts are playing with an accurate game-plan in mind. They are aware of the fact that any lead above 300 or so would get them past the finish line, and they set themselves to achieve that target patiently. While Karunaratne continued his good nick from the first innings, others tried to play around him. Gunathilaka settled for 17 off 65, while Angelo Matthews is unbeaten at just 14. Karunaratne's 60 meant that the team scored 111 for four wickets, and they are just 28 short of a 300-run lead.

Matthews, Silva, and Dickwella will continue on Day 3, and if they can prolong their run of patience for a long time and score around 60 - 70 runs more with six wickets remaining, South Africa could well be looking for a defeat. The lack of an efficient spinner will continue to haunt them.