JP Duminy
Jean-Paul Duminy watches his shot during the second day of their first Test match against Sri Lanka.Reuters

An unbeaten century from Jean-Paul Duminy helped South Africa reach a commanding position on the second day of the first Test match against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Cricket Stadium.

When Duminy arrived at the crease, the Proteas were at 290 for six but the southpaw batted sensibly and helped the visitors in reaching 455 for nine.

South Africa skipper Hashim Amla declared the innings soon after Duminy completed his fourth and first hundred in the sub-continent.

In reply to South Africa's first innings' total, Kaushal Silva (8 n.o.) and Upul Tharanga (20 n.o.) played out the remaining overs and helped Lanka reach 30 for no loss at stumps.

The touring party resumed the day on 268 for five with Quinton de Kock and Dale Steyn. But, Steyn (3) was dismissed by Suranga Lakmal in the tenth over of the day.

Also Read

De Kock (51) and Duminy made 24 runs for the seventh wicket but the former was caught at first slip by Mahela Jayawardene off Dilruwan Perera, after he completed his maiden fifty.

South Africa finally got a partnership going when Duminy and Vernon Philander made a 75-run stand for the eighth wicket. Philander played patiently for his 96-ball 27 before being given lbw off Lankan skipper Angelo Mathews.

The Proteas tail showed a lot of determination as Morne Morkel (22) made a 66-run partnership for the ninth wicket with Duminy (100 n.o.).

"I wasn't really thinking about the century until I got into my 80s," Duminy said. "But, yes, it's always pleasing to get to triple figures in these conditions. The biggest challenge was the spinners and trying to marshal partnerships with the tailenders, especially Morkel.

"There is still plenty of hard work to be done. Friday is going to be crucial in setting up the game for us. Hopefully, we can make some early inroads."

Perera was the pick of the bowlers for the hosts as he took three wickets, while seamer Lakmal also finished with three. Herath and Mathews, who was forced to bowl in the absence of Shaminda Eranga, took one wicket each.

Sri Lanka are hoping Eranga will be able to bowl in the second innings after he split the webbing of his right hand. "We are hoping that he will be able to bowl in the second innings," Sri Lanka manager Michael de Zoysa said.

Herath, in particular, remained ineffective and failed to confine Duminy, who swept and reverse-swept the left-arm spinner.

"You know what you're going to get with Herath," he said. "He's got great change of pace, but he hasn't got much variation. He doesn't give you anything."

Where to Watch Live

The third day of the first Test is scheduled for 10:00 am local (10:00 am IST, 4:30 am GMT) start with live coverage on Ten Cricket and Ten HD in India. Catch ball-by-ball update of the match online HERE. Catch the action live on TV on Ten Sports in Sri Lanka, while viewers can also live stream the action HERE.

Viewers in the US can watch the game Live on Willow TV while the match can also be live streamed HERE. Watch the match in South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa on SuperSport and live online HERE.