Sri Lanka have four days to fix a shaky campaign

Sri Lanka: 4 days to salvage WTC campaign

After a dismal performance in the first Test, Sri Lanka has four days to regroup and strategize for the second match against South Africa. The Lankans were bowled out for a record low of 42 in the first innings, leading to a 233-run defeat. This loss caused them to slip from third to a share of fourth place in the WTC standings.

The visitors struggled to cope with South African fast bowler Marco Jansen, who took 7/13—the best figures by a fast bowler in Durban. The home side, on the other hand, capitalized on this opportunity and moved into second place in the WTC standings.

Sri Lanka's batting coach, Thilina Kandamby, acknowledged that the team failed to assess the conditions and opt for the right strategies. He mentioned that the challenging overcast conditions and wind, along with Jansen's bowling, contributed to the dismal first innings. However, the early dismissals and a total of 42 runs scored was unexpected and left the team in shock.

Dinesh Chandimal, Sri Lanka's captain, emphasized the importance of a good first innings total in the upcoming match. He expressed hope that the batters will perform well and score close to 300 runs, allowing the team's talented fast bowlers to contribute.

With Gerald Coetzee ruled out for the rest of the summer due to a groin injury, Sri Lanka may find some relief. However, the team needs to focus on addressing their batting woes and finding a way to counter South Africa's strong bowling attack.

The second Test is set to begin on Thursday at St George's Park, and Sri Lanka has a limited time to turn their campaign around.