First Bavuma, then Rickelton keep South Africa flag flying

South Africa's tallest national flag is unfurled atop a 60-metre pole in Gqeberha.

The flag itself, at 12 metres by eight metres, is almost the size of half a singles tennis court.

The westerly wind, which dries the St George's Park pitch, was blowing on Thursday.

Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bat.

St George's Park is among the many grounds where the wind conditions are as or more important than the pitch.

Adrian Carter, the curator here for decades, produced a quintessential St George's Park surface. It is well-grassed and sound but not booming with bounce. There is a touch of swing and seam; nothing extravagant.

Sri Lanka were contemplating picking an all-seam attack but retained their XI from the first Test at Kingsmead.

Tony de Zorzi was hit on the full by Asitha Fernando and was trapped in front. The point of impact and whether the ball would have gone on to hit the stumps came down to umpire's call.

Aiden Markram was bowled by Lahiru Kumara. Then Tristan Stubbs chased a wide delivery from Kumara and was caught behind.

Ryan Rickelton replaced De Zorzi and lashed the first ball bowled to him through the covers for four. He was batting higher than No. 4 for the first time in his 13 innings.

Bavuma was looking good for a century before being dismissed for 78.

Rickelton kept the faith and his wicket, even after being hit on the hand by Kumara. He was reprieved on review when Vishwa Fernando had him lbw for 98.

Rickelton straight drove Vishwa for two to reach his first century.

Nineteen balls later he was out to the new ball; well held high in the gully by Pathum Nissanka off Kumara for 101.

When bad light ended play four overs early, Verreynne was 48 and South Africa were 269/7.