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South Africa and Sri Lanka kicked off the two-match Test at Kingsmead in Durban on Wednesday, November 27. The day began with South Africa coming in to bat first after losing the toss.
The hosts got off to a horrid start as Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi scored nine and four runs, respectively. After the openers failed, Tristan Stubbs followed suit as he only managed to survive 38 deliveries on the pitch. Stubbs was dismissed for 16 runs, falling prey to Lahiru Kumara. Kumara struck once more, dismissing David Bedingham on a score of four runs in six deliveries to push South Africa completely on the backfoot.
Also Read: South Africa vs Sri Lanka 2024 Test series: Schedule, Squads, Live Streaming, Broadcasters & All you need to know
Overall, the first day saw the Proteas struggle with the bat in whatever play was possible as rain played spoilsport and the proceedings were stopped after just 20.4 overs of play.
The rain refused to relent with stumps being forced. Temba Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne will resume at a score of 28 and nine runs, respectively, on the second day with South Africa on a score of 80/4.
As for Sri Lanka, Lahiru Kumara was the highest wicket-taker with two wickets to his name. Asitha Fernando and Vishwa Fernando took one wicket each as well. Both sides will hope that the weather will be kind on the second day.
Here is how X reacted to day 1 of the first Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka:
Aiden Markram again failing to deliver with the bat. When are we going to learn that he just isn’t good enough? #SAvSL #Proteas
— Marc Jacobson 🇿🇦 (@MarciiiJacobson) November 27, 2024
Mr Fix it once again having to fix things for SA in home test matches. Been carrying this test line up on his back for a good 3/4 years now!! We need our skipper to bat long and bat deep 👊#SAvSL pic.twitter.com/D54e2E6EzW
— Lawrence Bailey ⚪ 🇿🇦 (@LawrenceBailey0) November 27, 2024
Is there a batter in the history of the international game that has gotten so many opportunities but keeps failing? Markram #SAvSL
— The Bulldozer (@MazwiZuma) November 27, 2024
Markram comes, gives us two sexy cover drives and leaves back to the dressing room. Bro 😭🤣 #SAvSL
— naeemah (@NaeemahBenjamin) November 27, 2024
Same old story. When will Markram finally justify his talent? It’s been 10 years since he won the U19 World Cup, and I can barely recall a truly memorable knock from him.#SAvSL
— Febin (@febinvthomas) November 27, 2024
If Markram doesn’t get runs in the 2nd innings, questions will need to be asked. Personally, I think him opening the batting is setting him to fail. He should be at number 5 or 6. Put Bavuma opening. The guy has a better technique #SAvSL
— TwelveEleven (@TwelveEleven12) November 27, 2024
There’s immense joy in watching Lahiru Kumara in full flow. The pace, the movement and the varying lengths all add to the theatre. #SAvSL
— S Sudarshanan (@Sudarshanan7) November 27, 2024
People will always speak about Bavuma’s conversion rate but this is what he’s got to deal with majority of the time. Wickets falling all around him. #SAvSL
— Bela B (@LetlotloSeabela) November 27, 2024
Why do they play cricket in Durban???? #SAvSL
— Dan Ferguson (@TheLegendOfSAC1) November 27, 2024
Pelting down at Durban but they have covered just the centre. @OfficialSLC should take their grounds men and covers wherever they play. High time @ICC calls it mandatory. #SAvSL #SAvsSL #SLvsSA #CricketTwitter
— Cricket Vibes_Arjav (@IamArjav) November 27, 2024
One of the weakest attending venues for test cricket in SA. And thats a pity. Such a fantastic cricket venue. Hopefully a few more people will be in by Friday and over the weekend.#SAvSL https://t.co/aPeSL0h2CY
— Lawrence Bailey ⚪ 🇿🇦 (@LawrenceBailey0) November 27, 2024