BBC SPORT | Cricket | Kallis keeps SA on course

First Test, Johannesburg, day two. Sri Lanka 192 v South Africa 378-6 (close)

South Africa moved into a commanding position against a plucky yet indisciplined Sri Lanka side on day two at the Wanderers.

At the close of play, the hosts held a 186-run lead in reaching 378 for seven.

Photos from Johannesburg

Five wickets for 47 runs either side of lunch - including three wickets for five - thrust Sri Lanka back into the game.

But the concession of 62 extras, including 31 no-balls, and an obstinate 75 not out from Jacques Kallis saw South Africa regain the initiative.

To compound Sri Lanka's bowling woes, Ruchira Perera, who was cited for throwing in in England recently, was twice cautioned for running onto the pitch in his follow through.

Gary Kirsten
Kirsten fell immediately after the lunch break

One more warning and Perera will not be allowed to bowl again this innings.

Kallis, who has not been dismissed in Tests since March against Australia, played a chanceless knock and looks on course for an 11th century.

Impressive right-arm seamer Hasantha Fernando marked his maiden Test with a wicket on his second delivery before returning three for 63.

Openers Graeme Smith and Gary Kirsten scored at over four runs per over early on to take the score from an overnight 51 to 133.

But the introduction of Hasantha brought instant rewards.

Smith, who was in fine touch in making 73, fell when playing across the line and edging to Hashan Tillakaratne at first slip.

No-ball problem

Three of Smith's 14 boundaries came in one over from Dilhara Fernando, the worst offender with 17 no-balls.

Smith's dismissal was quickly followed by another as Hasantha struck again.

I'm really pleased with the day after the flutter in the middle

Shaun Pollock

Martin van Jaarsveld was bowled through the gate for three by an excellent delivery that pitched on off stump and hit middle.

Just six runs had been added to the lunch score of 169 for two when Hasantha removed Gary Kirsten for 55.

South Africa quickly descended to 180 for five after Chaminda Vaas had Ashwell Prince caught for three and Neil McKenzie trapped in front for a first-ball duck.

A stabilising 69-run stand between Kallis and Mark Boucher was ended on the stroke of tea when Muttiah Muralitharan had the home 'keeper caught behind for 38.

Kallis and Pollock then shared in an 80-run stand before Dilhara enjoyed his sole bright moment when removing Pollock caught behind.

Andrew Hall (31 not out) survived some hairy moments facing Murali late in the day to keep Kallis company to the end.

Sri Lanka: MS Atapattu, RP Arnold, +KC Sangakkara, DPMD Jayawardene, *ST Jayasuriya, HP Tillakaratne, KHRK Fernando, WPUJC Vaas, M Muralitharan, CRD Fernando, PDRL Perera.

South Africa: GC Smith, G Kirsten, M van Jaarsveld, JH Kallis, ND McKenzie, AG Prince, +MV Boucher, AJ Hall, *SM Pollock, S Elworthy, M Ntini.


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