We had quite a few starts that we didn't capitalise on: JP Duminy

Jean-Paul Duminy was unhappy with his team’s performance on the opening day which saw Sri Lanka claw back into the game in the last session and reduce the hosts to 267 for 6 at Stumps on Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test at Port Elizabeth on Monday (December 26).

“It was probably a bold move to bat first with the quite tough pitch we’ve got, but we were positive things were going our way after Dean and Stephen started so exceptionally,” Duminy said after the day’s play. “After the start we had, we’re disappointed to be six down, that’s probably two wickets too many, and we had quite a few starts that we didn’t capitalise on.”

Openers Stephen Cook (59) and Dean Elgar (45) gave the hosts a solid start with a 104-run but the middle-order, however, failed to capitalize and failed to show any resistance. Duminy was the lone performer top-scoring with 63.

“There is a bit of grass on the pitch, which could produce divots and variable bounce, and at stages there was a bit of swing and movement,” he noted, before adding, “But I think it’s a really good cricket wicket, there’s something in it for the bowlers and also the opportunity to score runs.”

Duminy said that his side would be looking to post a total in the vicinity of 350-400 in their first innings. “We have two quality players (Quinton de Kock on 25 and Vernon Philander on 6) still in, so hopefully we can get to 350 or 400. If we can battle our way to that then it will stand us in good stead going forward, a big first innings is crucial,” Duminy said.

Sri Lanka’s comeback was inspired by Suranga Lakmal, who picked up four wickets for 62 runs to help his team make a comeback post-Lunch. Duminy heaped praise on the Sri Lankan strike bowler for his spirited fightback that helped his side seize the momentum.

“When Lakmal came around the wicket, there was a patch of grass on a good length and he was able to wobble the ball a bit off that. His big strength was hitting that consistent length and our bowlers will have to put balls in that consistent area like he did, he asked questions on a regular basis,” said the South African left-hander.

Kaushal Silva, the Sri Lankan opener, also praised his teammate. “Suranga bowled exceptionally well, he set the tone for us and then that momentum carried on for us in the afternoon,” he said. “He’s been the spearhead for the last two years and he stuck to the plans, bowling a good line and length. As the most senior of our three seamers, he gives us more control and the ball started swinging more after the first session,” Silva concluded.