Sri Lanka vs. South Africa, 2014: Player Ratings After 1st Test in Galle
The first Test between Sri Lanka and South Africa in Galle was an absorbing one, which saw the visitors come out on top by 153 runs on the final day.
Before the series moves on to the next game in Colombo, let’s first take a look back at this one.
Which players impressed? Which others failed?
Read on for ratings of all 22 players involved, in their batting order from the first innings, starting with the host Sri Lanka.
Kaushal Silva: 5
A failure in the first innings was a disappointing start for Kaushal Silva, who made up for it somewhat with 38 second time around.
He is capable of far more, and he will be disappointed to have been removed twice by Dale Steyn.
Upul Tharanga: 6
Upul Tharanga’s 83 was the second-highest score in Sri Lanka’s first innings as they looked to get close to South Africa’s total.
However, he failed in the second innings despite an aggressive start in what was an inconsistent yet encouraging display.
Kumar Sangakkara: 6
Kumar Sangakkara made two good starts with the bat, with his 76 in the second innings Sri Lanka’s top score.
As one of their senior batsmen, he will have wanted to score much more, especially first time around when he managed just 24.
Mahela Jayawardene: 4
Two failures with the bat for Mahela Jayawardene mean this was a thoroughly disappointing Test match—the penultimate of his long and illustrious career.
He will want to do so much more in Colombo in his final game.
Lahiru Thirimanne: 5
A score of 38 in the first innings represents a decent start from Lahiru Thirimanne, who looked solid.
Unfortunately, his 12 in the second innings contributed to Sri Lanka’s batting collapse.
Angelo Mathews: 7
Two good scores with the bat combined with a wicket with the ball means this was a decent Test for captain Angelo Mathews despite the loss.
His 89 in his first knock helped drag his side close to 300, and with other players retiring, he will be relied upon for similarly telling contributions.
Dinesh Chandimal: 3
Two scores in single figures mean this was a miserable game for Dinesh Chandimal.
He was tidy with the wicket-keeping gloves, but he needs to do more with the bat.
Dilruwan Perera: 8
Eight wickets in the match for Dilruwan Perera represents a strong effort as he took four in each innings.
The off-spinner showed he can play a role for his country and take wickets at crucial times.
Rangana Herath: 5
Just three wickets in the match for Sri Lanka’s premier spinner Rangana Herath, who was overshadowed by the aforementioned Perera.
On tracks that suit him, he will want to do so much more.
Shaminda Eranga: 3
Shaminda Eranga managed just nine overs in the first innings as he struggled with injury, then he was quickly removed twice with the bat.
Suranga Lakmal: 5
Three wickets in the first innings was a decent return for Suranga Lakmal, who looked in good form with the new ball.
He could not maintain that second time around however as he went wicketless.
Alviro Petersen: 6
Two good starts at the top of the order for Alviro Petersen made this an encouraging Test for the opener.
Having had a difficult time recently, Petersen hinted that he is capable of succeeding at this level.
Dean Elgar: 8
A century in the first innings for Dean Elgar was a brilliant return as South Africa start life without Graeme Smith in their opening pair.
The left-hander may have not succeeded second time around, but his knock in the first innings was a brilliant start to the series.
Faf du Plessis: 7
A knock of 80 in the first innings and 37 in the second from Faf du Plessis speaks of a good game that showed promise.
The right-hander will be determined to shake off his tag of being a limited-overs specialist, and this game will have helped in that respect.
Hashim Amla: 6
Hashim Amla made two starts without converting either into a big score, something that will annoy the Proteas captain despite a big win.
He will go into the next game with something to prove.
AB de Villiers: 7
An aggressive 51 in the second innings from AB de Villiers helped South Africa push for a declaration target.
He may not have managed quite such a telling contribution first time around, but this 51 makes up for it somewhat.
Quinton de Kock: 7
Two strong scores—including 51 in the first innings—combine for what was a decent game for wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock.
Having proven himself in limited-overs cricket, de Kock looks set for a good Test career too.
Dale Steyn: 9
The man of the match, Dale Steyn once again affirmed his position as one of the best bowlers in the world with nine wickets.
His 5-54 helped restrict Sri Lanka, while his efforts in the second innings ripped the heart out of their run chase.
JP Duminy: 8
A tally of 108 runs without being dismissed is a good return for JP Duminy, who scored an unbeaten 100 in the first innings.
Having seemingly solved his problems against spin, Duminy will hope this can help him start a golden run of form.
Vernon Philander: 5
A disappointing game for Vernon Philander, who scored 27 runs in the first innings but did not take a wicket.
He was perhaps overshadowed by his team-mates, although his chance to shine will surely come again.
Morne Morkel: 7
Bowling well to support Steyn, Morne Morkel took seven wickets and helped wreak havoc on Sri Lanka’s batting line-up.
His 4-29 in the second innings was crucial in helping the Proteas take victory, especially the key wicket of Jayawardene.
Imran Tahir: 5
Just the one wicket for Imran Tahir, who was overshadowed by his team-mates with the ball.
His one scalp was crucial though, as it prevented Mathews from getting a first-innings century.