Steyn puts SA in driver’s seat

Durban, February 14

Fast bowler Dale Steyn took four wickets as South Africa seized control of the first Test against Sri Lanka on Day 2 and went to the close on 126/4, an overall second innings lead of 170 runs here today. South Africa had earlier bowled the tourists out for 191 in their first innings, with the experienced Steyn leading the charge on a slow but seaming wicket. Captain Faf du Plessis (25 not out) and Quinton de Kock (15 not out) will seek to push the home side past the 250-run lead on the third day, which would set a daunting target for Sri Lanka, who have not passed 300 in any of their last 12 Test innings.

Aiden Markram had the home side off to a positive start with a brisk 28 before he edged seamer Kasun Rajitha to second slip, while Hashim Amla was snatched in the gully off Vishwa Fernando. South Africa have a long tail with all-rounder Vernon Philander batting at number seven and quick wickets in the morning could bring Sri Lanka back into the contest. — Reuters

Brief scores: South Africa 235 and 126/4 (Du Plessis 25*; Embuldeniya 2/36); SL 191 (Kusal Perera 51; Steyn 4/48)