South Africa batsmen continue ominous form

05/01/2012

South Africa's batsmen have continued to reassert themselves in the final Test of their current series against Sri Lanka in Cape Town.

Having been bowled out for just 168 and 241 in their defeat in Durban, the home side responded to being sent in at Newlands after losing the toss to pile up 580-4 declared.

Jacques Kallis led the way with his highest Test score of 224, while A.B. De Villiers finished on 160 not out, adding to a first day century by Alviro Petersen.

Fans booking corporate hospitality for the first Test between England and South Africa at Lord's next summer may be keen to see if England's feared bowling attack can tame the visitor's batsmen.

Sri Lanka's batsmen started well in reply, reaching 149-2 at the end of day two, with captain Tillekeratne Dilshan making 78.

Kallis's big score was not even the largest of the day in Test cricket, however, as Australia's captain Michael Clarke made 329 not out against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the first Test triple century ever made at the venue. 

By Liz Johnstone