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Galle Test takes decisive turn
Positive Lankans hold sway
By Bernie Wijesekara reporting from Galle
The positive Lankans have the edge on a pitch not all that easy to bat on the final day today (Sunday) in the first Test continued at the Galle Esplanade yesterday. The Lankans after having a first innings lead of 110 runs declared their second essay at 214 for 9 leaving the South Africans a daunting task of 325 to win in 93 overs.

The Proteas made 7 for no loss at close and need 318 more runs to win in 90 overs.When play begins today Smith who opened the innings is on 5 and Dippenaar on 0. "The pitching area is still good", said Sanath Jayasuriya, the former Sri Lanka captain. "The spinners will have to bowl really well and complete their overs quicker. Then the Sri Lankans should be able to bowl more than 90 overs if needed. Its good to take a 1-0 lead here in the 2-test series before going to the SSC", added Jayasuriya.

In the South African first innings the Lankan bowlers took 140 overs to dismiss them for 376. Twelve wickets fell yesterday for 243 runs. Left arm spinner Boje spun to a line to return with 5 for 88, backed by excellent fielding. The South Africans are prepared to take up the gauntlet. Jacques Rudolph who made sterling 102 asked about Muralitharan.

Rudolph said "I played him on merit. With better application and concentration is what matters in the end. The pitch is not all that bad to bat". The first session will be crucial to either side with some morning moisture. Vaas should be able to hone it and will be one to watch in the morning session. He will share the cherry with Jayasuriya (left arm) has better craft and could be most troublesome to South African batsmen as a dual-purpose bowler. Earlier South African one-drop batsman Jacques Rudolph saved the day for South Africa as the gritty left hander batted with determination for 102 runs in 413 minutes off 297 balls with 12 fours. He was the mainstay of the South African innings of 376 all out in reply to Sri Lanka's 486 on day four in the first Test here yesterday.

Rudolph batting under pressure made his 4th test century playing in his 15th Test. South Africa continuing their innings (at 347/7 overnight) with Rudolph unbeaten on 85 and Boje on 31. Chaminda Vaas bowling the first over of the day from Rampart end had Boje brilliantly held on the leg side in his 4th ball to break the stubborn 53 run 8th wicket. For Sri Lanka Muralitharan blew up the last 2 wickets to grab 4 for 130, to bring his tally to 86 wickets in 11 tests at this venue. His happy hunting ground here - 531 test scalps - the highest in Test cricket.

Sri Lanka had 45 minutes batting before lunch and they were 25 no loss leading by 135 runs on the second innings. Rudolph, showing abundant skills and excellent concentration handed the Lankan spinners with authority including "Murali" on a slow pitch taking some turn. Jayasuriya, bowling much quicker looked more dangerous, Jacques had "a rock of Gibraltar" attitude while occupying the crease.

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