Dale Steyn stars as SA gain control of 1st test

Dale Steyn picked up 4-48 to move joint-seventh on the list of all-time Test wicket-takers as South Africa claimed a 170-run lead over Sri Lanka on day two of the first Test in Durban.Steyn started off by removing Lahiru Thirimanne late on day one. He had Sri Lanka debutant Oshada Fernando lbw in the third over of the second day and added top-scorer Kusal Perera (51) and tailender Suranga Lakmal to his haul.He was instrumental in bowling Sri Lanka out for 191 to see South Africa hold a 44-run first-innings lead in the series-opener at Kingsmead.. 

The home batsmen increased that advantage to 170 with South Africa 4-126 in its second innings at stumps. Aiden Markram (28), Hashim Amla (16), Temba Bavuma (3) and Dean Elgar (35) were all out for South Africa, with left-arm spinner Lasith Ambuldeniya taking 2-36 to add to his one wicket in the first innings on his debut.Earlier, Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada had two wickets each and Duanne Olivier one in support of Steyn as South Africa four-man pace attack did the damage in the Sri Lankan first innings.Steyn performance helped South Africa hit back after the home team batted first and was bowled out for 235 by Sri Lanka inexperienced bowlers..

In Sri Lanka first innings, Perera resisted Steyn for his fourth Test fifty and first since November 2016 but had little help from the rest of the top order.Sri Lanka last three batsmen added a handy 49 runs to the total. 

Courtesy : NEWSRADIO