Couch Critic previews the first test match between South Africa and Sri Lanka including best bets from @Olimp_SA
SOUTH AFRICA vs SRI LANKA 1st Test, Centurion. Saturday 26 Dec @ 10:00
The Proteas finally return to test cricket action in Pretoria on Boxing Day as they welcome the Sri Lankans to their shores.
Setting the Scene
The Saffas find themselves in a deep, dark hole at present. On the field they had a dismal World Cup campaign quite recently and also face an opponent who rocked them on home turf last time out – something which would have seemed unfathomable in the past. Off the field there is an interim Board who had to suspend their interim CEO (for possible irregularities) who was holding the fort since the previous CEO was dismissed for other irregularities. Oh and then there was the claims of racism still running rife within the very fibre of cricket in the country…
As mentioned the Sir Lankans arrive in SA knowing they knocked their hosts off their perch the last time they visited yet will be missing their best player in the form of Angelo Matthews. They also lost their last test series (vs Pakistan) and as with the Proteas will go into this clash having not played red-ball cricket
How I see it Playing Out
Despite all the issues and troubles one can’t help but think this South African team has way too much fire power for their visitors. Unlike the previous Sri Lankan tour the Proteas will be looking to blast the Sub Continent side away in Pretoria and Johannesburg – tracks which suit their strengths perfectly.
Betolimp Best Bets
Top SA 1st Inns Batsman – Aiden Markram @ 4.00
Markram has frustrated many a South African cricket fan by not quite living up to his incredible talent just yet. This time around he faces an attack which will hardly strike fear into any of the local batsman and enters this series in superb domestic form. I am expecting big runs from Aiden.
Top Sri Lanka 1st Inns Batsman – Kusal Mendis @ 4.00
Man of the Match – Anrich Nortje @ 12.00
The Proteas are sure to try and blast the Sri Lankans away on the bouncy Centurion wicket. Nortje impressed with his pace in the IPL and with KG missing I am expecting the fiery quick to lead the charge on the bowling front. He will intimidate the visitors in a big way I reckon.
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Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change
Couch Critic
