S. Africa batsman: ‘We really changed the momentum’

South African opening batsman Dean Elgar said the momentum had swung back to the host team after a free-scoring second day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at SuperSport Park in Centurion, according to AFP.

The left-handed Elgar scored 95 and shared an opening stand of 141 with Aiden Markram (68) to set South Africa on the way to 317 for four at the close in reply to Sri Lanka’s first innings total of 396.

The runs were scored off only 72 overs against a depleted Sri Lankan bowling attack.

“It was a rewarding day for all of us today, we really changed the momentum throughout the day and potentially had the momentum back in our change room after what was a very tough day for us yesterday,” said Elgar.

From being well behind the game after the Sri Lankan innings, South Africa could look forward with confidence to the rest of the match, according to Elgar, who said his team would be looking to secure a first innings lead of more than 100.