On the whole, I'll remember this Test for Kallis' bloodied ear, AB's 99, Mahela's 9,999 and Boucher's raft of catches. But mostly for Vernon Philander. On behalf of Alex Winter and the rest of the crew, this is Nitin Sundar signing off from the Centurion Test. See y'all in Durban, and do stay tuned for the packed season upon us. Cheers!

Sri Lanka have ten days to recover from this hammering. That is a long time. India turned it around superbly last year after enduring a mauling in Centurion. Will Durban mark that sort of comeback for Sri Lanka? Gnasher's report has the details of how Sri Lanka capsized today.

Vernon Philander is Man of the Match, indeed. Surprise me. Here's what he says after snaffling 10-102 in his third Test: "Bowling form is like batting form, when you have it you should make it count. I have been trying to keep things simple, and it is working so no need to change anything. I like to hit the in-between lengths, that plays a big part in it. Guys like Willoughby and Dawson really helped when I started, and they have all played a big part in it. Dale is the No. 1 Test bowler in the world, and it is good for me to be bowling with him."

Smith: "We were a little bit on second gear on the first day, but recovered. And I thought we batted quite well. We worked well in pairs with bat and ball through the Test match. There was a lot happening on the pitch through out the game. As a batsman you needed to knuckle down, and AB's 99 was as good as a 100. Days like today make Gary and co. extremely happy. It's great to see so many people come out here in Pretoria and support us in the holiday season."

Dilshan: "Definitely disappointing. We recovered from a poor start on the first day, but it didn't work out. I am happy with the bowlers, they did a great job. A long way to go in this series, our batting unit can still come together and do a job. Mathews has 10 days to recover before the next Test. Nuwan Kulasekara and Dhammika Prasad are joining us in time for Durban, and we hope we can do better there."

You thought it couldn't get worse for Sri Lanka? It just did. This is sad to see. One can only hope they turn the corner soon. Even at the best of times, they have struggled to make a splash in South Africa, and this is far from the best of times for them.

Allan Donald is out there, he's congratulating South Africa's latest seam merchant. Four five-fors in three Test matches, and my guess is another Man of the Match - two in three Tests, plus a Man of the Series - for Philander. Even if they ask the public to vote on it, I don't think we will have another candidate. Steyn's been overshadowed again, but he doesn't seem to mind. All smiles as he embraces his new-ball partner.

"Poor Vernon has really struggled mightily to get his bowling average into single figures, but alas it remains stubbornly on 12." Shocker, eh, Nicolas.

"This guy's name should be 5lander." Eloquent six-word report from Pavithran.

"The way the Lankan batsmen are throwing away their wickets I guess South Africa won't mind playing the second test starting today itself and they'll probably win it before the scheduled close of play for this first Test!" Don't give them ideas, Swapnil. I need the break after an early finish!

Round the stumps for the last ball.

"Tahir could get a role in a Bollywood movie with his extravagant displays of emotion." Sumith, what an idea, Sirjee! Kallis comes on for what might be the last over of the Test. Fernando faces. Will he hit him in the ear?

SA a wicket away from a quick win.