3pm It's official, play has been called off for the day. What a bummer. It was just fun watching Sri Lanka bowl. Bavuma was fighting it out - with a couple of lives of course. South Africa would be feeling fortunate but I am sure they would not have wanted a damp end to the day.
The day started with South Africa's openers falling in identical fashion. Asitha got Markram caught in the cordon with an away-curler, Vishwa did the same to de Zorzi. And then Kumara happened. He bowled with pace, varied his lengths - yes, he did struggle for control in his first over but came back well - to really rattle South Africa at Kingsmead, a venue where Sri Lanka have won each of the last two Tests. Unfortunately it was a very short day, not even 21 overs bowled. We will be back with you with, hopefully, more cricket and less rain tomorrow. Till then, take care. Ciao folks!
2:47pm Raining again, "pretty heavy" Fidel adds.
2:30pm The rain has reduced to a very fine drizzle, reports Firdose. "One or two wet patches on the outfield but the drainage is pretty good and has recently been redone," she adds. Should we be hopeful?
2:20pm We are well past tea time, as per official timings, but the rain has disrupted it all. The wait continues - not sure if for resumption or for stumps, really. Forecast slightly better for tomorrow.
And with that, here's Sudarshanan for some rain watch
Bilal: ""I'm at work, about 2 km from the ground, and based on what I can see, I don't think there will be any Chance to restart game today.""
1.55pm Rain showing no signs of relenting anytime soon. Firdose says: "It's pouring, literally pouring". She follows it up with "thunder, lightning, water pooling on outfield." Chances of anymore play happening today look bleak as things stand.
1.30pm Really not much happening in Durban, at the moment. It's pretty much hosing down and all we can do is wait.
Esher: "How are SL and SA's chances of going to finals if this game draws" Here's all about the WTC final scenarios from S Rajesh
1.15pm Nothing much from me other than it is still raining and the forecast for the rest of the day looks pretty grim. Let's just hope the weather clears up and we can get some play.
1:08pm Nothing much to report from Kingsmead at the moment. Time for Ashish to take over the mantle and, hopefully, bring some good news
Dinusha: "I think the competitiveness shown by SL in SA will be good for both these side as it will create more interest in fans in both countries as people love to watch competative test series than a one sided. Hope this could lead to a series in future between SL and SA something simillar to Border Gavaskar trophy for the sake of test cricket in both countries"
12:49pm Scratch all of that because the rain is back and so are the covers
12:46pm "Last covers being peeled off the ground now," says Fidel. "Kumara is out there remarking his run-up with a coach, after the mishap just before lunch." We still await the official resumption time but should not be long...
12:28pm A bit of a positive news. No rain at the moment, says Firdose, and that the covers should start coming off soon. She spots the umpires having a chat in the middle
Yves: "Have SL got into the heads of SA? They did beat them on their last tour here, as the only asian side so far.Looks a bit like how IND have gotten into the heads of AUS really." Early signs do show that, yea
12:10pm The resumption has been officially delayed, we wait for further updates. Firdose has an eye on the ground as well as the forecast: "Seems to be improving slightly but big rain coming at 2pm."
12pm Still about six minutes to go before official resumption but signs from Durban are not promising. Fidel informs us that the rain has got heavier and more covers have come on. "Doesn't look like we will have a prompt start," he adds
11.25am The umpires converge as the drizzle gets heavier. They are calling for the covers and off the players go. That should be lunch as well. Yep, it is. Almost immediately, the rain has ceased. The square is being covered even as it starts getting a little brighter. Firdose confirms we will have restart at 12.06pm. She further adds that the clouds are moving through quite fast but the forecast worsens from here.
What a session that was Sri Lanka. In overcast conditions, Asitha and Vishwa Fernando got rid of the South Africa openers. Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs then dug in and added 32 off 72 balls for the third wicket. Just when it felt the two were getting comfortable, Lahiru Kumara went bang, bang first taking out Stubbs and then Bedingham. Bavuma has ridden his luck...he was dropped on 1 and then fell off a Kumara no-ball when on 20 but has stuck it out. Can Sri Lanka get some quick wickets after lunch? Bavuma holds the key for South Africa. Suds will be back once play resumes.
Back to over to Verreynne
