South Africa 80 for 4 (Bavuma 28*, Kumara 2-35) vs Sri Lanka

Under the dark skies of Durban, Sri Lanka almost had their perfect first morning of a first Test, with their captain slotting in the opposition before his seamers removed four South African batters.

But only 20.4 overs were possible on the first day before the rain arrived just before the scheduled lunch. It remained over Kingsmead until the game was called off around 3pm.

Vishwa, the left-arm quick, was particularly disciplined and noted significant in-swing in the air from over the wicket, as well as a move away from the cover. He took the wicket of Tony de Zorzi, who was caught by a diving Kamindu Mendis at second slip, shortly after Asitha had trapped Aiden Markram in the cordon – both bowlers batting in their second over of the day.

Sri Lanka could have had an even better morning if only there had been two indiscretions. Bavuma, who survived 47 balls to end the day on 28, should have been trapped for 1 by Dimuth Karunaratne but he took advantage of the slim chance of second slip. That was at Vishwa bowling alley. Then, shortly before the rain arrived and the session was cut four minutes short, Bavuma was able to hook a Kumara bouncer he attempted, but Kumara appeared to have been marginally overshot. Bavuma was on his way to the dressing room when the referees called him back. He was at 20 at the time.

However, Bavuma was perhaps South Africa’s most subdued batsman. He covered the line of his stumps nicely as Sri Lanka’s opening bowlers poured into the channel, and although his outside edge was regularly beaten, he didn’t seem particularly keen to feel the ball on the ball. He had wicketkeeper-batsman Kyle Verreyne for company when the showers broke through.

Although Kumara claimed two wickets, his four overs cost 35 runs. Asitha and Vishwa both went with less than three to spare.

The forecast for Thursday is better weather. Sri Lanka will feel they have done justice to the good bowling conditions they got by winning the toss.