SA bowlers will be tested against Sri Lanka

South Africa’s bowlers will be tested against Sri Lanka in the first cricket test in Galle which starts on Thursday.

Almost half of the bowling attack has never played on the Indian sub-continent, while Kagiso Rabada and Dale Steyn have just recently returned following injuries.

Coach Ottis Gibson has admitted that some of his fast bowlers might be in for a shock by the tough conditions they will encounter.

Gibson is likely to opt for three pace bowlers and two spinners for the opening test.

Conditions in Sri Lanka, where the pitches are dry, favour the spinners more.

“Obviously the pitches won’t be as conducive as to our style of players as they are at home. We have to make that adjustment and I keep saying to the guys if you want to be the top team and the best team in the world, which is one of our goals, we have to learn to play in all conditions,” says Gibson.

The number one test bowler, Rabada, who had been out of action for the last three months due to injury, has fully recovered.

Rabada will be playing in Sri Lanka for first time. He toured the sub-continent when he made his debut against India three years ago.

“So far so good. We have played warm up all seamers bowled 12 overs and we have been bowling in the nets for long spells happy at the moment,” says Rabada.

Gibson is also impressed with the progress Dale Steyn has made from his injury.

The fast bowler is fit and available for the first Test.

Steyn, who has taken 419 wickets in 86 Tests, needs another three wickets to become the country’s all time leading wicket taker in the longest format.