The Proteas will be looking to bat Sri Lanka out of the match after bowling out the islanders for a measly first innings total on the opening day at the Wanderers, fast bowler Anrich Nortje said after taking his career best six-wicket haul on Sunday.
The visitors were blown away for 157 shortly before tea on day one with Nortje helping himself to six scalps, young all-rounder Wiaan Mulder taking three and Lutho Sipamla also chipping away with a wicket.
The Proteas will start day two on 148/1 and deficit of just nien runs with Dean Elgar (92 off 119 balls not out) closing in on his 13th Test hudred.
Elgar will start with Rassie van der Dussen who is on 40 after the Proteas lost Aiden Markram (5 off21) early.
Nortje said there is still plenty of time in this match and that the Proteas will be looking to bat once and bowl out Sri Lanka cheaply again in the second innings.
“For us batting wise we know we have got a lot of time and there is no rush.
“I think the boys batted really well and realise that there is no need to try and hit one or two that is outside off or that is exposing you‚” said Nortje.
“We just want to try and bat once I guess and if we can do that that would be great.”
