The South Africans are top with Pakistan second and the Lankans languishing last. This Standard Bank triangular has evoked a lot of interest and exciting cricket has been the featured so far.
That they are at the bottom should inspire the Lankans to raise their game when they meet the South Africans a second time here on a ground which is very picturesque with a good batting strip and a fast outfield.
The Lankans when they arrived on this historic tour of Protea land, never expected to be bashed around. They were in the picture and looked a threatening side in the first Test at Newlands, which Test they have every right to think that they were deprived of victory by some inconsistent umpiring.
Atrocious fielding
But after that fling the Lankans have dropped their game all-round and what is unacceptable is their atrocious fielding. The Lankans who had every right to think that they were once the best fielding side in the world - which efficiency helped them to win the world cup even with only two bowlers of class Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralidaran - are now a village green fielding side.
It is hoped that the Lankans with prestige to guard in this 'cow boy' game will start shooting at least win a game or two so as not to arrive in cricket crazy Lanka has having been also played.
Skipper Arjuna Ranatunga has been instilling on his troops the importance of this tour what with having to do well as a build up to defend their title in England next year and has marshalled them well. But it is sad to note that his team mates are not responding.
Young blood needed
But on this tour one thing has been very clear. And that is that he will be fooling if he thinks he can defend the title with this team. With excellent captaincy he will need a team that will deliver. Half the players in this squad must be purged and young and promising blood infused.
The South Africans who are sans Allan Donald and are still an awesome side. They are well knit and while their batting and bowling has been good what has made them a brilliant side is their marvellous fielding. They have plucked catches from out of no where and their ground fielding is excellent because they attack the ball.
Cronje is leading from the front and their outstanding players Kirsten, Rindle, Cullinan, Rhodes and Crookes have all responded with good scores at vital moments. 'Jonty' Rhodes has been a scholar on field. He has not lost any of his brilliance and has made breathtaking dives and in every game saves nearly thirty to forty runs. His batting too has improved a lot. Why he cannot be a permanent member of the test team is baffling.
Arnold to be included?
The Sri Lankans will be thinking seriously of giving Russel Arnold a go in this game. Arnold has been the only centurian on tour and that too in a one-day game and he has every right to be included.
It is hoped that batsmen up front will strike for the Lankans. Not to do so will mean another defeat. As for the bowlers only Muralidaran and Aravinda de Silva have worried the opposing batsmen. The Proteas pack a strong batting line up and these two bowlers are not sufficient to stall them.
But the Lankans can restrict the homesters somewhat if they make it their business to field well. The Port Elizabeth wicket is one that help to the batsmen and the bowlers. So if the Lankans shed their lethargy and play as we know they can then they can redeem lost prestige.