This game will be watched with tremendous interest by the tour selectors and those performing will come into the reckoning for a Test berth.
The bowling seems to be coming alright. But it is the batting of Sanath Jayasuirya, Marvan Atapattu and Aravinda de Silva that must be a source of concern. Jayasuriya has so far made only scores of 38 and 5, Atapattu 1 and 24 and De Silva no score.
It is the batting magic from Jayasuriya and de Silva that every South African is eagerly awaiting to see. Jayasuriya, De Silva the attraction
The South African spectators have heard and read a lot about Jayasuriya and De Silva and whatever the result, the spectators are yearning to see the duo bashing the Protea attack.
It is the pace and bounce of the wickets that have been a bit of a problem to the two batting greats. But they have the technique and determination to show South Africa why they are some of batting greats in the game today.
Roshan Mahanama had a good first knock against Auteng but failed in the second knock and in the game in Fochville. He too will be looking for a confidence-boosting innings.
Skipper Arjuna Ranatunga, Hashan Tillekeratne and Romesh Kaluwitharne have all middled the ball well and made runs. It is hoped that they will carry this form into the big games. Kalu Show confidence
'Little Kalu' as he is fondly referred to by former England captain and commentator Tony Greig is the only batsman to bat with confidence and show that the local bowling is not to be feared. He seems to be revelling in the middle both as wicket keeper and batsman.
Being a natural strokeplayer he likes the ball coming on to the bat and has allowed his bat to mow down the bowling. As a gloveman he is a revelation and it is hoped that he will not be found wanting. In the bowling, Chaminda Vaas, Muttiah Muralitharan and Upul Chandana have performed adequately. It is likely that the Sri Lankans will go into the Test with three pace-men. Sajeewa de Silva was not at all impressive in the game at the Wanderers spraying the ball on both sides of the wicket. His excuse was that he was not getting his runup right. Wickremasinghe bowled much better in the second innings in the first game. Ravindra Pushmpakumara showed good speed and direction in the day-nighter and is a strong contender to support Vaas.
Vaas has got his inswinger working. He is always a trier and will come good. Muralidharan and Chandana have been spinning and a bit more flight and variation is needed. Weakness against spin
The Protea batsmen have shown a distinct weakness against good leg spin bowling. This was apparent even in the game against Auteng. Chandana will make a strong claim for one of the Tests. The fielding has been excellent and it is in this department that the Lankans will score.
Left handed opener Russel Arnold was in sparkling form at Fochville with a century that would certainly have been taken notice of by the selectors. He showed good temperament and technique and was always in line before executing shots. He will be strong contender for a Test slot.
In the meantime the Pakistanis have sent home two of their players - fast bowlers Shoaib and Fazal-e-Akbar - apparently for breach of discipline. The two players including some of the senior members were caught partying until the early hours of the morning of the Third Test which they lost to South Africa.
But some of the South African journalists are not convinced with the excuse to send the players home. They reckon that it is being done to get better one-day players for the forthcoming triangular. Allrounder Shahid Afridi and top order batsman Akthar Safraz will be the new players Pakistan will fly in.