South Africa openers defy Sri Lanka with century stand

COLOMBO, July 30 (Reuters) South Africa's openers Jacques Rudolph and Andrew Hall resisted Sri Lanka's bowlers with an undefeated 150-run stand on the fourth morning of the first test today.

South Africa, resuming their second innings on 43 without loss after Sri Lanka had piled up 756-5, reached lunch on 150-0 as the host's bowlers toiled without success after their batsmen had enjoyed a record-breaking third day.

The left-handed Rudolph, standing-in for an unwell Herschelle Gibbs, was unbeaten on 80 from 153 balls with all rounder Hall on 50.

The opening stand was a first-wicket record for South Africa against Sri Lanka, surpassing the 137 scored by Keppler Wessels and Andrew Hudson in 1993/94 at the same venue.

The tourists, still trailing by a massive 437 runs after they were dismissed for 169 in the first innings, need to bat out another five sessions to save the test and keep their hopes alive in a two-match series.

Sri Lanka's seamers found little assistance from the docile pitch and skipper Mahela Jayawardene relied heavily on his spinners.

Off spinner Muttiah Muralitharan came closest to taking a wicket when Hall, on 34, survived a strong appeal for a bat-pad catch, that television replays indicated may have brushed his inside edge.

Rudolph also had one scare when a delivery from left-arm spinner Sanath Jayasuriya turned sharply out of the rough through the gate and just past his off-stump.

Otherwise the South Africa pair were solid, playing positive strokes whenever the bowlers erred with their line and length.

Gibbs will only be able to bat at number seven after being laid-low by a virus during day two and three.

The second test starts on 4 August at the P Sara Oval in Colombo.

REUTERS AY KN1343