Gibbs backs SAfrica bowlers to win second test

COLOMBO, Aug 6 (Reuters) South Africa's Herschelle Gibbs expects his team's bowlers to win the second test against Sri Lanka and save the series.

Opener Gibbs bounced back to form after a lean run with a gutsy 92 on Sunday that leaves South Africa with a healthy 297-run lead after three days.

''We have got the bowlers to do a lot of damage on this type of wicket,'' Gibbs told reporters.

''There is going to be uneven bounce for the quicks and we won't have to rely just on spin.

''The wicket is dry and I have a feeling that one or two balls are going to explode through the top tomorrow.

''I'd like us to squeeze out another 50 runs and then we could have a very interesting two days.'' South Africa reached 257 for seven in their second innings. A battling knock marked the end of a prolonged form slump for Gibbs during which he had passed 20 only once in his last 11 innings.

''It would have been nice to get a hundred but the side needed someone to bat most of the day today and I accomplished that,'' he said.

''It's a big season ahead, especially with the World Cup coming up in a few months time, so its nice to get early form in the season.

Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene said his side remained very much in the game.

''I am pretty happy with the situation we are in,'' he said.

''We never let South Africa get away from us and the bowlers did really well.

''We just have to put our heads down whatever target we finally chase.'' Sri Lanka won the first test in the two-match series by an innings and 153 runs.

Reuters PM RS2018