Due to the moisture in the air at Kingsmead and the pitch having been under covers, it seemed almost impossible for the Proteas to survive at the crease, let alone score runs against Sri Lanka.

Bavuma has only scored 28 runs and so much more needs to be done by him and what remains of a Proteas batting order, which features Keshav Maharaj at No 11. Conditions are forecast to get easier, and there’ll even be sunshine, say the experts. Bavuma will hope that it will shine on him.

Regular captain Temba Bavuma has recovered from injury and will lead the Proteas in a two-Test series against Sri Lanka starting in Durban next week. Bavuma, who missed the national team’s recent 2-0 victory over Bangladesh due to a left elbow injury, was included in a 14-man squad announced on Tuesday by Test coach Shukri Conrad to face Sri Lanka.

The Proteas have strengthened their pace bowling attack for the first Test against Sri Lanka with Gerald Coetzee and Marco Jansen returning to the starting line-up.