South Africa vs Sri Lanka 2016, 1st Test, Day 3: 5 talking points

#1 Pakistan's Brisbane chase in Protea minds

When will the declaration come?

South Africa had stamped their authority in the game already and had a mighty lead of 358 when Quinton de Kock walked to the middle. On a green surface, with bowlers of the quality of Philander, Abbott and Rabada, against a questionable, adventurous Lankan batting line-up, the lead should have been enough to prompt a declaration.

With rain threatening quite a few times during the day and lightning causing an early lunch, a du Plessis declaration would not have come as a surprise, especially after his controversial declaration at Adelaide.

But Pakistan's recent heart-in-the-mouth chase of 490 against Australia in Brisbane seemed to be on South African minds as de Kock and du Plessis showed intent but never looked like declaring. Even with the lead closing in on 450, a declaration looked like the last thing on du Plessis' mind as he walked off at stumps on Day 3.