South Africa vs Sri Lanka 2017: 2nd Test, Day 3: 5 talking points

#1 Kusal Mendis struggles

Mendis has fallen for scores of 11 and 4 in this match

Kusal Mendis, the new no. 3 batsman for Sri Lanka had an extremely good start to his Test career, making runs in England and then a big hundred against Australia at home. However, his South African tour has been a disastrous one thus far.

He has been driving away from the body without getting close to the ball and with little foot movement. It is a dangerous approach to adopt on pitches that favour swing and seam. Against an attack like the one South Africa possesses, the option is best kept hidden.

In this innings, Mendis once again edged Philander while trying to drive outside his off-stump. With an impossible target to get and Sri Lanka already one down, it was an unwarranted shot by Kusal Mendis. Matthews and Graham Ford may need to have a bit of a chat with their new no. 3.