Dav Whatmore: Outplayed but undefeated and ready for Cape Town

We may have been somewhat lucky, but that does not diminish the relief of having saved the First Test Match. From the time we collapsed in the first innings, that had been our primary goal and, when we achieved it last evening, it felt almost as if we had won.

South Africa compiled an imposing first innings total, induced a dramatic batting collapse and had us in a position from which they could enforce the follow on. They still didn't win.

According to the locals the wicket was somewhat unusual. They had been talk of Kingsmead being quick and bouncy. This one though was dry, cracked and slow in pace. We would have batted first as well, but unfortunately lost the toss.

On the first day we only managed to get three wickets. However, usually, when you don't get wickets you get hammered as well. That didn't happen. They were going at under three an over for the entire innings. Although it might seem strange, I thought our bowlers actually did really well on a wicket that was very flat and at it's best for batting on the first two days.

Murali bowled really well, but then we have come to expect that from him, and it was Randi Dilhara Fernando that impressed me the most. He managed to really put the wind up the South Africans with his pace. He is still very young and did get hit a little, when he strayed in line and length, but he is a shining light for Sri Lankan cricket.

We asked him to try and bowl as fast as he can. He did, and what is more, sustained it for his six short spells in the first innings. He reacted well to the pressure and his five wickets really helped to keep us in the game.

Then, it was our turn to bat. Avoiding the follow on by reaching 221 was our first goal. However, to lose Marvan in the second over and, then Sanath so soon after, was devastating. It was a nasty feeling in the dressing room.

But, what a terrific partnership between the two youngsters: Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara. Sangakkara's previous highest score had been 25 and we had decided to promote him to number three, a very important position in the order. It was a decision though that had been reached after months of deliberation and thought. He was promoted because we feel he has the necessary temperament and technique to succeed there.

I think this suits Russel as well. In the one-day game he has become a really dependable player at number six and has a natural aptitude for adjusting to a games situation. We believe that, if he can do it the one-day game, then he can also do it in test matches.

Mahela and Kumar continued to bat brilliantly on the third day and had put us in a relatively strong position. However, when they got out, we collapsed. It was an unacceptable performance. Whilst there was some good bowling, the lower order batting reeked of indiscipline. In the space of 90 minutes we all but threw away the game.

To be four runs short of the follow on target was devastating. However, we waited for the invitation to bat again, but it never came. I was pleasantly surprised to say the least. Perhaps they were concerned about playing Murali on the fifth day.

We were by now well behind the eight ball. The rain on the forth day was our saving grace. Nevertheless, we still had to work to do and we knew that the South Africans would come out looking for quick runs on the final day.

We did well on that morning to take six wickets and probably kept them out there for longer than they wanted to be. Once again, Murali bowled beautifully. He got the ball to spin and bounce and it's very difficult to score quick runs against Murali.

His six wickets in the innings took him to 11 in the game and 302 in test match cricket. He has bowled brilliantly in recent times. I believe that he has taken 75 wickets this year in just 10 games. It's an astonishing performance. We were all chuffed to bits for him when he reached the 300-wicket milestone.

In recent times he appears to have grown in confidence and knows more in his head. He is always looking to improve and there is no reason why he cannot go on to take 600 test wickets.

Despite the wickets of Murali, we still had to bat again. Although, both Marvan and Sanath spent some time at the crease and looked better, the South Africans put us under pressure again. In the end, Russel and Tillarakaratne Dilshan saved us with a disciplined and determined fifth wicket partnership.

We have had a close look at the opposition now and we go to Cape Town still equal in the series. Whilst South African may have dominated the game, we remain upbeat having salvaged a draw. Indeed, I feel that all our batsmen our now looking in better shape. The team is looking forward to the game in two days time.

However, we know that we need to tighten up and resist the pressure they create when they bowl. Our batting let us down more than the bowling in Durban and we have to improve in this area.