Proteas score 265 for 8 on Day 1 of Galle Test

Hashim Amla-led South Africa scored 268 for the loss of five wickets on the first day of the first Test against Sri Lanka on Wednesday.

The match is being played at the Galle International Stadium from July 16 to July 20.

The South Africans owed their total to fine century from opener Dean Elgar (103) and an 80 from the bat of Faf du Plessis. Elgar struck boundaries on 11 occasions and hit the ball thrice over the ropes during his knock, which came off 187 deliveries. Du Plessis struck five boundaries and six during his 196-ball knock. The two shared a 125-run partnership before being separated.

At the close of play Quentin de Kock and Dale Steyn were unbeaten at the crease on 17 and zero respectively.

Earlier, South African captain Amla won the toss and elected to bat. The Proteas got off to a fine start with a 70-run opening stand between Alviro Petersen (34) and Dean Elgar. Thereafter, the score was taken to 195 by Elgar and Du Plessis, before the visitors lost four quick wickets for the addition of 71 runs.

For the Lankans, the main wicket takers were R A S Lakmal and M D K Perera, who claimed two wickets each.

The match is being umpired by New Zealand's Billy Bowden and England's Richard Kettleborough.