Kirsten back with the Proteas, Steyn hails Donald’s influence, and Eranga out of second Test.

Former Proteas head coach Gary Kirsten, who took charge of the side from 2011 until mid-2013, has joined the side in Sri Lanka ahead of the second Test as a batting consultant.

Kirsten has been used as a batting consultant at various times over the past season, part of a deal he has had with CSA since relinquishing the head coaching role last year.

He joined the Proteas in Colombo on Monday afternoon, and will be with the side until day two of the second Test, on Friday.

Meanwhile, Dale Steyn has credited Allan Donald’s influence over the past three years for his success, saying that watching footage of the retired fast bowler inspired his recent performance in Galle.

Speaking to the press following the Proteas’ win in the first Test, where he claimed the Man of the Match award with figures of 9-99, Steyn said ‘Allan is an amazing bowler. I watched a couple of his Youtube videos before I bowled here and he was just incredible. And then every day he comes and tells you how good you are and what a legend you are. That must take a lot out of him because he is a legend himself.

‘That’s why every time I take wickets, I try to signal to him; to try and say this is not just for the team and the fans. This is to say thank you. He keeps me going.’

Steyn also went on to say that the challenge of bowling on so-called spinner’s tracks inspires him to perform. ‘Every time I come to the subcontinent I want to do well. If I run in and take a five-for on a green track, no one cares, but if you run in and take a five-for here, that really counts.

‘It’s not the fastest wicket in the world but if you can get pace through the air and bowl with a bit of aggression you always stand a chance.’

In news from the Sri Lanka camp, it has been confirmed that seamer Shaminda Eranga will not play in the second Test. The right-arm bowler was unable to bowl for most of the first Test due to torn webbing on his right hand, an injury which required eight stitches, and will not recover in time for the second Test.

He is expected to be replaced by one of Dhammika Prasad or left-armer Chanaka Welegedara, who are in the Test squad as fast bowling cover.

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