Before the third unofficial Test against Sri Lanka A was abandoned as a draw yesterday with Sri Lanka A 158 for four, a fax arrived telling the tourists of the change from Galle to Matara.
There had been some confusion over the venue as the A Team were the last to be informed on this trouble-plagued tour.
Although the touring team's management were unofficially aware that there were problems with the Esplanade Ground in Galle, they were unable to get any confirmation the first one-dayer would be played here at the Uyanwatte Stadium.
Graham Ford, the A Team coach, said earlier yesterday nothing had been conveyed to the touring team's management there would be a changes to the itinerary.
As it is there is growing disastifaction in the South African camp over a number of issues, the latest being the fax, only four days before the opening match in the three-game series, informing them of the venue change.
There have been a number of niggling incidents on and off the field since Dale Benkenstein's team arrived here almost a month ago. But this can only be expected with the shoestring budget this tour has been operating on since it started.
The South African A team moved out of their Weligama beach-front hotel on Sunday and into something a little more comfortable, and with a gym, in Galle.
According to the fax from the Sri Lanka Cricket Board chief executive, Dammika Ranatunga, monsoonal rains in this area is the reason given for the switch. But locals have said that renovations as well as improving the drainage at Galle Stadium are reasons that picturesque ground is no longer available.
Gibbs is on his way home for treatment to an injured left knee. He is returning to South Africa a week early.
Free State fast bowler Herman Bakkes teamed up with Henry Williams to dismiss Sri Lanka A in their first innings for 181 before lunch with both bowlers ending with three wickets apiece. Bakkes had three for 31, ripping out the bottom order with two wickets in four balls.
Williams gained the initial breakthrough and shortly after the morning drinks break Bakkes struck in quick succession. Nic Pothas continued his good work behind the stumps with five catches.
Sri Lanka A were battling at 20 for two when Dulip Samaraweera and Lanka de Silva batted out the afternoon session with a dropped chance by Pothas not helping the South African A cause.
Bakkes bagged three wickets in the second innings but stubborn batting from Dulip Samaraweera and Lanka de Silva on a pitch which lost most of its early sting.
The spinners also did their bit with the left-arm Nicky Boje bowling with cunning while Claude Henderson tried but without luck.
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