South Africa vs Sri Lanka: TV Broadcaster leaked the hosts' strategy in Durban

Revealing team strategy against opponents is not something new in a sport like Football but in Cricket, it is something rare. But the cricketing world came to witness that rarity on Wednesday – Day 1 of the first Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka in Durban. There was also a suspicion that the leakage that happened during a television broadcast of the game was evidence of the growing rift between the cricket officials of South Africa and SuperSport, the country’s official cricket broadcaster.

It all happened when Sri Lanka came out to bat after bowling out the Proteas for 235 in their first innings. A broadcaster on SuperSport then revealed on air the home team’s strategy in getting the visitors’ batsmen out. The broadcast made the headlines in no time since the strategy it revealed was meant to be a secret dossier for the Proteas.

The alternative plans for Lankan captain Karunaratne

A screenshot of the broadcast was captured and it showed the detailed planning the SA team had made for dismissing each Sri Lankan in detail. For instance, the alternative plans to get rid of opener Dimuth Karunaratne, who is captaining Sri Lanka, got revealed as below:

“Plan A – in-swingers off stump, good length, shaping/angling in from around the wicket.”

“Plan B – 4th stump slightly fuller length, angling away, drives away from the body after a bouncer.”

The leakage must have caught the South African side disappointed and also apprehensive about their plans for future games. Sri Lanka, however, ended the first day at 49 for 1 with Karunaratne well at the crease. However, the Proteas came back fine on Day 2 by reducing the visitors to five down with Karunaratne getting dismissed by Dale Steyn for 30.

It may be mentioned here that SuperSport played a key role in revealing the infamous Cape Town ball-tampering scandal last year in a series against Australia that saw a year-long ban of two big names – Steven Smith and David Warner.

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