262-6 - Dale Steyn comes into the attack now as Philander has run off the pitch for a quick breather. He goes over the wicket to Perera who drives on the up with the elegance of a top order batsman. Steyn is not happy with that boundary and gets the batsman back by going short and hitting him flush on the shoulder. He can expect a massive bruise there in the morning. Steyn's just getting quicker by the ball and bounces Perera thrice more and he's ducking all over the crease. Moral of the story: Dale Steyn doesn't enjoy being hit to the boundary by tail-enders.
258-6 - After being punched into the covers Morkel decides to go round the wicket to try and cramp up the left-hander and it makes sense as Perera is the type of player who enjoys freeing his arms. This now forces him to play a bit straighter which is against his natural game.
255-6 - Three slips keeping the gully company for the new man Perera who is beaten outside off by the angle of Philander coming over the wicket. It's not express pace, but he's in the right areas much like Shaun Pollock used to bowl for South Africa. APPEAL! Philander goes up for an appeal for lbw. It's a decent shout, but the height was just a factor as it struck Samaraweera on the thigh pad and the umpire says no. Philander thinks about a review, but decides against it.
251-6 - The 250 comes up as Perera drives Morkel straight down the ground for two, but the fast bowler doesn't like it and gives him the obvious reply. Perera is easily able to duck under the bouncer, but then he plays and misses outside off and it's within inches of both the bat and the off stump. The Proteas sense victory here as Perera looks like he's going to struggle to avoid the temptation of playing wild shots.
249-6 - WICKET! Philander strikes again with his perfect length and Chandimal tries to steer that to the third-man area, but the edge goes to Kallis who takes another reaction catch at slip. This dream season for Philander continues to flourish and he nearly has another one as the left-handed Perera works it off the pads and within inches of the outstretched hand of Hashim Amla at short leg. Sri Lanka trailing by double figures now, so if the tail can wag, there's still a chance South Africa can bat again.
248-5 - Morne Morkel strays on the pads and Samaraweera elegantly touches it to fine leg for four. He may be quick, but Morkel is just perhaps missing that ability to put the ball in the same place for five or six deliveries. He goes short and wide and Samaraweera tries to upper cut it over the slips, but it rises too sharply and misses the bat.
244-5 - That probing line and length from Philander is on the mark again and Samaraweera is not taking any chances. He works one away to mid-wicket for a single and Chandimal is then on the cut, but it's straight to the man at point. So far Chandimal is showing he's there to rebuild with Samaraweera.
243-5 - Samaraweera still stands strong and pushes into the covers for a quick single. Chandimal gets off the mark as he pulls Morkel to the fine-leg area and Samaraweera again calls his opposite number for a sharp single. We're not used to seeing Chandimal playing a defensive innings so it will be interesting to see how he handles this situation in only his second Test.
240-5 - WICKET! South Africa finally have the breakthrough and it is as plumb an lbw as you will ever see. Mathews plays back to a ball which keeps slightly low, but that was only hitting middle and the finger goes up immediately. Mathews tries his luck with a review, but the replays show there is nothing wrong with the decision and South Africa now have a clearer sight of victory.
240-4 - Morkel finds the edge of Mathews' bat, but it falls just short of the slip and rolls away for four. Very unlucky for Morkel who did everything right there. Just a hint of away movement from the off stump and Mathews had to play at it. Is that the sign of the Sri Lankan resistance starting to crumble? Meanwhile Samaraweera is up to 300 runs for the series, with only AB de Villiers having scored more runs than him. That's great work by the veteran who was rather lucky to be picked for the tour in the first place. Another play and miss as Morkel beats Samaraweera outside the off stump. Very good over from the lanky bowler.
235-4 - Philander pitches slightly short, outside off and he's punished by Samaraweera who gets on the back foot and sends it through the covers. The new ball certainly does race away off the bat slightly faster and with the dry outfield in Cape Town is was over the ropes quick as a flash. Philander then goes a bit fuller to try and get some swing, but he's driven handsomely down the ground. Another short one and he's on the hook for a third boundary in the over. Pressure is on Philander who comes back with an enticing outswinger which Samaraweera flashes at and misses. Good end to the over.
221-4 - Morkel gets some good pace here at 140kph. There's always a bit more energy just after the lunch session and needs to really take advantage of this new ball and try break this partnership which goes to 123 as Samaraweera pushes to mid-wicket for a single off the final ball.
We're almost ready to get things going for the post lunch session at Newlands. Will the resistance of Mathews and Samaraweera come to end? We'll find out soon enough. Meanwhile, we're enjoying your views on the Mark Boucher saga, so keep it coming. Send them to cricket@365.co.za
That session really didn't go according to plan for the Proteas. Mathews and Samaraweera are refusing to go down without a fight. The pitch is flat, the deficit is 121 and this game might make it to a fifth day after all.
220-4 - Philander into the attack again as the hosts take the new ball for one over before lunch. Three slips, a gully and point in place. Mathews immediately rides a thick edge between the latter two positions for four lucky runs.
216-4 - South Africa don't want the new ball yet, it'll probably have to wait until after lunch, when the seamers can start afresh. Meanwhile, Kallis has a very attacking field in place, including a short-leg, which is almost in with a catch as Samaraweera awkwardly fends off a bouncer headed straight for his throat.
214-4 - Excellent over from Tahir, but still no reward. He had the beating of Samaraweera all ends up, racing past the outside edge of the wicket and off-stump with the classic leg-spinner's delivery to a right-hander. The new ball is now available.
214-4 - A stern word of caution from coach Kirsten awaits the Proteas during the lunch break. They've dragged their heels through this session
213-4 - Great discipline from Mathews, whose natural instinct to attack the spinner are at bay across this steady, measured knock.
213-4 - Kallis doing a good enough role in restricting the runs, but really it's wickets South Africa want from their star all-rounder, even if he has to give away boundaries in order to buy the breakthroughs.
"Who are the guys hammering on the door to replace Boucher? Over the last few weeks there are plenty of people in the media saying he must go but no-one suggests a viable alternative," writes Simon Beardsworth. Might I suggest van Wyk, Villas or Tsolekile. More opinion welcome at: jon.wilson@365.co.za.
"Boucher has been a long serving hero of SA cricket. People are quick to forget that there are not a lot of world-class players to take his place behind the stumps. AB could do it, but then he is going to be the next Test captain, so could he handle the pressure? Give the man his dues and let him retire with dignity," writes Riaan Fourie.
"I think Smith should go first but as we all know that will never happen. Boucher needs to gradually be relieved of his duties. Who do we have that can do a better job than him at the moment ? I don't think AB de Villiers should keep wicket in Tests. Smith should go," writes Muhammad Asmal.
"I have not seen a better 'keeper-batsman ever produced in SA. Boucher is still the best even in the twilight of his career. We do, however, need to select a youngster for Boucher to groom - remember Boucher wasn't the finished article either when he made his debut. Only problem is all the others are so far behind that it is embarrassing," writes David Dyer.
211-4 - Change of ends for the leg-spinner, but still very little sign of turn. Tahir relying on variation in flight and pace, but the Sri Lankan duo are wise to his tricks.
208-4 - South Africa look to their hometown here for the breakthrough. With Sri Lanka's lower order as brittle as it is, one has to anticipate that one wicket will bring another soon after.
206-4 - Not for the first time today and probably not the last, Mathews and Samaraweera try to run each other out, with Amla's missed attempt at a direct-hit the end result. HALF-CENTURY! Meanwhile, Mathews collects the single that brings him his 50. It's the seventh half-ton of his Test career and how dearly he'd like to turn it into a second century.
203-4 - South Africa biding their time ahead of the new ball, which is now just seven overs away, and will surely bring the home attack far more nip and zip than the current one they're making do with.
202-4 - Sri Lanka welcome their 200. They'll be proud of that. But the job is far from done. Steyn, like Morkel, is trying plenty of short stuff now in the hope that the batsmen will take him on. They're not obliging, though, instead ducking under the bouncers with great discipline.
"I remember in the early days of Boucher's career, many critics claimed his wicketkeeping ability did not meet up to international standards. How wrong he proved these critics to be. I join all those who appreciate his great contribution to South African cricket and wish him very well for the future," writes Monty Zion. More opinion welcome at: jon.wilson@365.co.za.
199-4 - A very predetermined sweep stroke brings Samaraweera four. He knew full well that fine-leg was very wide, and got down to one knee for the followthrough in a flash. One more run and Sri Lanka will have their 200. So arrives the 100-run stand. Baby steps steadily dragging 'em back into the contest.
193-4 - The biggest chance at a wicket South Africa have had all day doesn't pan out accordingly. Mathews pushes to point, doesn't go for the run, but Samaraweera does and is caught mid-pitch as the striker denies the single. The point fielder attempts a direct-hit at the non-striker's end, but misses. Samaraweera would have been out by a Country Mile.
192-4 - This partnership is six runs shy of a 100 now. Suffice to say, Sri Lanka's fightback is in full swing and the Proteas have every right to feel frustrated. They have beaten the outside edge on quite a few occasions today, and had edges not carry.
191-4 - Mathews, all defence, makes sure not to lose his concentration after the drinks break by taking in a string of sighters, once again setting himself in for the long haul.
191-4 - HALF-CENTURY! Some deft timing on the dab to thirdman for two takes Samaraweera to his 50. It's the 28th half-ton of his career and how dearly he'd like to convert it to a 14th century. Drinks break, meanwhile.
"As for Boucher, I am afraid that being part of the cartel will allow him the luxury of another couple of seasons no matter his current form. It seems that he wishes to make sure that he breaks so many records that he cannot be overtaken. The retention of Rudolph in the squad is not justified. There are a lot of talented batters waiting in the wing for an opportunity. This match is not over yet," writes Farouk Ally. More opinion welcome at: jon.wilson@365.co.za.
188-4 - Philander is squeezed away for a couple through the off-side as Samaraweera draws closer to a half-ton - and a superb rearguard effort at that. Patience is so key for the Proteas here, but frustration among Smith and company is beginning to show.
"I was listening to the radio commentary yesterday afternoon and there was a lengthy discussion about Boucher's future,particularly after dropping that dolly. As far as the rumours are concerned, what's the old adage about when there's smoke there's fire... Even if the rumours are true and this Test match does turn out to be his swansong, then so be it. There is a time for everybody to bow out and whatever happens he will always be remembered as one of the best wicketkeepers of modern times, so good luck to him, and he has the records to prove it," writes Russell Parkinson. More opinion welcome at: jon.wilson@365.co.za.
186-4 - Tahir's penchant for full tosses continues, with his latest full bunger is whipped straight through midwicket for four. Maybe not at this end, but perhaps it's time 'golden arm' Kallis had a go from the Wynberg End...
182-4 - Philander sticking to that 'fourth stump' theory of his, but Samaraweera is pretty textbook in his handling of the probing line. South Africa's morning not going according to plan. Perhaps they counted their proverbial chickens before they hatched.
181-4 - The leg-spinner is into the attack for the first time today. Short-leg and a slip in place for him. The former is into play soon, with Samaraweera's bid to use his feet to the slow bowler resulting only in a bobble - off the pad - to the close-in fielder. South Africa appeal, but the umpire is having none of it as there was very obviously no bat involved.
179-4 - Change of bowling. Philander into the attack at the Wynberg End. South Africa are going to have to be patient for the wickets today. Samaraweera and sidekick are proving pretty firm, refusing to go down without a fight, as Philander will attest to.
177-4 - Easy pickings for Samaraweera, even if it is off his chest guard, which has enough synthetics in it to have the ball ricochet all the way to the fine-leg fence for four. Morkel enjoying some tall, big bounce, but his radar is off the mark.
171-4 - Boucher, rumoured to be playing in his last Test match, is enduring a tough time behind the stumps today. He has fumbled a couple, with some late swing making his task a pretty hard one. Even if the rumours are not right, the wicketkeeper's days in the Proteas fold are surely numbered. Your thoughts? Let's hear from you at jon.wilson@365.co.za.
170-4 - Much better, tighter from Morkel, who produces a superb over to beat Mathews' outside edge on a couple of occasions. While Samaraweera has been convincing thus far, the all-rounder consistently keeps the bowler in battle.
170-4 - REVIEW! Boucher takes a good catch down the leg-side, and South Africa go up for the appeal. No bat involved, though, as television replays reveal, so Smith's hasty call for a referral is wasted. There is a distinct difference in sound between thigh pad and willow, as you will know.
168-4 - Samaraweera riding his luck time and time again, with back-to-back edges bringing him a couple of fortunate fours. There is a pretty full slip cordon in place, but none of them are in with a chance there. Morkel copping expense again, but this time through little fault of his own.
157-4 - Samaraweera turns down an easy single wide of square-leg. He couldn't possibly looking to farm the strike away from Mathews, could he? Surely not. He probably just lost his footing and didn't have time for the single.
152-4 - Morkel rather than Philander opens the attack alongside Steyn today. Not the tightest over from him too start, and early signs show that this pitch is a pretty flat one. Were it not for the mammot deficit facing Sri Lanka, they'd really consider themselves still in with a chance of forcing a draw. South Africa won't mind the flow of runs too much. They've got plenty to play with. It's wickets they're after.
143-4 - The right-arm pace ace kicks off proceedings from the Wynberg End. Two slips, a gully, a point and midwicket in place for him. He starts with a rank loosener for Samaraweera to push past mid-on for four. Quickly learning from his error in line and length, Steyn does well to clean up his act to close the over on the quiet. Mathews, meanwhile, takes in a couple of sighters.
Umpires Kettleborough and Tucker, batsmen Mathews and Samaraweera and the Proteas XI head out to the middle for the resumption of play in front of the smallest crowd the match has witnessed thus far. They're all back at work, convinced this day won't last long.
Not to jump the gun, but maybe it's time to ponder South Africa's selection for the tour of New Zealand and England later this year. Does Rudolph go? Is there space for a second wicketkeeper-batsman - van Wyk, Villas or Tsolekile, perhaps? Does Morkel get a chance to redeem himself? Your opinions to: jon.wilson@365.co.za.
The pitch was predominantly flat on day three, and this should prove the same today too. Spin, namely Tahir, will have a bit more of a say, though. Hard graft ahead for Samaraweera, Mathews, Chandimal and the tail-enders, who probably don't have the collective legs to go beyond tea, perhaps even lunch. Meanwhile, the weather is sitting pretty. Another hot day in Cape Town, with the threat of rain long, long gone. Scorching, sweaty session or two ahead.
Sri Lanka folded, losing their last eight wickets for just 90 runs, and Smith had no hesitation in enforcing the follow-on. Though stronger the second time around, the tourists still lost enough wickets - four - to have the Proteas charging toward victory inside four days.
Hello and welcome to our over-by-over commentary of day four - probably the final day - of the third and last Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka at Newlands in Cape Town.