GALLE, Aug 6: South African coach Eric Simons Friday praised his team's batting effort in the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium.

"I am proud at the way our batsmen batted, especially (Jacques) Rudolph and (Jaques) Kallis," said the coach. "They ensured things went our way when everyone expected us to struggle."

"Rudolph batted pretty well and it was a pity that he struggled early on but the fact that he stuck in there showed the kind of concentration levels he put in," said Simons.

Rudolph batted almost six hours and faced 252 deliveries for his patient knock, hitting 12 boundaries. Simons also praised Kallis, who hit a quick fire half-century with nine fours and a six off 78 deliveries.

"The game was getting nowhere when Kallis went out to bat and he put things back on track," said Simons about the all-rounder, who went in at number four af ter South Africa had lost two quick wickets in the morning session. -AFP