SA elect to bat in Galle

Galle - South Africa captain Hashim Amla won the toss and chose to bat in the first Test against Sri Lanka that began at the Galle International Stadium on Wednesday.

LIVE: Sri Lanka v SA - Day 1

Amla is leading the Test team for the first time, having been named captain in June following Graeme Smith's retirement from the game.

Amla is the first non-white player to lead the Proteas in a full-time capacity.

The home team have a new opening pair this time with Upul Tharanga playing his first Test since 2007.

The second and final Test will be played in Colombo from July 24-28.

Teams:

Sri Lanka
Angelo Mathews (captain), Lahiru Thirimanne, Upul Tharanga, Kaushal Silva, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Dinesh Chandimal, Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Shaminda Eranga

South Africa
Hashim Amla (captain), Alviro Petersen, Dean Elgar, Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Vernon Philander, Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn, Imran Tahir, Quinton de Kock

Umpires: Billy Bowden (NZL), Richard Kettleborough (ENG)

TV Umpire: Nigel Llong (ENG)

Match referee: Jeff Crowe (NZL)