Steyn dedicates success to Donald

Man of the Match Dale Steyn acknowledged the positive influence of South Africa's bowling coach Allan Donald in the wake of Sunday's 153-run victory on day five of the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium.

Man of the Match Dale Steyn acknowledged the positive influence of South Africa's bowling coach Allan Donald in the wake of Sunday's 153-run victory on day five of the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium.

Steyn took five wickets in the first innings and four in the second to complete figures of nine for 99, affording the Proteas a maiden victory in the longest format of the international game in Sri Lanka since 2000.

"Allan is an amazing bowler. I watched a couple of his Youtube videos before I bowled here and he was just incredible. And then every day he comes and tells you how good you are and what a legend you are," enthused Steyn.

"That must take a lot out of him because he is a legend himself. That's why every time I take wickets, I try to signal to him; to try and say this is not just for the team and the fans. This is to say thank you. He keeps me going."

The in-form right-armer's telling figures largely defied conditions primed for plenty of runs and conducive to spin. He and fellow seamer Morne Morkel shared 16 wickets, entirely outdoing a batting order sporting the services of the veteran Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara.

"Every time I go on tour I want to better my last performance. Every time I come to the sub-continent I want to do well. If I run in and take a five-for on a green track, no-one cares but if you run in and take a five-for here, that really counts," he added.

"It's not the fastest wicket in the world but if you can get pace through the air and bowl with a bit of aggression you always stand a chance. It's the kind of wicket where you have to bowl the ball in the right areas more often."

The second and final Test will get underway at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Thursday.

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