A good Sri Lanka or a bad England?

Sri Lanka led me to believe they were going to be tough to beat at home after their recent success in England.

However, judging by their defeats by South Africa in the recent ODI series and now this first Test, their success had more to do with a poor England side than their own quality; I suspect they have some thinking to do before the next Test.

They lacked good old-fashioned heart against South Africa's quick bowlers in conditions not exactly pace-friendly. This, and the fact that South Africa's batsmen were comfortable against their spinners, makes me wonder how they are going to square the series.

However, let's not take anything away from South Africa's win. I thought they played brilliant cricket and thoroughly deserved it.

The top performer for me was Dale Steyn, who once again proved what a great fast bowler he is. He almost never fails to deliver - a captain's dream because he can be relied on when a wicket is needed.

Because he can bowl so quickly, his tremendous skill with the ball is often not fully appreciated. The best of these is his ability to avoid wasting deliveries; you just sense that batsmen know questions are going to be asked of them every ball.

On a final note, I thought Hashim Amla's declaration was a good one. I hope it signals his intent as a captain, because, if it does, we are in for some exciting cricket under his leadership.