Sri Lanka have likely had better quicks than they have now - Chaminda Vaas took 355 Test wickets, and Lasith Malinga burned hot until the injuries overtook him. But Sri Lanka have probably never had the fast-bowling depth they currently command.

"So far we're still talking about how many fast bowlers we will play and will only make a decision on that later," de Silva said. "The track here is quite green.

"I think in that England series we learned that we can win matches overseas with our pace attack. They've been improving day by day, and we saw the results of that at The Oval. We can't blame our fast bowlers for the loss in Durban - that's all on the batsmen, who got out for 40-odd. You can't win a Test like that."

Kumara has had more modest showings in South Africa since then, and has also been plagued by injuries, particularly with hamstring strains and tears. If he plays on Thursday, which seems exceedingly likely, he will have played seven Tests in 2024, which is his highest tally for a calendar year.

"From what I see, Lahiru has been consistent in the last two years, and he's played a lot of matches," de Silva said. " He'd been in and out of the team because of injuries, but now he's been able to play consistently and learn what his strengths and weaknesses are. He's able to back those strengths now because he's played matches at a stretch. I think that's the main thing that has contributed to his success."

The huge loss in Durban, de Silva said, was almost totally down to the failure of the batting group. Though he himself is a spinner, he's been a fast-bowling captain, insisting that Sri Lanka play at least two quicks even at home, so they can be more competitive in SENA nations. He's hoping to reap the rewards of that in Gqeberha.