Marco Jansen's bowling heroics saw South Africa take a firm grip on the first Test after dismissing Sri Lanka for a paltry 42 runs and opening a 177-run lead at tea on the second day in Durban on Thursday.

The lanky Jansen took a career best 7/13 as Sri Lanka were bowled out for their lowest test total inside 14 overs after South Africa were 191 all out in their first innings at Kingsmead.

The home side were 28 without loss at tea at the start of their second innings, with Tony de Zorzi on 14 and Aiden Markram nine, looking to build a substantial lead as South Africa chase a victory to keep them on track for a place in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s next June.

Jansen became only the second bowler to take seven wickets inside seven overs of a Test innings, emulating former Australia captain Hugh Trumble, whose 7/28 in 6.5 overs, including a hat-trick, bowled his team to victory over England in 1904.