Worcestershire v South Africans – Tour match (Day 1) – Match Update – SAfns at 107 for 3 by lunch
Following a shaky start on part of the South Africans, AB de Villiers came to the rescue and enabled them to post a total of 107 by lunch, at the expense of 3 wickets, during the ongoing tour match against Worcestershire, being played at the County Ground at New Road in Worcester today on July 27.
The star duo of Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis, both of whom contributed massively to the team’s victory by an innings and 12 runs against England in the first Test at the Kennington Oval, were rested for the match, while skipper Graeme Smith flew back to South Africa for the birth of his baby daughter.
The absence of the three key batsmen, who had dominated the only innings the team played in the Test match against the Poms, provided middle order batsmen and fringe players an opportunity to step up and get some match practice under their belt.
The South Africans employed Alviro Petersen (who was dismissed for duck during the Test match against England) and Jacques Rudolph as openers. In addition, wicketkeeper Thami Tsolekile, who was included in the squad, but did not feature in the playing XI as de Villiers was chosen to keep wickets, was also given a chance to don the gloves, as de Villiers took the role of skipper.
The match kicked off with the visitors winning the toss, and electing to bat first. Petersen (10) and Rudolph (7) got their side off to a shaky start, with the opening stand lasting a mere 12 runs, before the latter was bowled by Chris Russell in the 6th over.
Petersen attempted to soldier on, but his efforts went in vain, and he was caught out by skipper Daryl Mitchell off Russell in the 8th over, leaving his side at 21 for 2. However, de Villiers proved to be the saving grace of the team, managing to stick it out at the crease with a yet unbeaten 50.
He had an ineffective partner in Jean-Paul Duminy, who managed a meagre contribution of 5 runs before he was sent packing, lbw, by Richard Jones. However, Albie Morkel appears to have more staying power, and is yet unbeaten at 22.
The South Africans are at 107 for 3 by the end of 30 overs, and will be banking on the duo of de Villiers and Morkel to apply themselves at the crease, and enable their side to post a solid total.
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