LONDON: Rain and bad light took its toll on Day 1 of the three-day match between touring South Africa and England Lions on Thursday at the County Ground, New Road, Worcester.
At stumps, South Africa were 58/1 after only 20 overs were bowled. Heino Kuhn was unbeaten on 30 off 69 balls and Hashim Amla on 16 off 42 balls. Stand-in captain Dean Elgar was the only batsman dismissed. The left-hander was caught behind by Sam Billings for five off the bowling of George Garton.
Earlier, England Lions won the toss and elected to field.
Proteas seamer Vernon Philander was unavailable for the match, but continues to make satisfactory progress following the right ankle injury sustained while playing for Sussex County Cricket Club two weeks ago.
Proteas team manager, Dr Mohammed Moosajee commented on the injury: “Vernon is in the final stages of his rehab following the injury to his right ankle ago weeks ago. He is building on to bowl at full pace by the end of the week to prove his availability for selection for the first Test match against England at Lord’s next week.”
South Africa should also expect their captain Faf du Plessis back for next week’s first Test against England after his wife Imari gave birth to the couple’s first child on Thursday.