Proteas captain Themba Bavuma demonstrated good form for the Lions team on the first day of the domestic First-Class season. He prepared for the international season by scoring 91 runs for the Lions in the opening first-class match.
After Proteas coach Shukri Conrad instructed all nationally contracted players to participate in the first-class series, Bavuma regained his form, showing an impressive half-century at the Wanderers stadium. He looked confident against the Boland attack, which featured former Proteas quicks Glenton Stuurman and Lizzad Williams. During his time at the crease, totaling 146 balls, Bavuma dismissed 14 boundaries.
The rest of the top order also spent valuable time at the crease, although they might have wished for longer play. Ryan Rickelton played a gritty match, scoring 49 runs off 60 balls, including 10 boundaries, before being caught by Williams.
In Newlands, Tristan Stubbs showed his readiness for red-ball cricket against Western Province Cobras. Stubbs came onto the field when the Table Mountain was covered with a tablecloth, and his teammate Proteas Dan Patterson batted and swung effectively against the new ball. However, Stubbs worked hard, reaching 46 runs off 94 balls (7 fours) before former South African youth spinner Asashe Tsaka managed a sharp deflection and turn, leading to the Proteas batsman being caught at the wicket.
Senuran Mutusama, who recovered from a lower back muscle spasm that prevented him from participating in the South African 'A' series, once again demonstrated his versatility, scoring 61 runs for the Warriors. The bowling unit also received good training as Marco Jansen and Lungie Ngidi bowled extensively. Ngidi concluded his spell with figures of 1/28 in eight overs, while Jansen took 3/39 in nine overs.
Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj quickly got to work for the Dolphins, bowling 15 overs and finishing with figures of 1/53.
