Australia may face a hostile reception from partisan crowds during the imminent test series against South Africa but they can have no complaints about the hospitality afforded them - or the quality of the opposition - during a two-day warm-up match against a Cricket South Africa Invitation XI at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom over the weekend.
Australia bowled first on Saturday, by mutual agreement, with eleven bowlers used in a fixture which was a glorified ‘middle practise’ with no first-class status and the tourists using as many members of their squad as they liked. But rather than ‘glorified’ in a derogatory sense, the fixture was treated with respect.
The Australians did not wear their cherished Baggy Green test caps, which are saved for the real thing, adorned instead in a variety of sunhats, practise hats and ODI caps. Despite a constant coming-and-going of players on the field throughout the two days, decorum was never compromised.
Neither was competition, albeit in a one-on-one scenario. Australia’s bowlers plied their trade with intent and it was to the individuals in the Invitation XI’s great credit that they batted out the first day without being dismissed to reach 318-7 in 90 overs.
Tshepang Dithole (30), Josh Richards (28), Jorich van Schalkwyk (33) and Jean du Plessis (41) will all be better players for their experience of facing bowlers with over 1600 test wickets between them, but the standout performer was Neil Brand who was dismissed with the last ball of the day from allrounder Beau Webster for a brilliant 152 from just 174 balls.
Brand’s only two test caps came as captain of a severely weakened Proteas team which toured New Zealand in 2024 with the majority of the country’s best players contracted to compete in the SA20. It was a bitter-sweet time for Brand, aware that the “great honour” of playing for his country, as captain, had come by default.
“It took me some time to get over it but I’m in a much better place now,” he said in Potchefstroom. He provided some insight into the atmosphere during the warm-up match, too, telling reporters that Nathan Lyon had asked him how his ‘ball-flight’ looked while he was batting.
“I don’t know why you’re asking me,” replied Brand, a worthy part-time spinner himself, “you’re one of the greatest spinners ever to play the game!”
Australia reached 368-6 by the close of the second day on Sunday with Marnus Labuschagne being ‘retired out’ (from the bench) after reaching 111 from just 89 balls. Travis Head (22) and Matt Renshaw (32) were both legitimately dismissed but Steve Smith (61) and Beaue Webster (42) both walked away voluntarily (retired) before ‘keeper Alex Carey (57) and Cooper Connolly (20*) finished the day.
As preparation for the test series, it was about as perfect as Australia could hope for. Every bowler bowled a meaningful spell and all the main bowlers had two spells. The most important batsmen spent valuable time at the crease. There was barely a ‘crowd’, but the few spectators present were polite and appreciative.
Australia teams have always enjoyed Potchefstroom as a base, ever since the 2003 World Cup, and have always headed back there. Friends and contacts stretch back over two decades. Once again, they enjoyed their time and were made to feel welcome. They may hope for more of the same in Durban, Gqeberha and Cape Town when the real thing starts at Kingsmead on Friday, October 9, but that may be wishful thinking.
Scores: SA Invitational XI 318-7 (Neil Brand 152). Australia 368-6 (Marnus Labuschagne 111)