England’s first warm up match before their test series against South Africa ended prematurely as rain swept over Senwes Park in Potchefstroom on Thursday, 17 December in their match against the SA Invitational XI.

The match ended in a draw and gave their batsmen and bowlers a decent work out against the local based players who also got a taste international cricket’s intensity.

England followed up their 470/7 in the first innings with a disappointing 190 all out in their second innings as they tried to force a result in the match.

The pick of the SA XI’s bowlers were Junior Dala who picked up a brilliant and deserved five wicket haul against the tourists with 5/34 in 12 overs.

SA XI reached 5/0 in their second innings before the rain soaked the stadium, ending the match earlier than expected.

England’s best batsmen on the second day was Joe Root with 39. England will be pleased with the form of key middle order players such as Ben Stokes and James Taylor, but will be worried with opener Alex Hales who has not performed yet.

Their bowlers did a great job, but will be tested more against the likes of AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla and co in the test series.

The first test starts on 26 December at Kingsmead in Durban.