Erwee on a high in India

Lungani Zama

South Africa A finished their three-day warm-up fixture against the India Board President’s XI in a predictable draw, though all 15 members of the touring party would have benefited from having a trot out in Bengaluru.

The hosts eventually declared on 397/6, in reply to SA A’s 473/4 offering from the first day and a bit.

SA A’s second dig saw them reach 61/2, before the captains called a truce and shook hands.

For SA A’s batsmen, who would have arrived braced for a sincere examination by spin, the first taste of combat in India has been one of terrific value. They have all spent time at the crease, and they will return to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium for their first “Test” against India A in a few days.

“It has been a great experience thus far, and I think it has definitely been an eye-opener for those of us on our first trip here,” Sarel Erwee said.

The opening batsman, who has steadily risen through the ranks in KwaZulu-Natal, through to the Dolphins, and now to the SA A side, said Bengaluru was a long way from home, back in the sleepy corner that is Pietermaritzburg.

“I guess it is a bit of a culture shock at first, but that is why we play this game. We get to travel the world, and experience different conditions and cultures, and that life experience

Bowls

is priceless,” he explained.

Erwee said a few of the team had ventured onto the streets of Bengaluru in tuktuks, and had lived to tell the tale.

“I really don’t know how it works! It’s crazy, but you never see an accident. It has been a good week in the city, and we have also got in some good work in the middle,” he added.