Dane Paterson’s performance with the ball will be key for South Africa A in their one-off unofficial Test against the England Lions beginning on Wednesday.

The opening bowler had a massive impact in SA A’s opening four-day match against Hampshire. His mind-boggling figures of 7-27 in 13.4 overs helped his side blow the hosts away for just 185.

The 28-year-old was on fire throughout the innings, dismissing four of Hampshire’s first five batsmen before returning to clean up the tail.

Though his performance cooled off in the second innings, he finished the match with impressive figures of 8-62 in 22.4 overs which included nine maidens.

In SA A’s second warm-up match Paterson, like the rest of the bowling attack, found it tough going against Sussex. The star of the first game went wicketless in his 19 overs and conceded 66 runs for his efforts.

The speedster will have a point to prove against the England Lions after his indifferent showing against Sussex.

Paterson is SA A’s leading wicket-taker with eight scalps after the first two matches of the four-day leg of the tour and will be keen to add to his tally against the Lions.