Seamer Vernon Philander’s return to first-class cricket yielded a dozen characteristically tight overs on day one of South Africa A’s series decider against India A in Mysore.

Philander will be key during the Proteas’ three-Test series against India next month and Tuesday’s performance was an early indicator of match fitness.

He collected figures of 0-21 in 12 overs, as the hosts climbed to 233-3 on the back of opener Shubman Gill’s commanding 92. Gill, too, will play in October’s Test series.

Philander is accompanied by several other Test cricketers in the South Africa A squad, including batsmen Aiden Markram and Zubayr Hamza, Heinrich Klaasen, spinner Dane Piedt and fast bowler Lungi Ngidi. South Africa A suffered a seven-wicket defeat in last week’s series opener in Thiruvananthapuram.

‘The Test players are very disappointed in themselves and I’m a little disappointed as well,’ said South Africa A head coach Malibongwe Maketa.

‘They’re all are determined to set the record straight by ensuring they walk away from this series not just with a positive result in the next game, but also with runs and wickets under the belt going into that first Test against India’s main side next month.

‘It was disappointing with the first match. It’s unfortunate with the quality of the players that we had, we definitely expected different results to what we got. We’re not making any excuses for them; it was difficult with all the rain around for them to come in from South Africa without a game, so the rustiness of not playing did show.

‘I do hope that the cobwebs are out now going into the second Test. We all know what they can do, it’s now about execution.’

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