South Africans 335 for 7 (Elgar 109, Verreynne 76*, Kuhnemann 4-78) vs Cricket Australia XI
Left-hander Elgar is South Africa’s best and most experienced batter and he reinforced those credentials at Allan Border Field.
Verreynne, batting at No. 6, made an unbeaten counterattacking 76 off 86 balls with his vicious pulls and cut shots a highlight.
Middle order batsman Temba Bavuma won’t bat in the first innings due to an elbow complaint but Elgar said he hoped he would in the second innings.
“It was nice to get a good knock,” Elgar said of his own innings. “Personally I have been in good form back home as well and I’d like to think I think I am match fit and match ready which is a nice thing coming into a really important series. It was nice to see some other batters put their hands up as well.”
Sarel Erwee (25), Rassie van der Dussen (27) and Khaya Zonda (18) all made starts but it was Verreynne who showed the aggression and confidence that will be vital against Australia’s pace attack.
Elgar was strong on the leg side and played one glorious swivel pull shot for four off Jordan Buckingham to stamp his class. His driving on the off side was also of the highest quality.
He went to tea unbeaten on 99 and brought up his century with the first ball after the break before being bowled by Chris Tremain.
Verreynne and Keshav Maharaj (34) then added 89 at better than a run-a-ball for the sixth wicket.