De Villiers in the runs at New Road
South Africa's preparation for the second Test proved solid enough on day one of their two-day tour fixture against Worcestershire, although they would have wanted more from batsman Alviro Petersen, Jacques Rudolph and JP Duminy.
South Africa's preparation for the second Test proved solid enough on day one of their two-day tour fixture against Worcestershire, although they would have wanted more from batsman Alviro Petersen, Jacques Rudolph and JP Duminy.
While Petersen endured a duck in the series opener, Rudolph and Duminy didn't get to the crease at all as the Proteas amassed 637 for two before romping to an innings and 12-run win against England.
The trio needed valuable time out in the middle, but instead managed a mere 22 runs between them in a total of 237 for nine declared at New Road on Friday.
Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis, who were in fine form in London, were rested for the tour match at New Road, while Graeme Smith has temporarily returned home for the birth of his first child.
The fourth of South Africa's quartet in the top 10 of the ICC Test rankings for batsmen, AB de Villiers grabbed his opportunity with both hands.
De Villiers orchestrated an outstanding knock of 80 and enjoyed sound support from Albie Morkel (50) and Vernon Philander (40 not out).
Seamer Chris Russell was the pick of the home attack, finishing with figures of three for 40, including the key scalp of the blossoming Morkel.
Worcestershire's reply was in early trouble after Steyn, fresh from his match-winning five-for on Monday, picked up where he left off Daryl Mitchell and Moeen Ali for ducks.
Fellow fast bowler Morne Morkel added another wicket before a fighting 40 not out from opener Matthew Pardoe carried his side to 70 for three – and a deficit of 167 – at stumps.
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