Bedingham hails valuable time in the middle as Proteas prepare for Tests against Windies

David Bedingham is pleased that the South African batters had a chance to gain valuable experience before the first Test against the West Indies, which begins in Trinidad on Wednesday.

In the four-day warm-up match against a West Indies Invitational XI, the Proteas batted for nearly two full days, amassing 408-8 in 119 overs.

Opener Aiden Markram led the scoring with 82 runs, while captain Temba Bavuma (51), Bedingham (74), Kyle Verreynne (65), and Ryan Rickelton (80) all contributed half-centuries. The West Indies Invitational XI managed 397 all out in their first innings, with Kagiso Rabada and Dane Piedt each taking three wickets.

Bedingham expressed satisfaction with the preparation, noting the importance of adjusting to the conditions after a winter break.

"I think acclimatising to these conditions was important, coming from winter it was a change," the middle-order batter said at stumps on the third day.

"It's been good to get out there for three days, I think we bowled for over 100 overs which is good for our fielders and bowlers.

"I think our batters put up a good show for probably over 100 overs or more and it has been invaluable."

Having recently played red-ball cricket with Durham in the English County season, Bedingham felt comfortable at the crease. He aims to continue his strong form into the upcoming Test series, where he hopes to adapt to the challenges posed by the West Indies.

He added: "I am pleased, hopefully I can continue this momentum into the next series. People do their research and I am sure I can adapt to what they have planned.

"I can't say I have played against many of them before but they are a strong team. I like to see myself as a free-flowing player that will always take the positive option.

"I have been playing in the UK, I don‘t think I have sweat at all. The amount of time someone changed gloves there was a massive change.

"Taking a lot of fluids and getting used to all that stuff and trying to bat as long as possible is the aim for the two coming Test matches."