David Bedingham is delighted as South Africa secures valuable time on the field before the West Indies Tests.

The Proteas batted for nearly two days in their four-day warm-up match against a West Indies Invitational XI, amassing a total of 408-8 in 119 overs.

Opener Aiden Markram led with 82 runs, while captain Temba Bavuma (51), David Bedingham (74), Kyle Verreynne (65), and Ryan Rickelton (80) all hit half-centuries.

The home side scored 397 all out in their first innings, with fast bowler Kagiso Rabada and spinner Dane Piedt each taking three wickets.

The Proteas’ main Test squad hasn’t played together since January, and Bedingham was pleased with the practice before facing the Windies in the two-match series.

“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 be out there for three days. We bowled for over 100 overs, which is beneficial for our fielders and bowlers.

“Our batters performed well for over 100 overs, and it has been invaluable.”

Bedingham is one of the few Proteas players with recent red-ball cricket experience, having had a great start to the English County season with Durham.

The Western Province batter looked confident at the crease in the warm-up match and aims to build on his strong start to his Test career, which includes a hundred and two fifties in four matches.

He added: “I am pleased and hope to maintain this momentum into the next series. People do their research, and I’m confident I can adapt to their plans.

“I haven’t played against many of them before, but they are a strong team. I see myself as a free-flowing player who always takes the positive option.

“I have been playing in the UK, where I didn’t sweat at all. The frequent glove changes were a significant difference.

“Taking in a lot of fluids and getting used to the conditions, while trying to bat as long as possible, is the goal for the upcoming Test matches.”