Hermann and Hamza steer visitors to emphatic win with two sessions remaining

England Lions suffered an eight-wicket defeat against South Africa A in the opening unofficial Test at Arundel, as the visitors chased down 215 comfortably before lunch on the final day.

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Despite brilliant centuries from Asa Tribe and Ben Mayes helping the Lions recover after a poor first innings, South Africa A stayed in control through composed half-centuries from Lesego Senokwane, Jordan Hermann and Zubayr Hamza.

Starting the day needing 92 runs, the tourists wasted little time. England tried to force an unlikely comeback, but an early dropped chance off Hermann proved costly. Eddie Jack briefly lifted hopes by dismissing Senokwane with a sharp yorker, finishing with four wickets in the match.

From there, Hermann and Hamza dominated. Hermann brought up his fifty with a huge slog-sweep six over the marquee as the pair added an unbeaten 81-run stand in just 72 balls to seal victory before midday.

The scoreline, however, did not fully reflect the fight shown by a young Lions side. After being bowled out for just 157 on the opening day, England responded strongly through Tribe’s mature 135 and Mayes’ maiden professional century.

South Africa A’s superior experience ultimately proved decisive. Five members of their squad have played Test cricket, while England fielded an inexperienced group led by 27-year-old Liam Patterson-White.

The Lions’ pace attack still impressed in phases, with Mitchell Stanley and Eddie Jack showing promise and genuine pace throughout the contest.

The Arundel surface also earned praise for providing assistance to everyone — seamers early on, batters through the middle stages, and spinners later in the game.

The two sides now move to Beckenham for the second four-day match starting Friday, before concluding the tour with three one-day games.