CRICKET TEST AT JOHANNESBURG

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25996, 27 December 1949, Page 5

CRICKET TEST AT JOHANNESBURG

Australia Four Down For 190

RECOVERY AFTER BAD START (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 8 p.m.) CAPE TOWN, Dec. 24. Bad light brought about an early stoppage in the first day’s play of the first test cricket match between South Africa and Australia at Johannesburg. Australia has made 190 for four wickets. After a spell of threatening weather, the day opened with glorious sunshine. The wicket, although hardening under the drying sun and wind, was somewhat sort when play began. The Australian team is: Hassett, Morris, Harvey, lan Johnson, W. Johnston, Miller, Lindwall, Moroney, Loxton, McCool, Saggers; Archer (twelfth man). Play stopped at 4.52 p.m., when Australia, thanks to Hassett’s fighting, if lucky, century, and stands with Miller and Harvey, had recovered after a disastrous start. McCarthy was South Africa’s best and unluckiest bowler. South Africa frittered away its early -advantage with missed chances. Australia won the toss and batted, but lost Morris and Moroney with only two runs on the board in two overs. The medium-pace bowler, Watkins, made a queer test debut by sending down wides with his first two balls. Hassett then became virtually an opening batsmen less than 15 minutes after the start. Australia’s score at that stage comprised Watkins’s two wides. Century to Hassett Both Hassett and Miller were then missed off McCarthy—Miller in his seco'nd oVer, and Hassett in his third over. Had those catches been held, McCarthy, who was extracting life from the pitch, would have had three wickets for one run. With a tight inner field, including four slips, crouching hungrily, Hassett refused to nibble at McCarthy’s quick off stuff, but played spinners

from Smith and Tayfield coolly. Hassett had another narrow escape he snicked the first ball from Mann over the slips, Smith just managing to touch it as it passed. Miller, in the interim, was twice missed off Tayfield in the slips. Miller helped Hassett to add 69 before he was dismissed after a streaky but valuable innings. Most of the early life had gone from the wicket after lunch, but the bowlers gave nothing away, and Australia’s dogged tussle continued. The South African fielding apart from the missed catches before lunch, was smart. Hassett reached his century in 194 minutes, having hit seven fours, but he was again narrowly missed, when 98. by Eric Rowan. Harvey, who lacked self-assurance, especially against the spinners, stayed 125 minutes for 34 and helped Hassett to put on 92 for the fourth wicket. Australia’s appeal against the light at 4.52 p.m. was upheld, but the wisdom of the appeal was doubtful, as the batsmen were more or less then on top of the bowling. Rain began soon afterwards, and play was abandoned for the day. Scores:—

AUSTRALIA First Innings Morris, c Tayfield, b McCarthy .. 0 Moroney, run out .. .. .. 0. Miller, b Mann .. .. .. 21 Hassett, not out .. .. .. 109 Harvey, b Watkins .. .. .. 34 Loxton, not out .. .. .. 16 Extras .. .. .. .. 10 Total for four wickets .. 190 Fall of wickets: one for none; two for 2: three for 71; four for 163. Bowling.—McCarthy took one wicket for 40; Watkins, one for 20; Smith, none for 31: Tayfield, none for 34; Mann, one for 55.