Storm Washes Out Play, And First Test Drawn

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30312, 12 December 1963, Page 26

Storm Washes Out Play, And First Test Drawn

(li.Z. Press Association-Copyright) BRISBANE, December 11. The first test match between Australia and South Africa ended in a draw today, after a violent thunderstorm washed out play. South Africa, chasing 234 runs to win, had lost one wicket for 13 when the storm broke. Within minutes the ground was awash. Miniature lakes were still there when play was abandoned et 230 p.m.

The South Africans lost their opener, E. J. Barlow, in the 27 minutes of batting they had before the storm broke.

Barlow, a first innings century-maker, was caught by R. Simpson at slip for a duck off G. McKenzie.

The rain saved South Africa from a difficult final few hours. But in spite of the early loss of Barlow, the South Africans must have held strong hopes of forcing a draw.

Continuing their second innings in the morning the Australians made a spectacular chase for runs and were 144 for ape at lunch. They then had an overall lead of 233 with four hours left for play, and their captain, Benaud, must have relished the chance of attacking the tourists on a wearing pitch.

The Victorian left-hander, W. La wry, scored a blistering

87 not out in two and a half hours. He hit 10 boundaries. The Australians reached 144 in 153 minutes, although South Africa maintained a strictly defensive field. AUSTRALIA First Innings .. .. 435 Second Innings W. La wry, not out .. 87 R. Simpson, c sub, b Partridge ..34 N. O’NeUl, not out .. 19 Extras .. .. 4 Total (for one wkt.) 144 Fall ot wicket: one for 83.

First Innings .. .. 346 Second Innings T. L. Goddard, not out .. 8 E. J. Barlow, c Simpson, b McKenzie .. 0 P. R. Carlstein, not out .. 1 Extras .. < Total (for one wkt.) 13 Fall ot wicket: one for one.

Bowling O. M. R. W. P. Pollock . . 6 0 26 0 Panridge .. 17 1 59 1 Goddard ..7 0 34 0 D. Pithey .. S 0 30 0 SOUTH AFRICA

Bowling O. M. K. W. McKenzie .. 3.3 1 3 1 Connolly ..1 • 2 0 Benaud .. 2 1 4 0