Ovation for Gooch

Press, 16 March 1982, Page 46

Ovation for Gooch

NZPA-Reuter Johannesburg A swashbuckling unbeaten century from Graham Gooch led a spirited recovery by the rebel English cricket team on the third day of its four-day match against a South African XI. The tourists, forced to follow’ on when they were dismissed for 150 in their first innings in reply to South Africa’s 400 for seven declared, rallied in their second innings to reach 169 for one at close. - Gooch, the English side’s captain, plundered the South African bowling to such effect that his 100 contained 74 runs in boundaries with 17

fours and one six. He put on 119 for the first wicket with Geoff Boycott (36) and his unbroken second-wicket stand with Wayne Larkins (18 not out) was worth 50.' When play ended for the day Gooch was on 104 and he left the field to a standing ovation from the crowd of 18,000. The Englishmen's second innings was in total contrast to their abject surrender earlier in the day. Resuming at 90 for five they were soon in even deeper trouble when Vincent Van Der Bijl had the wickets of Derek Underwood, Alan Knott and Chris Old in quick succession.

Van Der Bijl took three for eight in the morning session and five for 25 off 22 overs in the innings with his awkward, medium-fast deliveries. Dennis Amiss was the only’ batsman able to cope with the South African bowlers when he scored a well compiled 66 not out after coming in when the score was 38 for two. When the tourists batted again Van Der Bijl was the only successful bowler, capturing Boycott leg before wicket. Over all though, the South African attack lacked the bite it had shown earlier.