CRICKET

Grey River Argus, 10 December 1938, Page 5

CRICKET

ENGLAND v. SOUTH AFRICA.. The first Test between England and South Africa commences on Christmas Eve and cricket enthusiasts in this part of the universe may be interested in a statement of the position between the two countries. Altogether 59 matches have been played, resulting thus: — Won by Won First Eng- by Game. land. S.A. D. TL In Africa 1888-9 19 H % In Eng. 1907 9 1 H 21

Summary ... 28 12 19 59 Sonth Africa has beaten England" in the last two rubbers, winning the only deciding Test of the five in South Africa in 1930-31 and in England in 1935. The victory at Lord’s in the second Test three years ago, after de-

daring the second innings closed, was the Springboks’ first success on English soil after striving there for 28 ■ years. . . The record partnership for each country was put up by an opening pair—26B, by J. B. Hobbs and H. Sutcliffe, at Lord’s, 1924; and 260, by L, J. Siedle and B. Mitchell, at Capetown, 1930-31 No Springbok hit a century on his first appearance in the series, but four Englishmen did so:—P- F. Warner, Johannesburg, 1898-99; L. C. Braund, Lord’s 1907; R. H. Spooner, Lord’s, 1912; J. W. H. T. Douglas, Durban, 1913-14. The first-named, who is now Sir Pelham Warner, and talks of resigning from the chairman-,

ship of the English selection committee, carried his bat right through the innings at Johannesburg 40 years ago. Two players compiled a century in both innings of an AngloAfrican match: —A. C. Russell, at Durban, in 1922-1923, and H. Sutcliffe, at the Oval, 1929. Sutcliffe also performed this feat against Australia at Melbourne in 1924-25, as did W. R. Hammond at Adelaide in 1928-29. The only, other instances of a similar record were by Warner Barssley for Australia at the Oval in 1909 and G. Headley for West Indies v. England at Georgetown in 1930. Most wickets in a rubber were taken by S. F. Barnes for England in 191314 His “bag” was 49 in four Tc/.s for 10.93 apiece. He numbered 17 victims for 159 at Johannesburg that year. A. E. Vogler, South Africa, had 36 men out at an average of 21.75 in 1909-10. C. V. Grimmett, for Australia, captured 44 wickets, at 14.59 apiece, in the Union in 1935-36. THIS SUMMER’S ROSTER.

The programme for this season’s internationals is:— December 24, 26, 27, 28. At Jonannesburg. . .. December 31, January 2,3, 4. At Capetown. January 20, 21, 23, 24.—At Durban. February 18, 20, 21, 22.—At Johannesburg. March 3,4, 6, 7.—At Durban.

AFRICA’S “HOPE.” The recent unceremonious dismissal of England’s opening batsmen, Hutton and Edrich, at Newlands, by South Africa’s fast bowler “Lope” Bnnkhaus, has proved a tonic to South African cricket selectors. To get rid of two such opening batsmen as cheaply as did Brinkhaus would be a fine feat anywhere, but at Newlands it was a performance out of the ordinary. It must be the world’s “deadest” wicket. It has no sign or life, and the bowler can make the ball rise only if he pitches it half way. After bowling one day against most of the present Western Province side, Ernie McCormick the Australian came along the next morning with a wreath. He wanted to place it on the wicket and call it a day. Brinkhaus has been discovered since the Australian tour of Africa two years ago. There was a lot of discussion last season regarding his class, but hi s performance at Newlands though early, will prove more than talk.

Brinkhaus’ effort stamps him as one to watch in the near future.

AUSTRALIA AGAINST REST.

Don Bradman’s Australian team to oppose The Rest in the Meloburne Cricket Club centenary, commencing on December 9, was announced recently, and is composed by D. G. Bradman, J. H. Fingleton, W. A. Brown, S. J. McCabe, A. L. Hassett, C. I* Badcock, B. A. Barnett, M. G. Waite, WJ. O’Reilly, E. L. McCormick and L. O’B. Fleetwood-Smith. Those omitted from the team that toured England are S. Barnes, A. G. Chipperfield, F. A. Ward, E. S. White and C. W. Walker. As none of these will be chosen in the Rest of Australia side, they will take no part in the game. The team chosen is the one that won the Test match at Leeds. The trouble Hassett is experiencing with his hand has caused some uncertainty as to whether he will be able to play; if he has to stand out, Barnes is practically certain to take his place. While thi s team should prove capable of defeating any eleven that can be brought against it, the opposition should be strong enough to make a good game of it and push them very hard. The game should prove a big attraction, with followers of the game anxious to see how the Test men will shape after their tour of England.