M.C.C.-South Africa Fourth Test

Northern Advocate, 20 February 1939, Page 7

M.C.C.-South Africa Fourth Test

Cricket

JOHANNESBURG, February 18,

The fourth cricket test between the touring Marylebone side and South Africa was commenced today. The wicket was in good order, and although rain interrupted _ play twice for brief periods, the surface was not affected. England was dismissed in its first innings for 215, and at stumps Africa had scored 11 runs without loss.

Hammond, who has not lost the toss since he was appointed captain of England in the series against Australia last year, was again successful, and he sent Gibb and Hutton to the crease. Gibb was out almost immediately, edging one of Langton’s fast deliveries high into the slips. Newson, South Africa’s new fast medium bowler, troubled Paynter, who had .a very narrow escape when he sent a chance through the slips. There was a delay of 33 minutes on account of rain, and when play was resumed Newson snapped up two smart catches, which were responsible for the dismissal of Paynter and Hammond. Hutton was not troubled, .and when he reached 50 he completed his 1000 runs for the tour.

Ames started by crashing three over-pitched deliveries from Langton through the covers, but he fell to an off-break from the same bowler.

After the tea adjournment, Hutton hit freely until he mistimed a big' off-break from Mitchell. He played .a chanceless innings for his 92 runs, and was at the crease 202 minutes. English Batting Crumbles.

The light became poor, and the English batting, which was the weakest shown so far, crumbled in the face of excellent bowling and fielding. Grieveson’s wicket-keeping was splendid,, and he did not concede a single bye. , Scores.— ENGLAND. First Innings. Gibb, c Mitchell, b Langton 9 Hutton, b Mitchell 92 Paynter, c Newson, b Langton . 40 Hammond, c Newson, b Gordon . 1 Ames, b Langdon 34 Valentine, c Grieveson, b Gordon 11 Verity, c Rowan, b Mitchell 8 Edrich, Ibw., b Langton 6 Fames, c Grieveson, b Newson .. 4 Goddard, c Vanderbyl, b Langton 8 Wilkinson, not out 1 Extras .. - 1 Total 215 Bowling.—Newson took one wicket for 53 runs; Langton, five for 58; Gordon, two for 47; Mitchell, two for 37; Dalton, none for 19. SOUTH AFRICA. First Innings. Vanderbyl, not out 2 Melville, not out 9 Total for no wickets 11