South Africa Lags In Test

Northern Advocate, 28 December 1949, Page 5

South Africa Lags In Test

CAPETOWN, Tue. (11 Africa, 2 for 84, in a foliow-on after being 276 runs oehind on the first innings, was fighting c desperate rearguard action in the first test against Australia, when play ended today. Bad light and rain stopped play soon after tea.

The South Africans were bundled out for 137 in the first innings, six wickets falling before lunch for only 67 runs.

The wicket was hard, but wearing, when play began today, with South Africa 4 for-70 in its first innings.

The pitch was taking spin, but gave little ,aid to the _jace bowlers. It was Keith Miller, however, who stole the bowling honours. ,

Varying his,pace skilfully, he took 5 for 40, Including two with successive balls. Miller slowed down to bowl mediumpaced off-spinners, with occasional fast yorkers. W. Johnston (2 tor 21) and lan Johnson (3 for 37) gave Miller strong support. - ROWAN HOLDS FORT Eric Rowan held the fort for 193. minutes in compiling his 60 runs. Watkins batted in refreshing style. South Africa’s 137 was made in 225 minutes. Following on, ie South African openers, Eric Rowan and Wynne, batted in cool, stubborn fashion. After an hour they had made 32. When the partnership was worth 50, Rowan was trapped leg-before by McCool. Wynne was out just before tea, when the score was 2 for 81 Upon resuming, four appeals against the light were dismissed before a fifth was successful. Rain began to fall as the players left the field, and it developed into a downpour, completely soaking the •wicket. \ AUSTRALIA First Innings: 413 SOUTH AFRICA First Innings Rowan, b Miller 60 Wynne, lbw, b W. Johnston 3 Nel. b lan Johnston 4 Nourse, c Bassett, b lan Johnson .... 0 Wade, b Miller 2 Cheetham, lbw, b W. Johnston 10 Watkins, c Hassett, b Miller ...i,,.. 36 Tayfiela, lbw, b Miller 6 Mhnn, b Miller 0 Smith not out 1 McCarthy, b lan Johnson 0 Extras 15 Total 137 Bowling: Lindwall 0 for 22, W. Johnston 2 for 21, Miller 5 for 40, lan Johnson 3 for 37. Loxton, 0 for 2. Second Innings Eric Rowan, lbw, b McCool 32 Wynne, c Saggers, bW. Johnston .. 33 Nel. not out 6 Nourse, not out • • 2 Total for 2 wickets 64 Bowling: W. Johnston 1 for 8, McCool 1 for 19.