DISASTROUS START

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27273, 27 December 1949, Page 5

DISASTROUS START

HASSETT SAVES DAY AUSTRALIAN TEST ELEVEN TWO WICKETS IN OPENING OVERS NZPA—Copyright CAPE TOWN, Rec. 9 p.m. Dec. 24. A bad light brought about an early stoppage in the first day’s play of the first test match between South Africa and Australia at Johannesburg. After a spell of threatening weather, the day opened with glorious sunshine. The wicket, although hardening under the drying sun and wind, was somewhat soft when play commenced. The Australian team is Hassett, Morris, Harvey, lan Johnson, W. Johnston, Miller, Lindwall, Moroney, Loxton, McCool, and Saggers, with Archer as twelfth man. Play was stopped at 4.52 p.m. when Australia, thanks to Hassett’s fighting if lucky, century, and stands by Miller and Harvey, had recovered from a disastrous start to show four wickets down for 190. McCarthy was South Africa’s best—and most unlucky—bowler. South Africa frittered away its early advantage wtih missed chances. Australia won the toss and batted., but lost Morris and Moroney with only two runs on the board in two overs. The medium-pace bowler, Watkins, made a queer test debut by sending down wides with his first two balls. Hassett then became virtually the opening batsman less than 15 minutes after the start, Australia’s score at that stage being Watkins two wides. Both Hassett and Miller were then missed off McCarthy—Miller in his second ovej-, and Hassett in his third over. Had those catches been held McCarthy, who was extracting life from the pitch, would have had three wickets for 1 run. With a tight inner field, including four slips, crouching hungrily, Hassett refused to nibble at McCarthy’s quick off stuff but played the spinners from Smith and Tayfield coolly. Hassett had another narrow escape when he snicked the first ball from Mann over slips,' Smith just managing to touch it as it passed. Miller, in the meantime, was twice missed off Tayfield in slips. Miller helped Hassett to add 69 before he was dismissed after a streaky but valuable innings. Most of the early life had gone from the wicket after lunch, but the bowlers gave nothing away and Australia’s dogged tussle continued. The South African fielding, apart from the prelunch missed catches, was smart. Hassett reached the century in 194 minutes, having hit seven 4’s, but he was again narrowly missed when 98 by Eric Rowan. Harvey, who lacked self-assurance, especially against the spinners, stayed 125 mintues for 34. and helped Hassett to put on 92 for the fourth wicket. Australia’s appeal against the light at 4.52 p.m. was upheld, but the wisdom of the appeal was doubtful as the batsmen were more or less then on top of the bowling, Rain commenced to fall shortly afterwards and play was abandoned for the day. Scores: — AUSTRALIA First Innings Morris, c Tayfield, b McCarthy .. 0 Moroney, run out 0 Miller, b Mann 21 Hassett, not out 109 Harvey, b Watkins 34 Loxton, not out 16 Extras 10 Total for four wickets .. 190 Bowling Analysis.—McCarthy, one for 40; Watkins, one for 20, Smith, none for 31; Tayfield, none for 34; Mann, one for 55.