FOURTH TEST

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 102, 13 February 1950, Page 3

FOURTH TEST

AUSTRALIA DECLARE SOUTH AFRICA FIGHTS BACK v> (N.Z.P. A.—Copyright) CAPE TOWN, Feb. 11. South Africa fought back to-day in the fourth test against Australia at Johannesburg. At the tea adjournment Australia declared its first innings closed at eight for 465, after losing five wickets for 103 in the period after lunch. Eric Rowan and Nel gave South Africa a good start and at stumps they had put on 77 without loss. On the first day, Australia, with a solid two for 206 at stumps, had a firm grip on the match. The openers, Morris, who made 111, and Moroney (118), remained together for 214 and failed by only 20 runs to break the Fingletofi-Brown record first wicket stand of 233 for AustraliaSouth Africa tests made at Cape Town in 1935-30.

Morris and Moroney played cautiously against a lively new-ball attack by the pace bowlers, McCarthy and Melle. The two bowlers compelled respect. Later, nowever, both batsmen, took the measure of the bowling and produced some crisp hooks and drives.

To-day a crowd of 30,000 enjoyed a day of keen cricket. Their first thrill came when Melle skittled Lindwall for five. Miller and. Hassett became associated in a polished fourth-wicket partnership, which added 109. Hassett handled the slow bowlers, Mann and Tayfield, with ease and with Miller batting attractively, the score mounted steadily. Hassett was dismissed when he played McCarthy on. His polished 53 included six fours. Soon after, Miller, in trying to pull a short rising ball from Melle, badly mistimed and skied a catch to Fullerton. He was not happy in/making 84 in 205 minutes. Melle and McCarthy bowled very well and both worried Harvey. Melle, with a beautiful inswinger, bowled Loxton for six, scored in 42 minutes. Harvey gathered runs steadily.* McCool and lan Johnson went cheaply, and Hassett declared at tea.

. Eric Rowan and Nel were not troubled by Australia’s fast attack and runs came steadily. Lindwall sent down only two bumpers in five overs. Rowan and Nel made South Africa’s best opening stand in this test series. ' AUSTRALIA First Innings Morris, c Fullerton, b McCarthy 111 Moroney, c Fullerton, b Melle .. 118 Miller, c Fullerton, b Melle .. 84 Lindwall, b Melle .. .. • • 5 Hassett, b McCarthy .. .. 53 Harvey, not out .. .. . . '56 Loxton, b Melle .. . - • • 5 McCool, st Fullerton, b Tayfield .. 8 lan Johnson, c Tayfield, b Melle 3 Saggers, nbt out -.. .. • • 5 Extras .. .. . • .. 16 Total for 8 wkts. (dec.) 465 Bowling: McCarthy, two for 113; Melle, five for 113; Tayfield, one for 103; Mann, none for 85; Begbie, none for 35.

SOUTH AFRICA First Dinings Eric Rowan, hot out .. .. 52 Nel, not out .. 21 Extras 4

Total for no wickets

Bowling: Lindwall, none for 36; W. Johnston, none for 13; Miller, none for 15; Loxton, none for 7; lan Johnson, none for 2.