TEST CRICKET

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 January 1939, Page 5

TEST CRICKET

ENGLAND V. SOUTH AFRICA

START DELAYED BY RAIN.

VISITORS MAKE BIG SCORE.

By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright. (Received This Day, 10 a.m.) CAPETOWN, January 2.

Rain delayed the start of the second cricket test between England and South Africa till 5.30 p.m. The attendance was small. ' The wicket, when uncovered, was true, but the outfield was slow after a night of rain. Hammond won the toss and elected to bat, England scoring 131 for two wicket at stumps.

Langton’s accurate length worried Hutton who succumbed to a break-back in Gordon’s first over. Paynter was beaten by Langton’s break and Gibb escaped' being run out when 25. The wicket was easy for the resumption of play today. Hammond was very unenterprising early and was dropped when he had scored 63. He took 209 minutes to reach the century and in all batted 336 minutes. His score included sixteen 4’s.

Ames was in fine form and punished all the bowlers. He gave a difficult chance when 26 but altogether gave a sparkling display. He batted 144 minutes and hit thirteen 4’s. Verity kept up his end while Valentine piled on the runs. He drove with great power reaching the century in 78 minutes. Details: — ENGLAND. First Innings. Hutton, b Gordon 11 Paynter, l.b.w. Langdon 1 Gibb, c Wade, b Gordon 58 Ames, b Gordon 115 Hammond, b Davies 181 Edrich, b Gordon 0 Valentine, l.b.w. Gordon 112 Verity, b Langton 29 Wright, not out 27 Fames, not out 1 Extras 12 Total for eight wickets 553 Bowling—Davies, 1 for 77, Langton, 2 for 111, Gordon 5 for 157, Balaskas 0 for 115, Mitchell, 0 for 81.