GREAT BATTING

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20736, 21 February 1939, Page 8

GREAT BATTING

ENGLAND BEHIND 80UTH AFRICAN'S BCORE FOURTH TEST THRILLS (United Press Assn.— Elec. TeL Copyright) (Received Feb. 21. 12.30 p.m.) JOHANNESBURG, Feb. 20 The South African cricketers, in the fourth test match against the M.C.C. to-day, eclipsed the visitors' first innings score for the loss of only three wickets but lack of sufficient time may rob them of the chance to inflict defeat on the tourists. The first two tests were drawn and England won the third after South Africa had won the rubber on their last tour of England. When the fourth test was commenced England batted first and were all out for 215 runs, South Africa replying with 11 for no wickets at slumps. Good Opening Partnership There was no play to-day until after lunch owing to heavy rain, and the wicket was sodden when play was resumed. Melville and Van der Bijl were steadily aggressive as Verity and Wilkinson bowled many loose balls. The opening parlnership was worth 108 when Melville was caught in the slips from an outswinger and Van der Bijl was bowled immediately afterwards. Rowan and Mitchell were both misse.d early but they then attacked the bowling and the parlnership was worth 100 in 89 minutes. At stumps South Africa had scored 249 for the loss of three wickets. Details:— ENGLAND First Innings 215 SOUTH AFRICA First Innings Melville, c Verity, b Wilkinson . 67 Van der Bijl, b Goddard .. .. 31 Rowan, not out. 53 Mitchell, c Ames, b Fames .. 63 Nourse, not out 20 Extras 15 Total for three wickets . . 249 Bowling: Fames has taken one wicket for 41 runs. F.drich none for 11. Verity none for 71, Goddard one for 63. Wilkinson one for 45, Hammond none for 3.