Frank Elworthy, who died in Johannesburg on March 15 at the age of 84, was one of the dwindling band who played first-class cricket in South Africa before the First World War. He made his debut for Transvaal in 1912-13 at the age of 19 and was a fairly regular member of the team until 1921-22, making one final appearance eight years later in 1929-30. A googly bowler, he was good enough to be selected for one of the unofficial Tests against the Australian Imperial Forces XI in 1919-20. His own favourite story, however, was that he was sent down to Durban in December 1920 specifically to `get' the famous Dave Nourse - who was at the height of his powers for Natal but reputed susceptible to spin - and did so first ball. In the second innings he bowled Herby Taylor, a notable double. This season of 1920-21 was his best and he took 19 wickets at 20 runs each.
The Cricketer