From first to last this was a match of slow batting on a pitch discouraging to stroke production. The tempo was set when, in contrast to his free play in the previous match, McGlew spent an hour gathering eighteen runs. Waite was even more subdued, and though Endean and Cheetham engaged in a big fifth-wicket stand neither batted with anything approaching sparkle. Endean occupied more than four hours and a half over his 116.

Sutcliffe introduced a brief spell of enterprise at the start of New Zealand's innings, but none of the other batsmen showed willingness to tackle boldly the accurate Tayfield and Murray. At one time New Zealand were in danger of following-on, but Miller retrieved the position. South Africa's attack was as well supported in the field as throughout the tour of Australia.

Three days passed before an innings apiece was completed, and on a still easy pitch South Africa gave obvious signs on the last day that they were not thinking in terms of victory. More painstaking batting took them to a lead of 332 before Cheetham declared with only an hour and a half left. Bad light brought a disappointing game to an early close.