SOUTH AFRICA v AUSTRALIA 1957-58

They thoroughly outplayed South Africa, making the most of the big advantage gained in winning the toss. The match ended dramatically with a hat-trick by Kline, the left-arm googly bowler. As a year ago on the same ground against England, South Africa had to bat second on a pitch which took increasing spin. South Africa were without Heine, their fast bowler, through injury and also omitted Nel and Smith. Van Ryneveld came in and captained the side and Fuller and Westcott were included. Australia were strengthened by the recovery of Harvey, who displaced Burge.

On a slow, easy pitch McDonald and Burke set out to wear down the South African attack. They succeeded handsomely. Although scoring only 47 in two hours before lunch, they were not parted until the stand was worth 190 in four hours twenty-three minutes. South Africa hit back with the new ball and captured two more wickets after tea, but they could not dislodge Burke, who batted all day for 114 out of 234 for three. Altogether he stayed nine hours thirty-eight minutes and made 189 which included fifteen 4's. Australia continued their steady progress and Mackay and Burke spent nearly four hours over a stand of 130. The later batsmen tried to hit, but rarely succeeded against accurate bowling and good fielding.

McGlew and Goddard easily played out the remaining sixty-five minutes and scored 46 without loss, but on the third day Australia took a complete grip on the game. They captured eleven wickets for 180 runs and South Africa, following on 240 behind, lost McGlew in the second innings without scoring. Special credit must go to Australia for they were without Meckiff, injured, and had Davidson lame for much of the time. As it happened spin was more effective than speed and Benaud and Kline caused the collapse. Benaud made good use of top spin and Kline exploited the googly successfully. Apart from the opening pair, only van Ryneveld and McLean offered much resistance for South Africa.

The match ended soon after lunch on the fourth day. South Africa, 17 for one overnight, lost their remaining wickets for 82 despite a gallant effort by Goddard, who carried his bat through the innings for 56. Westcott helped Goddard for a time, but after lunch eight wickets fell for 32. Benaud again caused most trouble until Kline brought a hasty finish by dismissing Fuller, Tayfield and Adcock with successive balls.