South Africa v Australia - Second Test, Day 5

The Australian mentality would ensure that they went for their final day target, which became 283 in a minimum of 85 overs after overnight rain led to a delayed start at St George's Park. With Mike Procter out of sorts, Bradman and Chappell began positively, both passing 50 as their partnership passed the hundred mark, but disaster struck with the total on 145-2.

Don Bradman, dropped at slip by the hapless Procter off Adcock in the previous over, was gloved by a viciously lifting delivery from Donald, and it was obvious in an instant that some severe damage had been done. The left glove came off and soon Bradman was off too, nursing a broken index finger that will force him to miss the remainder of the series.


Bradman had made 52, and although Chappell was still there, the victory charge was severely compromised, especially with Miller unable to bat. By lunch Australia were 157-2, effectively 157-4, and the South Africans chose this moment to move in for the kill. They were helped by the senseless run out of Border for 10, beaten by Goddard's throw to Tayfield when Chappell called for a badly judged second run, and when a mortified Chappell fell shortly after for 93, chipping Tayfield to the sure-handed Graeme Pollock, it was all over for Australia.

The tourists had been comfortably placed at 175-2 before Border's run out, but on a wearing wicket the innings folded alarmingly thereafter, and despite an hour's resistance from last pair Marsh (30) and Johnston (2*), the tourists were dismissed for 211, handing South Africa a 179 run victory and a 2-0 series lead.

It had been a dark day for Australia, their defeat compounded by the losses of Bradman and Miller to injury, and it may well be that we are witnessing the passing of the torch in the world of ATG Test cricket.

Close of Play, Day 5
SAF 1st Inns 437 (RG Pollock 195, Goddard 121, Waite 48; Davidson 6-100)
AUS 1st Inns 216 (Benaud 46, Davidson 40)
SAF 2nd Inns 169 (RG Pollock 43; Lillee 4-40)
AUS 2nd Inns 211 (Chappell 93, Bradman 52*)

SOUTH AFRICA WON BY 179 RUNS

Man of the Match: RG Pollock