England draw with South Africa in cricket at Durban on the 10th day.

On March 14, 1939, cricket fans all over the world witnessed an exhilarating contest between England and South Africa at Durban. The match, which ended in a draw, displayed exceptional skill, fierce competition, and moments of brilliance from both sides. Let’s delve into the details of this memorable cricketing encounter from the past.

Durban was abuzz with excitement as England and South Africa took to the field for the highly anticipated match. The sun was shining, the pitch was prepared, and the players were ready to showcase their talent. Spectators flocked to Kingsmead Cricket Ground to witness what would turn out to be an enthralling contest.

England won the toss and elected to bat first, setting the stage for a challenging target for South Africa. Their openers, Walter Keeton and Charles Harris, got off to a solid start, laying a strong foundation. Keeton, in particular, played a fantastic innings, scoring a magnificent 157 runs before being dismissed. His partnership with Harris propelled England to a commanding position.

Despite their early success, England faced a fierce fightback from South Africa. The bowlers, led by Athol Rowan and Xenophon Balaskas, made crucial breakthroughs to halt England’s momentum. Rowan took four wickets, while Balaskas contributed with three wickets to restrict England to a total of 316 runs in their first innings.

In response, South Africa began their innings with determination and resilience. Their opening batsmen, Bruce Mitchell and Arthur Langton, provided a solid start, scoring 85 and 64 runs respectively. The middle order then built on this foundation, with Basheer Ally contributing an impressive knock of 68 runs. South Africa’s total reached 354 runs, giving them a slim lead of 38 runs.

As the match entered its final stages, England faced an uphill battle to turn the game in their favor. In their second innings, they found themselves struggling against the spin duo of Balaskas and Rowan, who wreaked havoc with their accurate and deceptive deliveries. England’s top order collapsed under pressure, leaving them in a precarious situation.

However, a remarkable partnership between Cyril Walters and Hedley Verity resurrected England’s hopes. Walters played a fighting innings of 109 runs, while Verity provided crucial support from the other end. Their stand of 163 runs helped England reach a total of 416 runs, setting South Africa a challenging target of 379 runs to win the match.

With little time left in the match, South Africa required a herculean effort to chase down the target. Mitchell and Langton once again provided a solid start, scoring 56 and 49 runs respectively. However, England’s bowlers showcased their skill and determination, not allowing South Africa to gain the upper hand. The match ultimately ended in a draw, with South Africa finishing on 224 runs for the loss of six wickets.

The match in Durban on March 14, 1939, was a testament to the spirit of cricket. Both England and South Africa displayed immense skill, tenacity, and sportsmanship throughout the contest. The match showcased some exceptional performances, with Walter Keeton’s century and Athol Rowan’s bowling brilliance standing out.

Cricket enthusiasts witnessed a thrilling battle between two competitive teams that left a lasting impression. The match will be remembered as a closely fought encounter, with both sides showcasing their talent and resilience. Although a draw may not have been the desired outcome, the game was a testament to the unpredictable and captivating nature of cricket.

the match between England and South Africa at Durban on March 14, 1939, provided spectators with a memorable display of cricketing excellence. The intense competition, outstanding individual performances, and the camaraderie exhibited by both teams made it a match to remember. Even though the result was a draw, the game itself was a testament to the beauty and excitement of cricket.