Date-stamped : 11 Nov95 - 18:29 Zimbabwe v South Africa, Only TEST Harare, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 October 1995 ====> Prematch, 10 Oct 95 FIVE MAKE ZIM SENIOR SIDE - Ray Williams Five of the Zimbabwe A side currently touring South Africa were on Tuesday included in a squad of 14 for the first- ever Test between the two countries at the Harare Sports Club starting on Friday. The five, who were scheduled to fly home Tuesday night, are: Mark Dekker, Henry Olonga, Paul and Bryan Strang and Guy Whittall. The inclusion of the youthful, but extremely fiery Olonga in- dicates that the Zimbabweans want to step up their attack by more than a notch or two. Feeling in Harare is that Olonga is every bit as quick as South Africa`s `white lightning` Allan Donald and could turn out to be equally effective. "We haven`t had anybody as quick as Olonga since Geoff Griffen," said one local supporter. He apparently missed the irony of his statement. Griffen was no- balled out of Test cricket in 1960 for chucking and Olonga has already been called for the same misdemeanour. Be that as it may, the locals secretly believe that their un- derdogs have a better than even chance of causing yet another upset. And they are prepared to support them to the hilt. According to a Sports Club spokesman, despite the counter- attraction of Britain`s famous Red Arrows record crowds are ex- pected to attend over the weekend. "Up to 10 000 a day," he said, "and that`s big for us." The Zimbabwe squad is: Andy Flower (capt), Dave Houghton (vice-capt), David Brain, Alistair Campbell, Mark Dekker, Grant Flower, Charlie Lock, Henry Olonga, Sean Peall, Bryan Strang, Paul Strang, Heath Streak, Guy Whittall, Craig Wishart. Lock, who injured a finger at nets last week, has proved his fitness by claiming six wickets for an Invitation XI against Tasmania in Bulawayo. Source :: Sapa Contributed by Donald (eitan@rucus.ru.ac.za) ====> Prematch, more SA`S PACE ATTACK DON`T BOTHER ZIMBABWE - Ray Williams South Africa claim to have one of the best pace attacks in world cricket. It`s no idle boast. But Zimbabwe don`t appear to be ba- cking away. If the strip for the first-ever Test meeting between the two is anything like those presented to the tourists for their opening net session at the Harare Sports Club on Tuesday watch out! The fur is going to fly. Grounds consultant, Charles Wallace, however is a veteran turf doctor and he insists his philsophy is to prepare a wicket which proffers firm, even bounce. But virtually in the same breath he also revealed that when the youthful Zimbaweans recorded their historic triumph over Pakistan he had deliberately prepared a greentop for the encounter. And amazingly enough he did so even though he was unaware that Pakistan`s super-speedster Waqar Younis would not be playing. Younis` absence obviously helped contribute to his side`s downfall -- Zimbabwe managed to score well over 400 runs -- but from the outset Zimbabwe`s policy had been to fight fire with fire. It worked. "To be honest," admitted Wallace, "we didn`t ex- pect to score that many runs, but once our batsmen had given us the platform our bowlers did the rest." Whether or not the same ploy will work against the seam-laden South Africans however is open to debate. And while the wicket is currently green and softish Wallace pointed out that there was still plenty of rolling to be done. "As much as 15 hours," he added, "and come Thursday, you`ll see, the wicket will be gleaming like glass." Another vital factor, of course, is the sun and Harare is ex- periencing plenty of that at the moment. The tourists toiled in temperatures well into the 30`s on Tuesday and there is little sign of relief. For all that it was still a good limb-losing exercise, with "ham-strung" paceman Fanie de Villiers joining in with a cou- ple of useful, if not over-excessive, spells. To get away from the heat however coach Bob Woolmer is planning on full nets early morning followed by light or optional after- noon workouts through to Thursday. The Test starts Friday (10am) and will be umpired by England`s David Shepherd and local man Russell Tiffin. Source :: Sapa Contributed by Donald (eitan@rucus.ru.ac.za) ====> Prematch, more Cronje`s S Africa end wait for Zimbabwe Peter Deeley prepares to watch historic Test at Harare ground INTERNATIONAL cricket again breaks new ground here today when Zimbabwe entertain neighbours South Africa in the first Test between the countries. If there is such a thing as a local derby at this level, this meeting at Harare Sports Club provides a rare example, Hansie Cronje`s side taking the milk run for the two-hour flight from Johan- nesburg. With two one-day internationals squeezed into the itinerary for their short visit, South Africa do not return home until four days after England arrive in Johannesburg next Thursday. There had been criticism of South Africa`s failure to recognise the existence of their northern neighbours in the four years since the country`s return to the world game. While South Africa toured the world almost non-stop, Zimbabwe alone were left out in the cold, an omission which caused some misgivings here. Now the breach, intended or not, is being healed, with Zimbabwe playing their 14th Test and South Africa beginning another pro- tracted round of commitments. After the whirlwind pace of their comeback - 22 Tests and 73 one-day internationals - South Africa have been in virtual hiber- nation since defeating New Zealand in Auckland in February, a blessed break for their players, many of whom were exhibiting signs of mental fatigue. Cronje, at 28, is himself concerned at the mounting strain of year-round cricket. He only returned from Leicestershire a month ago, as did Allan Donald from Warwickshire and Darryl Cullinan from Derbyshire. South Africa`s English coach, Bob Woolmer, has had the remainder of the players under contract to the United Cricket Board at periodic training and motivational camps since July. "We could have the best quick attack in the world" Woolmer brings a 16-man party to Zimbabwe, of whom three players unfamiliar to English cricket followers are Nick Boje, a left-arm spinner from Orange Free State, Rudolf Steyn, Natal`s new opening batsman, and left-arm fast bowler Brett Schultz. Steyn may well play here, opening with Gary Kirsten instead of Andrew Hudson, who has been out of form. Fanie de Villiers is just recovering from injury and Schultz takes the new ball with Donald. The return of Schultz, 25, marks a remarkable recovery from knee injuries which once seemed certain to rule him out of cricket for ever. He played five Tests, then had to return home from Sri Lan- ka two years ago for multiple operations. He still carries a little too much weight around the middle and back and his knees have to withstand considerable stress in the delivery action. Woolmer concedes it is possible Schultz could break down again. "But if he can withstand the physical challenge, I think it is likely that with him, Donald and de Villiers we could have the best quick attack in the world." Zimbabwe have won only one of the 14 Tests to date, losing six, and their team of largely part-timers, led by Andrew Flower, will certainly be the outsiders. Heath Streak, from Hampshire, is likely to share the new ball with Henry Olonga, 19, the one black player on either side. Source :: The Electronic Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk) Contributed by The Management (help@cricinfo.com) ====> Prematch, 12 Oct 95 Zimbabwe are planning to build on the greatest performance of their brief test history when they face South Africa in a one-off test starting on Friday. The home side`s crushing innings and 64-run victory over Pakistan in January represented their coming of age in test cricket and skipper Andy Flower is determined to maintain that momentum. ``That win gave us the belief that we could beat anyone,`` said captain Andy Flower. ``We have no rea- son to fear South Africa.`` The test has attracted more interest than any cricket match since the country`s independence from Britain in 1980 and Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU) chief executive Don Arnott is expecting all crowd records to be broken. ``We had close to 3,000 on the day we beat Pakistan and our biggest one-day crowd was the 7,000 that saw South Africa play here as a warm-up on their way to the 1992 World Cup. ``We expect at least 5,000 over the weekend of the test and between 10,000 and 12,000 for the two one-dayers the following weekend.`` Few players on either side were around when Rhodesia competed in South Africa`s domestic Currie Cup competition, but the feeling amongst local supporters is that the time has finally come for David to slay Goliath. ``We`re in our usual position as under- dogs,`` says Flower. the pressure of expectation from our biggest-ever crowd. We won`t need more motivation than that. It`s a one-off test and anything can happen.`` Coach Bob Woolmer has defended South Africa`s decision to begin an arduous international season, which includes five tests against England, with a test against such motivated and doughty opponents. before our domestic season has even begun but that is the way I wanted it. I asked for it. The England series will be fierce and I can`t think of a better way to prepare than a with dog-fight in Harare.`` The contest is likely to be decided by the manner in which the home team`s batting line-up stand up to the firepower of the four fast bowlers from the south. Zimbabwe`s batsman will be helped by another typical Harare Sports Club pitch which so emasculates pace bowling that it has produced two of the five slowest test centuries in its short life as an international venue. But South Africa have an enviable new ball attack comprising Al- lan Donald and left-armer Brett Schultz, who returns to test cricket after a traumatic 26 months in which he has had both troublesome knees endlessly operated upon. Schultz played his last three tests in Sri Lanka where he took 20 wickets at a cost of 16 and was rated by local batsmen as comfortably quicker than Donald. Zimbabwe (from): Mark Dekker, Grant Flower, Alistair Campbell, Dave Houghton, Andy Flower (captain), Guy Whitall, Craig Wishart, Heath Streak, Henry Olonga, Bryan Strang, Paul Strang, David Brain, Charlie Lock, Stephen Peall. South Africa (from): Gary Kirsten, Andrew Hudson, Daryll Cul- linan, Hansie Cronje (captain), Jonty Rhodes, Brian McMillan, Dave Richardson, Pat Symcox, Craig Matthews, Allan Donald, Brett Schultz, Rudolph Steyn, Gerhardus Liebenberg. Contributed by vasa (vasanthan.dasan@central.sun.com) ====> Day 1, Squads Steyn omitted from SA X1 to play Zimbabwe - Ray Williams As expected, 28-year-old opening batsman, Rudolf Steyn, was omitted when South Africa named their final X1 for their one- off cricket Test against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club on Friday. With the tourists sticking to their declared game play of playing an extra bowler the unlucky Steyn had to make way for fellow Na- talian Andrew Hudson. Steyn will be 12th man. Also on the bench are Adrian Kuiper, Gerhardus Liebenberg, Nicky Boje and Fanie de Villiers all of whom will play in at least one one-day international. The team: Gary Kirsten, Andrew Hudson, Hansie Cronje (capt.), Daryll Cullinan, Jonty Rhodes, Brian McMillan, Dave Richard- son, Pat Symcox, Craig Matthews, Allan Donald, Brett Schultz. 12th man: Rudolf Steyn. Umpires: D Shepherd (Eng) and R Tiffin (Zim). 3rd: I Robinson (Zim). Match referee: B Jarman (Aus). Source :: Sapa Contributed by Donald (eitan@rucus.ru.ac.za) ====> Day 1, 13 Oct 95, Lunch Brett`s back in business - Ray Williams South African pace bowler Brett Schultz made a sensa- tional re- turn to Test cricket at the Harare Sports Club on Fri- day. With Schultz in full cry, Zimbabwe were reduced to a struggling 56 for four in their first innings at lunch on the opening day of the one-off Test. The Eastern Province paceman`s contribution to the wreckage was an astonishing 3/14 off 10 overs. But it was his newball partner, Allan Donald, who started the landslide when he had Mark Dekker caught at third slip by Andrew Hudson for one off the last ball of his second over. At one down for just three runs, Zimbabwe skipper Andy Flower, who won the toss and elected to bat, must have been hav- ing second thoughts over the wisdom of his decision. At 23/4, he must have been having nightmares. Rested after only three overs (0/3) from the town end, Schultz took over from Donald from the clubhouse side and struck with his second delivery. An inside edge had Flower (played on) back in the hut for seven, but it was Dave Houghton`s dismissal which really sig- nalled that the Schultz of old was back in business. Having just been nicked for a lucky four previous ball, the 25-year-old charged down the wicket and in no uncertain terms told Houghton were to go. His actions brought reaction from both umpires -- David Shepherd and Russell Tiffin -- but the dual dressing down failed to dampen Schultz`s fervour. Another inside edge -- the ball nicked through to wicket- keeper Dave Richardson`s gloves -- brought Schultz his third victim, Alistair Campbell for nought. Opener Grant Flower, who laboured for over an hour for five runs, finally found a partner of some note in Guy Whittall and these two had added 33 runs for the fifth wicket at the break. Flower was unbeaten on 19, Whittall on 16. Source :: Sapa Contributed by Donald (eitan@rucus.ru.ac.za) ====> Day 1, Tea A career Test best 53 runs by 21-year-old Zimbabwean allrounder Heath Streak enabled his side to score a first innings 170 on the opening day of their one-off cricket Test against South Afri- ca at the Harare Sports Club on Friday. Until Streak came onto the scene, the home side, who had won the toss and elected bat, were in danger of being bundled out for an all-time Test low. But thanks to Streak -- and a record 10th wicket partner- ship of 48 with Charlie Lock -- Zimbabwe were able to com- fort- ably surpass the 134 they recorded against Pakistan at Rawal- pindi two years ago. Had Daryll Cullinan held onto a simple first slip catch when Streak had 15 however, 134 might not have been attain- able. Fresh from a season with Hampshire, Streak, whose pre- vious Test best was an unbeaten 30, went on to crack eight fours and a six in his 91 minutes at the crease. The only other reasonable contributions to the home team`s uphill struggle were 24 by Grant Flower, 29 from Guy Whit- tal and another 24 from new cap Craig Wishart. The rest all crumbled in the face of a fiery onslaught from SA`s newball pairing of Allan Donald (3/43) and Brett Schultz (4/54). Operating in shifts, the tourists` "terrible twins" had Zim- babwe in all sorts of trouble at 56 for four at lunch. At that stage, Donald had taken 1/22 and Schultz 3/14. They grabbed another one apiece straight after the break and with Craig Matthews and Pat Symcox doing the mopping up, Zimbabwe were reduced to 128/9. That brought Streak and Lock together and the delayed tea break was stretched by 23 minutes by a valiant last-ditch stand. There`s no doubt however, that day one belonged to 25-year- old Schultz, who shrugged off two years of inactivity to haul in 4/54 off 21 overs. Donald`s return was 3/43 off 17.1 overs. A supreme effort by both on a track which most be- lieved would favour the batsmen. Zimbabwe captain Andy Flower must certainly have thought so. He won the toss and elected to bat -- a decision he must have rued as early on as the third over when Donald sent Mark Dekker packing with a snorter fended off straight into third slip Andrew Hudson`s hands. At 1/3 the heat was already on. And there was worse to come. Schultz, who had been rested after only three overs from the town end, was switched to the clubhouse end with devas- tating effect. His second delivery had Andy Flower back in the hut, and a few overs later Dave Houghton (5) had succumbed. And when Alistair Campbell (0) was snaffled up by wicketkeeper Dave Richard- son, the innings had teetered along to 23/4. Schultz`s reward was 3/11 off seven incredible overs. Back at his belligerent, bullying best, Schultz also incurred the wrath of umpires David Shepherd and Russell Tiffin when he gave Houghton a rather high-profile send-off. Whether or not he will be censured however, will be up to match referee Barry Jarman. Neither Shepherd nor Tiffin had apparently lodged any complaint. Source :: Sapa Contributed by Donald (eitan@rucus.ru.ac.za) ====> Day 1, more Streak rescues Zimbabwe on first day of test - Ray Williams A career Test best of 53 by 21-year-old Zimbabwe allrounder Heath Streak enabled his side to score a first innings 170 on the opening day of their one-off cricket Test against South Afri- ca at the Harare Sports Club on Friday. And that wasn`t the end of hot-streak Heath either. To round off a perfect personal day, he claimed two of the three South Afri- can wickets to fall as the tourists stop-started their way to 74 for the loss of three wickets at the close Heath`s victims were Gary Kirsten (1) and Hansie Cronje (5). Kirsten was a trifle unlucky to be adjudged leg be- fore, but there was no doubting the slip catch which got rid of Cronje. Daryll Cullinan (11) played a lazy, half-hearted cut to make life awkward for his side on 59/3. But night watchman Craig Matthews and Andrew Hudson managed to see out the remaining six and a bit overs to the close. With his Test spot under siege, Hudson struck 5x4s and two sixes in his unreaten 45 and is well on course to his 11th Test half century from 21 matches. Still needing 96 runs to wipe out the first innings deficit, however, the tourists have a long way to go and a wicket which was supposed to have been batsmen-friendly has already yielded 13 wickets for 244 runs. Until Streak came onto the scene the home side, who had won the toss and elected to bat, were in danger of being bun- dled out for an all-time Test low. But thanks to Streak -- and a record 10th wicket partner- ship of 48 with Charlie Lock -- Zimbabwe were able to com- fort- ably surpass the 134 they recorded against Pakistan at Rawal- pindi two years ago. Had Daryll Cullinan held onto a simple first slip catch when Streak had 15, however, 134 might not have been at- tainable. Fresh from a season with Hampshire Streak, whose pre- vious Test best was an unbeaten 30, went on to crack 8x4s and a six in his 91 minutes at the crease. Only other reasonable contributions to the home team`s uphill struggle were 24 by Grant Flower, 29 from Guy Whittal and another 24 from new cap Craig Wishart. The rest all crumbled in the face of a fiery onslaught from SA`s new-ball pairing of Allan Donald (3/43) and Brett Schultz (4/54). Operating in shifts the tourists` "terrible twins" had Zimbabe in all sorts of trouble at 56 for four wickets at lunch. At that stage Donald had taken 1/22, Schultz 3/14. They grabbed another one apiece straight after the break, and with Craig Matthews and Pat Symcox doing the mopping up, Zimbabwe were reduced to 128/9. That brought Streak and Lock together and the delayed tea break was stretched by 23 minutes by a valiant last-ditch stand. There`s no doubt, however, that day one belonged to 25-year- old Schultz, who shrugged off two years of inactivity to haul in 4/54 off 21 overs. Donald`s return was 3/43 off 17,1 overs. A supreme effort by both on a track which most be- lieved would favour the batsmen. Zimbabwe captain Andy Flower must certainly have thought so. He won the toss and elected to bat...a decision he must have rued as early as the third over when Donald sent Mark Dekker packing with a snorter fended off straight into third slip Andrew Hudson`s hands. At 1/3 the heat was already on. And there was worse to come. Schultz, who had been rested after only three overs from the town end, was switched to the clubhouse end with devas- tating effect. His second delivery had Andy Flower back in the hut, and a few overs later Dave Houghton (5) had succumbed. When Alis- tair Campbell (0) was snaffled up by `keeper Dave Richardson, the in- nings had teetered along to 23/4. Schultz`s reward was 3/11 off seven incredible overs. Back at his belligerent, bullying best, Schultz also incurred the wrath of both umpires, David Shepherd and Russell Tiffin, when he gave Houghton a rather high-profile send-off. Neither, however, lodged a complaint and it was up to match re- feree Barry Jarman whether or not to take the matter any further. After consultation with Schultz and SA team manager Musthufa Khan, however, Jarman decided to let the player off with a stern warning. Schultz apparently also apologised profusely for his actions. Source :: Sapa Contributed by Donald (eitan@rucus.ru.ac.za) ====> Day 1, more Hot Streak keeps Zim in test - Ray Williams After an explosive opening day`s play Friday South Africa -- 74 for 3 wickets in reply to Zimbabwe`s first innings 170 -- need just 96 to level scores in their one-off cricket Test at the Harare Sports Club. With seven wickets in hand and opening bat Andrew Hud- son back to his fluent best they are poised to strike up a handy lead. But they`re not there yet. A pitch everybody predicted would be batting-friendly has al- ready yielded 13 wickets at a cost of only 244 runs so it could still be a tight race. "I would have preferred to have been 74/1," said SA skipper Hansie Cronje in an oblique reference to his own and Daryll Cullinan`s somewhat soft dismissals. Third man down, Gary Kirsten, was unfortunate to get on the wrong side of a close leg before call. Cronje was, however, "very happy" with his side`s bowling and fielding performance. Unfortunately the only fish they let off the hook -- Heath Streak -- turned out to be the big one. Streak had 15 when he was dropped -- Zimbabwe were 119/7 at the time -- and went on to post a Test best of 53. His previous high was an unbeaten 30. He and Charlie Lock also notched up a record Zimbabwe- an 10th wicket partnership of 42 to not only delay the tea break by 23 minutes but also push their total from 128/9 to 170. At the wicket for 91 minutes, Streak struck 8x4s and a six in a 66-ball innings which relegated his top order to the hall of shame. Full marks to pacemen Brett Schultz (4/54) and Allan Donald (3/43) for blasting their opponents aside, but in some cases submission was too timid to be true. Belligerent "bully" Schultz was allowed to have a field day. To reel in four Test wickets after a two-year injury- enforced break was a remarkable effort. And the "bear" hasn`t lost his grizzle. The send-off he gave Dave Houghton earned him some sharp re- buffs from both umpires -- David Shepherd and Russell Tiffin. They didn`t take the matter any further and match re- feree Bar- ry Jarman thought a severe reprimand would suffice. Schultz was lucky a stiffer penalty didn`t come his way. "I was nervous, tensed up," he smiled. "After a long lay-off like I`ve had, when you pick up a Test wicket it`s not easy to contain yourself." There`s no doubt Schultz is going be a thorn in England`s side this summer and he is also likely to be the bain of many an umpire`s life as well. Schultz and a silky-smooth, but equally deadly Donald are a tru- ly formidable twosome. With Fanie de Villiers on the mend and Craig Matthews (2/30) and Brian McMillan still displaying all of their known at- tributes the SA ball is in very good hands. Thus far, battingwise there has not been much to shout about ex- cept Hudson`s superb unbeaten 45. Under heavy pressure to retain his place, Hudson answered his critics by striking 5x4s and two beautifully timed sixes off only 82 deliveries. "Hudders" is just five short of his 11th Test 50, but it would now be fitting if he could move on to his third Test ton. That`s the sort of knock his side needs from him and confidence restored, he can do it. Source :: Sapa Contributed by Donald (eitan@rucus.ru.ac.za) ====> Day 1, more Zimbabwe shaken up by Schultz aggression - Peter Deeley First day of five: South Africa (74-3) trail Zimbabwe (170) by 96 runs SOUTH AFRICA`S Brett Schultz marked a return to Test cricket after two years with a fiery performance at Harare Sports Club yesterday, both in terms of fast-bowling and temperament, which augurs trouble for England - and officialdom - in the coming months. Schultz proved his renewed fitness by sending down 21 overs in blistering heat, collecting four wickets - and earning a rebuke from the Australian match referee, Barry Jarman. His hot-headedness showed itself in a series of confrontations with the Zimbabwe batsmen and took some of the shine off an out- standing performance in the field by the South Africans. Yet in terms of all-round endeavour Heath Streak, recently retur- ned from Hampshire, probably earned the day`s accolade. Coming in when Zimbabwe were a miserable 84 for seven, Streak hit a powerful fifty in 54 balls, including eight boundaries and a six. Last out for 53, he then took the new ball and removed two South African batsmen in the space of five overs. By the close of the opening day of this first-ever Test between the neighbours, 13 wickets had gone down on what had predicted to be a flat pitch. Equally surprisingly, South Africa were by no means in the seat of authority. Only an undefeated 45 by Andrew Hudson has given them the edge at 74 for three, still 96 behind Zimbabwe`s 170. Schultz, 25, came into the game with a summons hanging over his head for an alleged assault in a Port Elizabeth nightclub. He replaced Fanie de Villiers, who was just getting over an inju- ry, but the main purpose in playing him alongside Allan Donald was to see how the knees would stand up to the strain of five-day cricket with a long series against England to come. The career of the blond-haired Schultz was thought to be at an end when he went home in 1993 after taking 20 wickets in three Tests in Sri Lanka, plagued with knee trouble. Many operations later, South Africa are hoping that the Donald- Schultz combination, backed by de Villiers, will be the key to winning the England series, and this was a first crucial trial. Donald made the breakthrough in the third over, turning Mark Dekker square on with a rearing ball which flew off the shoulder of the bat to slip. Then Schultz stepped in, and in five overs his raw pace, allied to the angle of his left-arm delivery, virtually destroyed Zimbabwe`s top order. Andy Flower dragged Schultz on, and David Houghton edged the bowler over the slips for four. Schultz went down the pitch and gave Houghton the benefit of his wisdom from close range and, when the next delivery was edged to wicketkeeper David Richard- son, Schultz gave the departing batsman more words and a wild clenched-fist salute. That earned a talking-to from local umpire Russell Tiffin and England`s David Shepherd, and as the day`s heat got to him Schultz received more fatherly advice from the officials, after one agonised leg-before appeal went against him. Jarman later talked with the bowler and his team manager, and is- sued an unofficial warning, but said he would take the matter no further after Schultz had "apologised profusely". Frankly, he was lucky to get off so lightly. Other players have received harsher punishments for less. Grant Flower ground out an arduous 24 in 146 minutes, but it was left to Streak with Charles Lock, at No 11 on his debut, to lift Zimbabwe beyond their previous lowest Test total of 134. Then Streak claimed Gary Kirsten`s wicket with his 10th delivery and induced a false drive from South Africa`s captain Hansie Cronje in an opening spell of two for 17. Near the close, Lock earned his first Test scalp when Daryll Cullinan miscued a drive low to point. Source :: The Electronic Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk) Contributed by The Management (help@cricinfo.com) ====> Day 2, 14 Oct 95, Lunch Hudson takes charge of test - Ray Williams Opening batsman Andrew Hudson scored an unbeaten 106 runs to take South Africa into a two-run first innings lead over Zimbabwe at lunch on the second day of their one-off cricket Test at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday. It was Hudson`s third Test century and enabled the tourists -- 70 for three overnight -- to go to the break on 172/5. Zimbabwe had managed only 170 in their first innings. Hudson, playing in his 20th Test, struck 15 fours and two sixes in his 100, which came off 149 deliveries. All in all, the 30-year-old Natalian has been at the wicket for 230 minutes and has gone a long way towards sealing his place in the side. With his Test spot under siege from young guns Gerhardus Liebenberg and Rudolf Steyn -- not to mention John Com- mins -- Hudson went into the match under intense pressure. He knew it, but didn`t show it. On 45 not out overnight, he wasted no time in moving to his 50 off 102 balls and from then on his Test ton was a for- mality more than anything else. Hudson`s next target must now be his all-time Test high of 163, recorded on debut against the West Indies in Barba- dos three summers back. As it is, he will be happy to have broken a drought which saw him collect a total of 122 runs from his last 10 Test innings ... and that included a 64 -- at No 3 -- against New Zealand last time out. Hudson apart, the SA batsmen have all struggled to get going against a mediocre attack. They lost overnight watchman Craig Matthews (10) in the seventh over of the morning and Jonty Rhodes (15) 12 overs later. Rhodes, who hit two fours and a six, did however, stay at the wicket long enough (50 minutes) to put on 60 runs for the fifth wicket with Hudson. Source :: Sapa Contributed by Donald (eitan@rucus.ru.ac.za) ====> Day 2, Tea Hudson gives tourists the lead - Ray Williams A superb 135 by opening batsman Andrew Hudson steered South Africa to a first innings lead of 99 runs over Zimbabwe at tea on the second day of their one-off cricket Test at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday. At 269/8 in reply to Zimbabwe`s 170 the tourists were relying heavily on Brian McMillan (54 not out) to try and stretch their lead. But with the second new ball having already seen off both Dave Richardson and Pat Symcox realistically they didn`t have too many runs left in the bank. Hudson`s ton -- his third from 20 Tests -- couldn`t have been more timely...for himself and for his side. With his position in the squad under siege from young guns Gerhardus Liebenberg and Rudolf Steyn -- and John Commins -- Hud- son went into this Test knowing that his life was on the line. Another failure and he was history. By his admission his career has been in a spiral and it`s all been downwards. His last 10 Test knocks, in fact, had yielded only 122 runs and 64 of those had come as a No 3 in the Centenary Test in New Zea- land last time out. "I knew I had to perform, but I didn`t let the pres- sure get to me. I tried to go into a `bubble` where you concen- trate only on the next ball and nothing else." Whatever the method, it worked. At the crease for 313 minutes his chanceless innings included 18x4s and 2x6s and was scored off 236 balls. The importance of Hudson`s super solo was underlined by the fact that when dismissed -- on 246 -- he had contributed more than half of his side`s total. Most of the other SA batsmen struggled, but Hudson eventually found a useful "assistant" in allrounder Brian McMil- lan. Dropped when he had one, McMillan went on to record his 7th Test half century (6x4s 1x6) off 99 balls. His sixth-wicket partnership of 101 with Hudson also represent- ed a new record against Zimbabwe. Indian and Pakistani pairing shared the previous mark of 96. Source :: Sapa Contributed by Donald (eitan@rucus.ru.ac.za) ====> Day 2, more Commanding lead for South Africa - Ray Williams Andrew Hudson (135) and Brian McMillan (98) needed only a few bits and pieces from their team-mates to bat South Africa through to a commanding 176-run first innings lead over Zim- babwe in their one-off cricket Test at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday. With just two days` play completed the home side, 13 without loss at the close, are going to need a herculean effort from their men second time round to save, let alone win, this one. At the moment they are still 163 runs short of their first objective...staving off an innings defeat. Their bowlers toiled tirelessly on Saturday, left-arm seamer Bryan Strang recording a career best 5-101. It wasn`t enough. Hudson, 45 not out overnight, took charge of the first session -- and a fair slice of the second -- to post his third century in Test cricket. When he departed, McMillan eased into the driver`s seat to paste the energy-sapped attack all over the park. Dropped when he had one, Big Mac never put another foot wrong and was desperately unlucky to run out of partners when only two short of what would have been a richly deserved second Test century. Instead he had to be satisfied with a record sixth- wicket all-time partnership against Zimbabwe of 101 with Hudson. Perhaps even more astonishing --and also an all-time record against Zimbabwe -- was his ninth-wicket 79 shared with Allan Donald. Donald`s 33 was his best ever. But neither could hope to overshadow Hudson`s super show. By his own admission the 30-year old Natalian has been hav- ing a wretched trot. "I was in a spiral," he said, "and the spiral was all downwards. I let the pressure get to me in England...I lost all confi- dence." A total of 121 runs from 10 Test innings, including a 64 at No 3 in the Centenary Test in New Zealand, was the form he toted to Harare. And with players like Gerhardus Liebenberg, Rudi Steyn and John Commins knocking on the door, he knew his life was on the line. "But I had to put all that out of mind," he said. "I took coach Bob Woolmer`s advice and got my mind in a bubble. The idea is to ignore everything else and concentrate on each delivery in- dividually. "I`m happy to say it worked for me. But I also put in a lot of work in the off-season and that might be the answer." At the crease for 313 minutes he ended up with 18x4s and 2x6s to his credit. Source :: Sapa Contributed by Donald (eitan@rucus.ru.ac.za) ====> Day 2, 14 Oct 95 Hudson century gives South Africa upper hand Opener Andrew Hudson hammered a century of mounting authority to give South Africa the upper hand in their one-off test against Zimbabwe on Saturday. Hudson's 135, his third test century, powered South Africa from their overnight 74 for three to 346 all out -- a first innings lead of 176. Zimbabwe were 13 without loss in their second innings at the close on the second day. Hudson, 45 overnight, reached three figures from 150 balls -- his second 50 came off just 47 deliveries -- in an aggressive display of shot-making. Tiredness overcame Hudson eventually when a Bryan Strang yorker sneaked under his bat to bowl him. He spent 310 minutes under a blazing sun, facing 236 deliveries and striking 18 fours and two sixes. Hudson added 101 for the fifth wicket with all-rounder Brian McMillan, who completed a measured half-century from 97 deliveries. Although McMillan's innings had started with a massive six off Bryan Strang, it slowed to a steady accumulation rather than a further stream of boundaries until he was joined by number 10 Allan Donald. McMillan then raced to 96 before Donald, who lashed five boundaries in his test-best score of 33, was bowled by a Brian Strang slower ball. Last man Brett Schultz was unable to survive long enough to see McMillan to his hundred, falling leg before to Strang, and the all-rounder was left on 98 from 172 balls with 11 fours and a six. Brian Strang finished with five for 101, having taken his first two wickets in the morning session. He removed nightwatchman Craig Matthews for 10, slanting a full length delivery across the right hander to gain an edge into the gully. Jonty Rhodes (15) then pushed, dabbed and fidgeted with all his usual jauntiness until his innings also exploded into life with a huge straight six off a Bryan Strang slower ball. But Strang had the final word when another slanting delivery found the outside edge and Andy Flower held a simple catch behind the stumps. Zimbabwe's 32-year-old debutant seamer Charlie Lock picked up two more wickets to end with three for 68. Wicketkeeper Dave Richardson (13) pulled a Lock short ball straight to long-leg and off-spinner Pat Symcox edged an away swinger to second slip where the oldest man on the field, 38-year-old Dave Houghton, held an extraordinary one-handed catch diving full length to his right. When Zimbabwe launched their second innings late in the final session, Mark Dekker (2) and Grant Flower (5) survived eight overs of unbridled hostility from Donald and Schultz. Source :: Reuter Contributed by Syed.Ali (sma@dcs.ed.ac.uk) ====> Day 2, more Hudson makes sure of place - Peter Deeley Second day of five: Zimbabwe (170 & 13-1) trail South Africa (346) by 163 runs ANDREW HUDSON made sure of his opener`s place for the first Test against England in Pretoria next month with his third hundred for South Africa as they eased into a commanding position on the second day of this game. Hudson was close to being replaced for this first-ever Test between these neighbours and admitted after his five-hour stay with temperatures in the 90s that he had "felt on trial". Going back to the series in England last year, Hudson had scored only 121 runs in 10 innings and was twice dropped from his posi- tion at the top of the order. More than half of those runs had come in one innings in New Zealand in February - South Africa`s last Test before this match. Hudson, who bears a striking facial resemblance to Prince Charles, explained his turnaround in form by saying: "I stopped concentrating on concentrating." With Brian McMillan, Hudson put on 101 runs in two hours for the sixth wicket to ensure a first-innings lead of 176 for South Africa. He did not give a chance and hit 15 boundaries as well as two sixes. South Africa`s dominance is likely to prove too much for the part-timers who finished the day on 13 for none. McMillan should have been caught on one at slip off the Zimbabwe leg-spinner, Paul Strang, but took advantage of a tiring attack to help himself to an unbeaten 98 - the third time he has fin- ished in the 90s in Tests - breaking one bat in the process. Allan Donald`s highest Test score of 33 helped McMillan add 79 for the ninth wicket and the all-rounder was four short of his century when last man Brett Schultz came to the crease. But the fast bowler quickly fell lbw to the medium pace of left- armer Bryan Strang who finished with Test-best figures of five for 101. Source :: The Electronic Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk) Contributed by The Management (help@*ogi.edu) ====> Day 3, 15 Oct 95, Tea Zimbabwe captain Andy Flower threw his team a 33-run lifeline as they continued to struggle for survival in their one-off cricket Test against South Africa at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday. The home side, facing a 176-run first innings deficit, went to tea on the third day on 151/4. With wickets tumbling at regular intervals, the visi- tors` pacemen again held sway. Allan Donald sent both Grant Flower (5) and Dave Houghton packing while Brett Schultz and Bri- an McMillan collected the scalps of Mark Dekker (24) and Alistair Campbell (28) respectively. At 102/4 an innings defeat for the home side was still a distinct possibility, but Andy Flower and Guy Whittall (18) kept their cool and were just one run short of a 50 partnership at the break. Source :: Sapa Contributed by Donald (eitan@rucus.ru.ac.za) ====> Day 3, 15 Oct 95 Dekker and Campbell hold up South Africans Fiercely determined batting by Zimbabwean left-handers Alistair Campbell and Mark Dekker frustrated South Africa's four-pronged pace attack in the one-off test on Sunday. They batted for almost an hour and a half on the third morning before Campbell perished five minutes before lunch. Zimababwe, having resumed at 13 for no wicket needing a further 163 runs to avoid an innings defeat, lost opener Grant Flower without addition to the overnight score. Allan Donald found an outside edge and Brian McMillan took the catch at second slip. Campbell's dismissal was a huge blow to Zimbabwe's hopes of saving the game. Having hooked, pulled and ducked with great success in his 79-ball innings, Campbell eventually chose the wrong short ball to attack and spooned a straightforward catch to long-leg off McMillan. He made 28. Dekker mostly evaded the short ball with impressive agility. When he was unable to duck in time he took the ball on the body without so much as a flinch. He was 24 not out at lunch. Source :: Reuter Contributed by Syed.Ali (sma@dcs.ed.ac.uk) ====> Day 3, more Defiant Zimbabwe totter against Donald`s pace - Peter Deeley Third day of five: Zimbawe (170 & 272-8) lead South Africa (346) by 96 runs FORTIFIED by South Africa`s new energy source - jelly beans - Al- lan Donald has taken his side to the brink of victory in history`s first inter-African Test. A 97-run partnership at Harare Sports Club between Zimbabwe`s captain Andy Flower and Guy Whittal for the sixth wicket thwarted the visiting attack for 150 minutes through the heat of yesterday afternoon. Then at the final drinks break Donald swallowed several of the sweets, which provide instant `power` to the body and in the space of six overs with the new ball took four wickets for eight runs. It should have been five, but Craig Matthews dropped the easiest of skiers off Bryan Strang who, with his brother Paul, built a ninth- wicket stand to 41 to extend Zimbabwe`s overall lead to 96. It was a creditable fight back by the home side, composed largely of part-timers, when soon after lunch they were 102 for four and still needing 74 to save an innings defeat. After a spineless first innings performance Zimbabwe`s batsmen applied themselves with determination this time, and Flower stayed for more than three hours before gloving a short ball from Donald to David Richardson behind the stumps. The spirited manner of the team`s resistance partly atoned for the financial embarrassment caused to the Zimbabwe Cricket Union when the South Africans moved out of their hotel before the game, complaining that they were virtually living in a building site because of renovation work. The hotel chain sponsoring this game had provided rooms free, but now the ZCU as host country must foot a bill of about #13,000 for accommodation in another hotel. In the interests of neighbourly harmony, officials from both countries have sought to portray the issue as one of little consequence. Zimbabwe will still make about #70,000 from the South African visit, but as probably the poorest, as well as the youngest of the full ICC member nations, it can ill afford the consequences of this action. Donald now has nine wickets in the game and Brett Schultz five. Both caused concern when they were limping momentarily after los- ing their footholds, but the duo seemed keyed up and hungry for success, with England`s visit only just around the corner. Schultz was naturally the butt of the home crowd after his second reprimand in the sixth Test he has played. What with the heat and the plentiful supplies of local beer among spectators, he was teased and jeered unmercifully, but took everything in good heart. He says of the incident on the first day here that it was "all a misunderstanding". The clenched fist salute he gave the departing David Houghton was "the result of the importance of the moment for me. It was my first time back and I was very wound up. But I didn`t say anything to him". Source :: The Electronic Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk) Contributed by The Management (help@*ogi.edu) ====> Day 4, 16 Oct 95, Lunch South Africa, needing only 108 runs for victory, made heavy weather of wrapping up the one-off Test against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club on Monday. Forced to field a reshuffled batting order -- Daryll Cullinan is nursing a bruised finger -- the tourists lost Gary Kirsten (13), Andrew Hudson (4) and Jonty Rhodes (6) to go in to lunch on 51 for the loss of three wickets. Still 57 runs short of their target, the South Afri- cans could have been even worse off if Mark Dekker, at second slip, had held onto a simple catch proffered by Hansie Cronje when the batsman had 14. Cronje was not out on 23 at the break. South African strike bowler Allan Donald needed just 12 balls to wrap up the Zimbabwe second innings on Monday morn- ing. Donald, who turns 29 on Friday, got rid of Paul Strang (37) with the third ball of his first over and Charlie Lock (0) with the last ball of his second. "White Lightning" Donald`s innings return of 8/71 was a career Test best, eclipsing his 7/84 against India in Port El- izabeth in December `92. His match haul of 11/114, however, fell just short of his 12/139 in the selfsame Test against the Indians. Close to matching Hugh Tayfield`s SA all-time best of 9/113, Donald was denied a fullhouse by fellow seamers Brian McMil- lan and Brett Schultz, who took one apiece. For the hapless home side, the Strang brothers` stand of 48 in 40 minutes constituted a ninth-wicket record. Source :: Sapa Contributed by Donald (eitan@rucus.ru.ac.za) ====> Day 4, more Donald the destroyer does the damage - Ray Williams A career best of eight for 71 by 28-year-old speedster Allan Donald swept South Africa through to a seven-wicket win over Zimbabwe in their one-off cricket Test at the Harare Sports Club on Monday. The tourists, who scored 346 and 108 for three in re- ply to Zimbabwe`s 170 and 283, pomped home with well over a day to spare. Although victory was always expected to go their way, the South Africans were given a good workout by Andy Flower`s young team. In the end, the big difference was Donald -- and his back-up hit-men Brett Schultz, Craig Matthews and Brian McMillan. Operating in steady, menacing shifts, the four ripped the Zimba- bean first innings to shreds. "And that," said a disap- pointed Flower, "was our biggest problem." Flower, who won the toss and elected to bat, admitted that 170 on the Sports Club track was never going to be enough. True, they came back well by posting 283 second time around, but an overall lead of only 108 was basically indefensi- ble. "The wicket has got to be doing a lot more than this one was to stop a side from scoring 110," said Flower. And so it turned out, with SA skipper Hansie Cronje -- as coach Bob Woolmer put it, "leading from the front" with an un- beaten 10th Test half century -- seeing his side home. Dropped by Mark Dekker at slip -- it was an easy catch -- Cronje settled in to ratte up 60 runs for the fourth wicket with McMil- lan, who followed up his first innings unbeaten 98 with an un- beaten 25. "Mac`s innings was the perfect blend of defence and aggres- sion," said Cronje. "Often when one is faced with this sort of target, there is uncertainty about how one should go about it. Mac`s was the correct way," he added. Another big plus was opening bat Andrew Hudson`s re- turn to splendour. His first innings 135 will have done the 30- year-old Natalian`s confidence the world of good. For all that however, England must have got the mes- sage loud and clear: They`re in for a very hot summer courtesy of messrs Donald and Schultz. Famous fast bowlers always hunted in pairs (Lindwall/Miller, Trueman/Statham, Adcock/Heine) and in Donald and Schultz, Woolmer believes he has what every coach dreams of -- the perfect pair. "I`ve been associated with Allan for over five years. I`ve nev- er seen him bowl better," Woolmer said. Cronje, who as a Free Stater has enjoyed an even longer liaison with Donald, expressed similar sentiments. "He`s all rhythm and power," said a rueful Flower. "His spell with the second new ball on Sunday after a tiring day in the sun underlined why he is one of the leading fast bowlers in the world." Donald, who celebrates his 29th birthday on Friday, has switched to a shortened run-up with devastating success this year. "I find I am doing a lot more with the ball and I`m more accu- rate," he says. "No, I don`t think it`s cost me any pace." Donald, who needed just 12 deliveries to wrap up the Zimbabwean second innings on Monday, finished with a match haul of 11/114. And as if that wasn`t sufficient to earn him the Man of the Match award, he also scored a Test best 33 with the bat. As far as he is concerned, the days of "Donald duck" are over. "I feel that I am confident enough now to go in there and face the music," he said. "I think for nine, 10 and 11 to survive out there these is days is nonsense. If they can chip in with 50 to 70 runs, that can win a test." But it`s Donald the destroyer who is talking when he says: "England are in for a lot of heat balls this summer." Source :: Sapa Contributed by Donald (eitan@rucus.ru.ac.za) ====> Day 4, more SA win by seven wickets - Ray Williams South Africa recovered from a poor start to beat Zim- babwe by seven wickets in their one-off cricket Test at the Harare Sports Club on Monday. The victory itself -- achieved by 1.48 pm on the fourth day -- was convincing enough...the final scoreline South Africa 346 and 108/3 to Zimbabwe`s 170 and 283. But the youthful Zimbabwe attack still managed to ex- pose the soft underbelly of South Africa`s top-order batting for a second time on Monday. Neither Gary Kirsten (1 and 13) nor Jonty Rhodes (15 and 6) did much to enhance their reputations. Skipper Hansie Cronje, five in the first innings, posted an unbeaten 56 in the second -- his 10th Test half-century -- but benefitted from a "life" when he had 14. In fact, on a first and second innings basis, most consistent performer with the bat was allrounder Brian McMillan who fol- lowed up his unbeaten 98 with an undefeated 25. He and Cronje put on 60 in 77 minutes for the fourth wicket. Cronje hit 4x4`s and a six, McMillan 4x4s. The bowling, despite the absence of top-class seamer Fanie de Villiers, was very impressive. Man-of-the match, South African strike bowler Allan Donald -- he also scored a career Test best 33 -- needed just 12 balls to wrap up the Zimbabwe second innings on Monday morning. Donald, who turns 29 on Friday, got rid of Paul Strang (37) with the third ball of his first over and Charlie Lock (0) with the last ball of his second. "White Lightning" Donald`s innings return of 8/71 was a Test best, eclipsing his 7/84 against India in Port Elizabeth in De- cember `92. His match haul of 11/114, however, fell just short of his 12/139 in the selfsame Test against the Indians. Close to matching Hugh Tayfield`s SA all-time best of 9/113, Donald was denied a fullhouse by fellow seamers Brian McMil- lan and Brett Schultz, who took one apiece. For the hapless home side, the Strang brothers` stand of 48 in 40 minutes constituted a ninth-wicket record. Source :: Sapa Contributed by Donald (eitan@rucus.ru.ac.za) ====> Day 4, more Donald`s eight disguises South African deficiency - Peter Deeley Fourth day of five: South Africa (346 & 108-3) beat Zimbabwe (170 & 283) by 7 wickets SOUTH AFRICA`S seven- wicket victory over Zimbabwe in less than four days extended their sequence of Test wins to five, equalling the best in their history. The heavy weather their batsmen made of an easy task, however, suggests this will be the area where they are most vulnerable in the coming confrontation with England. Bob Woolmer, South Africa`s coach, supported this view when he said after the game: "We didn`t bat as well as we should have done. We can do better and the players know that too." Apart from Andrew Hudson`s first-innings century and an edgy 56 from Hansie Cronje, their captain, who finally took the visitors to victory, the only other man to contribute much with the bat was all-rounder Brian McMillan, who was promoted up the order when three wickets fell for 48 and the winning target of 108 sud- denly looked very distant. Zimbabwe`s attack, particularly their debutant the medium-fast Charles Lock, who took five wickets in the match, deserve all the credit Cronje was prepared to pay them. Hudson failed this time, soon out when he hoisted Lock into the vacant deep midwicket area, where Bryan Strang took a running, diving catch. Then Gary Kirsten and Jonty Rhodes failed for the second time in the game, and it was left to Cronje and McMillan, taking 77 minutes over their stand of 60, to finish off Zimbabwe`s gallant resistance. Both gave chances which, if taken, would have put South Africa under considerable pressure before Cronje eventually reached his 10th Test fifty. Rhodes - bowled via an inside edge by Heath Streak - has now scored only 321 runs in his last 15 Test innings, passing 50 once, and an average in that time of under 23 suggests he is not fulfilling the needs of a No 6. Allan Donald and Brett Schultz emerged as a clear new-ball threat to England He is such a talisman for the modern South Africa that it is ap- proaching heresy to suggest he might be dropped, but the time must come when his abilities as a fielder no longer compensate for shortcomings with the bat. On the positive side Allan Donald and Brett Schultz emerged as a clear new-ball threat to England. Donald, especially, was an in- spiration, returning his best figures in Tests, eight for 71, giving him a match analysis of 11 for 114. He now has 95 wickets in 20 Tests and Woolmer said: "I have never seen him bowl better in the five years we`ve been associated." Donald confessed that he had returned from England "feeling very tired, rather low and depressed. I don`t know if it was the emo- tional after-effects of the Warwickshire season. I needed some- thing to pep me up - and this was just the tonic." He said that on slower wickets such as Harare his policy now was to shorten his run and get the ball to "kiss" the pitch. Schultz took five wickets in his first Test for two years and Woolmer said he had come through without further problems in his knees. "The rivalry between Schultz and Donald will grow. I think it could be one of the terrific fast-bowling partnerships of Test cricket, to be compared with the greats of the past." Donald confirmed that both were "very hungry" for success. "We realise the importance of our roles, and the competition just spurs us on. If one doesn`t fire properly the other feels he must produce that extra something. I can tell you the Englishmen are in for some `hot balls` from Brett. He is very, very hungry." Source :: The Electronic Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk) Contributed by The Management (help@*ogi.edu) ====> Day 4, more Donald Supreme in South African Win over Zimbabwe Brilliant fast bowling by Allan Donald and determined batting by Hansie Cronje helped South Africa to a seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe with a day and a half to spare in a one-off test on Mon- day. Donald produced the fifth-best bowling figures in South African test history, snapping up the last two wickets in the first 17 minutes on the fourth day to help dismiss Zimbabwe for 283 in their second innings. Donald finished with eight for 71 in the second innings and a match analysis of 11 for 113. Paul Strang was his first victim on Monday, gloving a nasty lifter to wicketkeeper Dave Richardson. Last man Charlie Lock had no answer to the full-length delivery that bowled him in the fourth over of the morning. That completed Donald's best haul in a test innings, although his 12 for 139 against India in Port Elizabeth in 1992 remains his best match return. He has taken 95 wickets in 20 tests. Only Hugh Tayfield (twice), Sibley Snooke and Goofy Lawrence have produced better figures for South Africa in a test innings. Cronje settled a brief crisis in the pursuit of the 108 runs South Africa needed for victory with an unbeaten innings of 56 after three wickets had fallen for 48 runs. The South Africans lost opener Andrew Hudson, scorer of 135 in the first innings, to a cunning piece of captaincy by Andy Flower. Aware of Hudson's tendency to drive in the air on the on side, Flower posted Bryan Strang at deep mid-wicket in the fourth over. Lock delivered a leg-stump half-volley and Hudson offered Strang the catch. Fellow opener Gary Kirsten followed 10 overs later when he edged Lock to Flower behind the stumps and Cronje should have perished as well when an edge off Lock was spilled by Mark Dekker at second slip. Jonty Rhodes was bowled five minutes before lunch when a ball from Heath Streak took an inside edge and hit the stumps. But Cronje and Brian McMillan took South Africa to their target without further alarm. The victory was South Africa's fifth in consecutive tests, which equalled their most successful run ever. But, unlike the final test of the 1966/67 series against Australia and the four tests of the 1969/70 series, there was only one captain -- Cronje -- involved in the current run of victories against New Zealand (three), Pakistan and Zimbabwe. McMillan became the fourth South African to score 1,000 runs and take 50 wickets in tests, while wicketkeeper Richardson fell one dismissal short of a world record. Richardson finished his 23rd test with 99 dismissals, just failing to break Australian Wally Grout's record as the fastest man to 100. Grout completed 100 dismissals in his 24th test in the 1960s. Source :: Reuter Contributed by Syed.Ali (sma@dcs.ed.ac.uk)