SOUTH AFRICA v AUSTRALIA 1949-50

At Port Elizabeth, March 3, 4, 6. Australia won by an innings and 259 runs. Hassett called correctly for the fourth time in the series and Australia always seemed to be heading for victory. In fact, South Africa by being dismissed for less than 200 in each innings, suffered their heaviest defeat against an Australian touring side. A spate of missed catches in the Australian innings contributed to South Africa's downfall, though the all-round superiority of their opponents was never in question. Australia made an unconvincing beginning, losing Moroney and Miller with only 49 on the board, but the left-handers Morris and Harvey gradually placed their side in an unassailable position. In his best score of the tour Morris hit a 6 and fifteen 4's and with Harvey put on 187 in two hours ten minutes. Harvey, whose firm-footed driving thrived on the quicker bowling, included fourteen 4's in his eighth three-figure innings of the tour. Hassett joined Morris in another lively partnership which produced 114 for the fourth wicket, and the Australian captain went on to pass his previous highest score of the tour. His chief hits were a 6 and fourteen 4's. Facing the greatest total ever made by an Australian team in South Africa, the home country failed badly. They followed-on 391 in arrears and, although Nourse tried to rally his side, his effort proved of no avail, Australia hastening to victory with a day to spare.