Bob Newson      

Edward Serrurier "Bob" Newson, OBE, opened the bowling in his three Tests for South Africa, against England at Johannesburg in 1930-31 and eight years later in the last two Tests against Hammond's side. Yet he might easily have missed his début, for he had not received notification of his selection and arrived at work as usual on the morning of the match. His father brought his kit to the Old Wanderers ground by tram as his son, recently turned twenty, lined up for the team photograph in borrowed clothes. Newson did not take a wicket but, joining Quintin McMillan with South Africa 81 for nine in the first innings, he helped add a further 45 before Tate bowled him for 10. As South Africa won by 28 runs, and the next four Tests in the series were all drawn, it was a vital contribution. He took a wicket in each innings at Johannesburg in 1938-39 and another two (for 58) in the first innings of the timeless Test at Durban, where he was South Africa's most economical bowler in terms of runs per over. His four Test wickets averaged 66.25 each.

Newson made his Currie Cup début for Transvaal in 1929-30, but studies and career restricted him to just four games between 1931 and 1938. After the war he moved to Rhodesia, playing for them until 1949-50 and in 1946-47, against Griqualand West at Kimberley, reaching his only first-class century in 65 minutes. In 24 first-class matches, he took 60 wickets at 26.03 and scored 553 runs at 17.83 with a highest score of 114. His best bowling figures were five for 54 for Rhodesia against MCC at Bulawayo in 1948-49. An overnight storm had penetrated the covers and he took all five wickets for 13 runs in his first seven overs on the second morning.
Wisden Cricketers' Almanack

Mar 3, 1939

The South Africa side for the Timeless Test

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