AUSTRALIA v SOUTH AFRICA 1952-53

At Adelaide, January 24, 26, 27, 28, 29. Drawn. After narrowly avoiding the follow-on, South Africa were set to make 377 in four and a quarter hours and they forced a draw, which enabled them to retain a chance of ending the series on level terms. McDonald and Hassett soon put Australia into a strong position with a second-wicket stand of 275, although their partnership was interrupted by rain which prevented play after tea on the first day. The stand set up a new record for any wicket in Tests between the two countries. Harvey, batting aggressively, and Hole, in a stylish display, pressed home Australia's advantage, although Tayfield, handicapped by a fractured left thumb, bowled his off-breaks accurately and persistently.

South Africa were helped in their big batting task by mishaps to Miller and Lindwall, the Australian fast bowlers. Miller pulled a ligament in his back early in the innings and later Lindwall damaged a tendon of his left leg. Waite, Funston and Watkins batted dourly. Waite and Funston added 108 for the fourth wicket and later Mansell hit strongly, but three runs were needed to save the follow-on when Melle and Fuller, the last pair, came together.

Australia made runs quickly when they batted again, the left-handers, Morris and Harvey, scoring 157 in under two hours for the second wicket. Harvey excelled in free stroke play and reached three figures in one and three-quarter hours. It was his seventh century in nine Tests against South Africa. With the fast bowlers still out of action, Hassett delayed his declaration and, although after an opening stand of 81 between McGlew and Waite, wickets fell steadily, South Africa saved the game.