Lives in Cricket No 32 - Eric Rowan

22 the contest. They survived the Third Test at Headingley, with Eric top-scoring with 62 in his side’s first innings of 171 and batting nearly four hours for his runs. Although they conceded a 45-run lead the tourists were able to play out the last part of the game to earn a draw. An injury to Jack Siedle meant that Eric had to open the innings in the Fourth Test at Old Trafford after England had amassed 357. He scored just 13 in the first innings when Ken Viljoen made 124 and, with some assistance from Cameron (53) and Dalton (47, guided the team to 318. Once again the South Africans held firm on the last day with Bruce Mitchell taking 225 minutes to make 48 not out to see his side to safety. Eric scored 49 in a partnership of 67 for the first wicket before treading on his stumps in attempting to play a Walter Robins leg break. Following the Fourth Test the South Africans journeyed to The Oval to play Surrey. In response to the locals’ 183, Bruce Mitchell and Eric scored 272 by stumps on the first day. At one point towards the end of play a loud noise was heard coming from the direction of the pavilion. ‘What was that?’ asked Eric. ‘Number three’s just shot himself,’ replied the keeper, Ted Brooks. On the second day the partnership was extended to 330 before Eric was dismissed for 171. Mitchell went on to 195 and Eric later described the partnership as ‘one of the highlights of my career’. The South Africans had so far remained undefeated, but their record was shattered by successive losses to Gloucestershire and Essex in the lead-up to the Fifth Test. There must have been concerns that they might falter at the final hurdle. They need not have worried. Another fine century from Mitchell and one from Eric Dalton anchored a strong first innings of 476 and although England replied with 534 for 6 declared, once again the batsmen were able to hold out for a draw on the final day, giving them the series 1-0 by virtue of their win at Lord’s. While Eric had made little contribution to the Oval Test (0 and 7), he ended his first Test series with 246 runs at 27.33, steady rather than spectacular figures. In all first-class games his 1948 runs placed him at the top of the aggregates, while his average of 44.27 was exceeded only by Viljoen (46.90) and Mitchell (45.34). It was a performance that certainly justified his selection. The team under Wade’s captaincy had exceeded everyone’s expectations, including their own, and held much promise for a good series against the Australians who would be touring South Africa in 1935/36. England 1935