Lives in Cricket No 32 - Eric Rowan

79 score of 231 made by Dudley Nourse against Australia in 1935/36. His innings came to an end shortly after when, at 236, he was superbly caught by Bedser diving one-handed at a wide second slip off the bowling of Freddie Brown. He had batted 550 minutes and struck 28 fours, but more importantly he had put some fight back into his team after two disappointing defeats. He did not give a chance until he was past 200 and he remains the oldest batsman to score a double century in Test cricket. The innings meant that Eric now held the South African Test record score, the record Currie Cup score and the highest South African first-class score. After Eric’s dismissal Mansell continued on before being the last man out for 90. South Africa totalled 538 and Bedser and Tattersall who had destroyed the tourists’ batting in the previous two Tests finished with two for 113 and one for 83 respectively. The Times described the innings as one of ‘remorseless consolidation’. In the face of such a huge total England could only bat for a draw. This they did thanks to an even 100 by Len Hutton and a stylish 138 in 380 minutes by a young Surrey batsman making his Test debut, Peter May. They were well supported by 58 from opening batsman Frank Lowson and a stubborn 95 from Trevor Bailey. The South African spinners did their best with Athol Rowan taking five for 174 off 68 overs, two of them to catches by brother Eric, and ‘Tufty’ Mann three for 96 off 60.5 overs. England’s innings of 505 and the time it took to make them meant that the South Africans began their second innings with a draw the only possibility. Eric used the time to make an undefeated 60 in an unbroken opening partnership of 87 with Waite. Had rain not intervened he might well have become the first to score a double century and a century in the one Test. South Africa had achieved a comfortable draw but, one down, they were faced with winning the final Test to level the series. Coming into the Fifth Test at the The Oval the South Africans were forced to make a major change when Mann was unable to play. He had been unwell and had to be replaced by Michael Melle. The spin pairing of Athol Rowan and Mann had been a key part of the Springbok attack and the absence of the left-arm spinner would be sorely felt. As the summer had progressed cancer had taken hold of Mann, although his colleagues were unaware of his condition. He never complained, but by the time they reached The Oval his condition had deteriorated so badly that he was unable Consequences