Let’s rewind the clock to this day in 1924, when South Africa were bowled out for a dismal 30 runs. A mind-blowing spell from two English Bowlers and the South African team was torn apart. Many records were set in the name of the visitors on this fateful day.
After England posted 438 in the first innings, South Africa came in to bat on the second day of the Test match. England opened the bowling attack with the Sussex pair of captain Arthur Gilligan, and Maurice Tate, who was handed his debut in this match.
Arthur sent back six batsmen while debutant Tate dismantled four. South Africa could manage only 19 runs off the bat in their trifling total of 30. Earlier, South Africa had won the toss and elected to field first.
Four of the batters failed to open their account, and the highest runs were the 11 extras led the scoresheet. For the team, seven runs came from the bat of Captain Herbie Taylor. Gilligan took six wickets for seven runs in 6.3 overs, including seven maiden overs. Maurice got four wickets. South Africa's lowly score meant Englan asked their opponents to play a follow-on.
In the second innings, the team showed fighting spirit and scored 390 runs. This time, Bob Cottrell scored 120 runs while Fred Suskind scored 51 runs. For England, Gilligan took five wickets this time as well. He took a total of 11 wickets in the match and played a key role in helping England win the match by an innings and 18 runs.
South Africa’s first innings at Edgbaston is the only completed innings in the Test match history where none of the batsman managed to reach a double figure mark. Also, the 75 balls in the South Africa’s first innings is still the fewest balls in a completed Test match innings.
There is also another famous incident from this match. While South Africa was fielding, George Parker, South African cricketer, asked English allrounder, Frank Wooley, if the field set for left-handed batsman was right. Wooley replied, “Yes, I think it seems right.” To which, Parker replied, “Thank you very much.”
The South African team was in England to play a five-match Test series. The first Test of the series was played at Edgbaston in Birmingham between 14th to 17th June. Later, the hosts won the series 3-0 with two draws. England, Australia and South Africa were the only Test playing nations back then in 1924.
