Kent’s County Ground at Beckenham was the venue for the first Under 19 Test Match between England and South Africa.

After three enthralling days, England came into the final day at 40-0 requiring another 346 to win with Jacob Blades on 22 and Kent’s Ben Dawkins on 14. The fourth day was equally intriguing and England were well in the game until the Proteas took the new ball.

Dawkins only added five to his overnight score then Will Bennison and Rocky Flintoff fell for single figures to leave the home team in difficulty at 95 for 3, despite escaping a couple of dropped catches. Caleb Falconer then joined Blades and they saw England through to lunch at 119 for 3.

Soon after lunch, Blades became JJ Basson’s third victim, falling for 65. Captain Ralphie Albert didn’t last too long, however, at 171 for 5, Matty Lumsden dug in while Falconer played a more attacking role. At the tea interval, the game was still well poised, although in South Africa’s favour at 194 for 5 with Falconer at 65 and Lumsden on 2.

After tea, England continued to chip away at their target and had put themselves in contention until South Africa took the new ball. Immediately after completing his half century, Lumsden went for a hook and it flicked his glove on the way through to the wicketkeeper. He walked off without waiting for the umpire to give him out.

Harry Wallace departed quickly before Basson took the prize wicket of Falconer for an outstanding 102 at 297 for 8. Although James Minto, Bradley Sylvester and Ali Farooq all struck some lusty blows, with the latter taking a couple of nasty knocks for his troubles, Basson was too good for them, ending with 7 for 73.

As good as the cricket was, some of the behaviour of the Proteas crossed the line. Apparently orchestrated appeals for caught behind every time the bat was beaten, or LBW whenever they hit the pad was boorish, verging on the ridiculous when Vihan Pretorius was shouting ‘howzat’ from the cover boundary.

The umpires had to intervene when fielders turned on Blades, speak to the coaches at lunchtime, and reprimand captain Jason Rowles when he had an appeal turned down and kicked up dust from a neighbouring pitch in a pique of petulance.

They meet again in the second test on Friday at Hove with England hoping to square the series.  

Pictures supplied by Keith Gillard.