The Second Test

The Second Test happened before I was born, but like many Kiwis I have heard the story.

For those who have not, NZ History tells us:

One of the most memorable and poignant moments in New Zealand cricket history occurred on 26 December 1953, just two days after the Tangiwai rail disaster. At the time, the New Zealand team was touring South Africa. The second test, at Ellis Park, Johannesburg, started on 24 December and recommenced, after a day off for Christmas, on Boxing Day. By the time play resumed, reports of the Tangiwai tragedy – at the time the world’s eighth-deadliest rail disaster – had flashed around the world. The news was especially devastating for one of the New Zealand players, fast bowler Bob Blair, who learned that his fiancée, Nerissa Love, was among the 151 victims.

As New Zealand began its first innings on the morning of the 26th, chasing South Africa’s 271, a distraught Blair remained at the team hotel and was not expected to play. On a lively pitch, Bert Sutcliffe and Lawrie Miller were both forced to retire hurt after being hit by bouncers from the fiery fast bowler Neil Adcock; John Reid was struck five times before being dismissed for three. With the visitors reduced to 81 for 6, Sutcliffe returned to the crease, his forehead swathed in bandages. When the ninth wicket fell at 154, however, all of the players began to leave the field. Suddenly the crowd stood in silence as the lone figure of Blair emerged from the tunnel and was greeted by Sutcliffe, who placed a comforting arm around his shoulder. What followed was sensational as the pair smashed 25 runs (including four sixes – three by Sutcliffe and one by Blair) off a single over from South Africa’s Hugh Tayfield.

On Saturday Night I saw the play “The Second Test” at Circa. It was a captivating mixture of comedy, tragedy and drama. Jonathan Brugh is the sole actor, director and writer. He excels in his portrayal not just of Bob Blair, but also finance Nerissa, the legendary Bert Sutcliffe and others. Brugh is a great talent.

The travel by boat over to South Africa features many of the lighter moments, as the team practises on board the boat, losing many balls over-board. But it also serves the purpose of reminding us that in the 1950s you couldn’t just fly another team-mate with 24 hours notice – it took over a month to travel to South Africa from New Zealand.

The revealing of the news of Nerissa’s death is the most sombre moment, and archival radio footage is used to great effect.

Then you have the second test itself. The scene in the hospital as Sutcliffe nurses himself back to health with some whiskey gets good laughs, and his return to the crease is seen as an act of heroism – but one that pales into insignificance as what they think is the last wicket falls, and the amazement as Bob Blair enters the grounds.

“Out of the gloomy tunnel beneath the stand, into the clean white sunlight, Blair walked slowly, fumbling with his gloves, and as a man the spectators in the huge stand stood for him, stood in complete and poignant silence. Grown men, among them the New Zealanders in the pavilion and the South Africans on the field, shed tears at this moving moment, and they were not ashamed.” R.T. Brittenden

It is not a fairytale ending, as NZ still lose the test, but Blair’s decision to play remains a symbol of dedication and courage.

At 85 minutes it is a fairly short play, a must see for cricket fans, and an engaging piece of drama that anyone can appreciate.