A Commonwealth XI cricket team toured South Africa in October and November 1959, playing three first-class matches. Captained by Denis Compton, the Commonwealth XI included several well-known players such as Tom Graveney, Brian Close, Bert Sutcliffe, Frank Tyson, Godfrey Evans, Roy Marshall, Bob Simpson and Ian Craig.
The first match was against Transvaal at the New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg and this was drawn after Jonathan Fellows-Smith scored a century in each innings for Transvaal. Next, the Commonwealth XI defeated a Combined Transvaal XI by 3 wickets at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. In the third and final first-class game, the Commonwealth XI played a South African Invitation XI at the New Wanderers and saved a draw after having to follow-on.
Touring team PlayerDate of birthBatting styleBowling styleNationality Denis Compton (c) 23 May 1918 Right-hand Left-arm unorthodox spin Brian Close 24 February 1931 Left-hand Right-arm medium Ian Craig 12 June 1935 Right-hand - Godfrey Evans 18 August 1920 Right-hand Wicket-keeper Tom Graveney 16 June 1927 Right-hand Right-arm legbreak Roy Marshall 25 April 1930 Right-hand Right-arm offbreak Peter Philpott 21 November 1934 Right-hand Right-arm legbreak Harold Rhodes 22 July 1936 Right-hand Right arm fast Bob Simpson 3 February 1936 Right-hand Right-arm legbreak Bert Sutcliffe 17 November 1923 Left-hand Slow left-arm orthodox Frank Tyson 6 June 1930 Right-hand Right arm fast Colin Ingleby-Mackenzie 15 September 1933 Left-hand Right-arm offbreak
Australian all-rounder Keith Miller was initially in the squad as captain, but later has to withdraw from the tour due to fitness. He was replaced as captain by Denis Compton. New Zealand test captain, John R. Reid, was also invited to join the tour, but declined for business reasons.
Results
References