South Africa in England 1929 — Cameron's Tourists Lose 2-0

South Africa had been one of cricket's three Test nations until 1928. Their 1929 side was middle-aged but experienced; the absence of Herbie Taylor (declined the tour) was felt throughout. The English summer was hot and dry, conditions that suited the home batsmen.

South Africa, having lost 1-3 to England at home in 1927-28, came to England in 1929 with a side captained by H.G. (Nummy) Deane and including Bob Catterall, Tuppy Owen-Smith, Cyril Vincent and the off-spinner Buster Nupen. The five Tests were played across the summer.

The first Test at Edgbaston was drawn after Hobbs's last home Test innings of substance — 211 not out paired with Sutcliffe's 114. The second at Lord's was drawn after Frank Woolley's 83 and the off-spin of Tom Goddard. The third Test at Headingley was won by England by 5 wickets after Hammond's 65 and Tate's match figures of 7 for 75. The fourth Test at Old Trafford was drawn. The fifth Test at the Oval was won by England by an innings and 8 — Sutcliffe 104, Tuppy Owen-Smith 129 (the highest score by a South African in England to that point).

The series gave a debut to Maurice Turnbull, who would captain Glamorgan and England, and confirmed Wally Hammond — fresh from his 905 runs in the Ashes — as the fully-formed senior English batsman. Sutcliffe topped the English batting averages with 513 runs at 73; Tate was the leading wicket-taker with 18 wickets at 21.

“England's batting was relentless; ours was full of bright moments but lacked the weight of theirs.”

Hobbs's 211* at Edgbaston was his last big home Test innings; he retired from Test cricket the following Ashes summer of 1930. Owen-Smith returned to South Africa to study medicine; he later represented England at rugby. Deane's side was the foundation of the South African team that would draw 0-0 with Australia in the famous 1935-36 series.