Cricket: Howard's mastery

South Africans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .261 and 168-9

Victoria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .330-8 dec

SOUTH AFRICA were pushed to the brink of defeat by Victoria in Melbourne yesterday and then had to cope with the news that Brian McMillan, the injured all-rounder, may miss a large chunk of the tour.

South Africa managed 168 for 9, a slump largely due to the leg spin of Craig Howard, who took 4 for 37, and they hold a lead of 99 with one second-innings wicket remaining.

McMillan lasted 25 minutes at the crease, despite the imminent prospect of exploratory surgery on a torn ligament in his left knee. He is expected to miss the first two Tests against Australia.

TOUR MATCH (Melbourne) Third day of four: South Africans 261 (B M McMillan 55; D W Fleming 6-86) and 168 for 9 (J N Rhodes 59; C Howard 4-37); Victoria 330 for 8 dec (B Hodge 80, D J Ramshaw 71, Fleming 54).