Sport: The Week in Review

WHILE England's cricketers were heading for India in preparation for the forthcoming Test series, there were two notable results elsewhere in the whites-and-willow world. In Port Elizabeth, South Africa surged to their first Test victory since 1970, with a formidably emphatic nine-wicket success over the touring Indian side; while, in Melbourne, a West Indian dash towards an improbable winning target was halted by Australia, who prevailed by 139 runs.

Kepler Wessels, South Africa's captain and former honorary Australian, steered his country to triumph with an unbeaten innings of 95, but the real damage was done by the fast bowler, Allan Donald, who took 12 wickets in the game. Hansie Cronje, with his maiden Test century, also played a central role. Kapil Dev's sparkling knock of 129 merely delayed the inevitable home celebrations.

Shane Warne, a previously unsung leg-spinner, did the damage in Melbourne, taking seven second-innings wickets after four in four previous Tests. Phil Simmons scored his first Test century for the West Indies, but his departure signalled the end of their brave attempt to reach a target of 359 runs for victory.

Norwich City held on to pole position in English football with two 0-0 draws, against Spurs and Leeds, but Manchester United established themselves as serious challengers with a recovery from 3-0 down at Sheffield Wednesday to claim a point, followed by a 5-0 thrashing of an in-form Coventry side.

Royal Gait, one of the country's leading hurdlers, collapsed and died of a suspected heart attack at Leopardstown.