Rhodesia enjoyed much non-first-class cricket during the War, with an R.A.F. training base in the country. Fortunately no current Rhodesian cricketer lost his life, the only victim being Wilfred Parry, from Natal who played for Rhodesia in 1935/36 against the Australians; he was killed at El Alamein. When first-class cricket resumed after the War, several veterans were still available, including Ken Austin and Arnold Hyde whose first-class debuts had been 18 years earlier. Denis Tomlinson returned, but not Jack Hayward; imports included Test player `Bob' Newson from Transvaal and James Buchanan from Eastern Province.

Once again, Transvaal obliged by providing Rhodesia with their only first-class opposition of the season. Ken Viljoen's team played in two matches, winning the second despite being well short of full strength. Rhodesia were handicapped by the absences of Tomlinson and Charsley in the second innings due to illness and injury, but Viljoen suggested that substitutes David Lewis and Robert Kennedy take their places. They scored only a single apiece, but the gesture was much appreciated. So it was that David Lewis' long career had an unusual beginning.

At Salisbury Sports Club; 16, 17, 18 March. TRANSVAAL 342 (S Lacey 102, L A Sadler 37, R Wooler 48; D S Tomlinson 3/95) and 131/4 dec (S H Curnow 41, K G Viljoen 39*, R E S Vine 36). RHODESIA 260 (J B C Johnson 64, P N F Mansell 37, J H Charsley 35; E V Witte 4/74). Match drawn.

At Raylton, Bulawayo; 23, 24, 25 March. RHODESIA 200 (J B C Johnson 30, B L Chimowitz 49, E D Morris 30*; X C Balaskas 5/87, R E Davies 3/33) and 157 (R J Noble 69, A Hyde 47; X C Balaskas 5/71), R E Davies 3/27). TRANSVAAL 489/8 dec (S Lacey 73, L A Sadler 85, K G Viljoen 124, R E S Vine 119). Transvaal won by an innings and 132 runs.

It is intended in the future to produce full scorecards, and also much more information about all cricket in Rhodesia during this season. At present, the next entry in this section is for 1946/47