A GOOD START

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 185, 19 May 1938, Page 5

A GOOD START

AUSTRALIANS AT NORTHAMPTON SCORE 126 WITHOUT LOSS, RAIN STOPS PLAY AT MID-DAY. ‘United Press Association —Copyright.) (Received This Day, 9.50 a.m.) LONDON, May 18. The Australians began a match against Northamptonshire at Northampton, but rain prevented play after luncheon. K. C. James and W. E. Merritt, two New Zealanders are included in the County team.

Bradman won the toss and the Australians hatted.

Brown and Badcock opened the innings in a damp atmosphere and poor light. Badcock was forcible and confident from the start, but Brown was terribly slow, Partridge beating him several times. James missed a catch at the wicket off Herbert. Conditions became miserable witli almost continuous drizzle, but Badcock went on, strongly cutting and driving. Ho should have been out at 44, James badly fumbling a stumping off Nelson, who is a slow left-hander. Badcock straight-drove and hooked Timms for consecutive fours, and reached 53, while Brown was getting 25. The umpire ordered a towel from the pavilion to dry the slippery hall, by which the weak bowling was handicapped. Merritt, with slow leg-breaks, was called on at 97. Rain then stopped play. The following are the scores: AUSTRALIA. First Innings. Brown, not out 44 Badcock, not out 72 Extras *0 Total for no wickets ... 126