LEAD ON FIRST INNINGS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 69, Issue 266, 23 August 1949, Page 3

LEAD ON FIRST INNINGS

N.Z. v. LANCASHIRE Great Interest in Match (N.Z.P. A.—Copyright) (Rec. 9.20) LIVERPOOL, Aug. 22, On a pitch that was wearing and was decidedly dusty and taking spin, New Zealand secured a first-innings lead over Lancashire of 72 runs. They made 390, with Sutcliffe hitting a bright 61, Donnelly an attractive 80, and Scott a rather dour but valuable 87. So much interest was taken in the match that the gate had to be closed when 10,000 persons arrived inside, including droves, of schoolboys who patkecl round the press box so that it was about as peaceable to work in as a monkey house. Not the least valuable contribution to the New Zealand score was made by Cave and Burke, who hit 52 in an hour for the ninth wicket, and played a new ball confidently. Lancashire batted for 10 minutes in the second innings for five, Cowie bowling to three slips and three leg slips. Hie first ball bounced over Reid’s head —an indication that the pitch, which was tricky all day, was going to be increasingly awkward for the remainder, of the match. Sutcliffe Hits Freely Sutcliffe, who had enjoyed a wellearned rest following the fourth test, started to-day well when both Stone and Greenwood offered some half volleys. He his so freely that lie was 50 in 55 minutes, rushing ahead of Scott.

For some weeks now Scott has. been suffering from a badly bruised right forefinger caused by constant jarring while hatting, and for a time this morning he was inclined to dab at the bail and to turn it rather than drive. One hundred came up for the partnership in 95 minutes. Sutcliffe was showing distinct signs of appetite for a century, but he attempted to ondrive Ikin and played on to his leg stump. Scott, having reached 50 in one hour and 55 minutes, began to hit more freely and, with Rabone, added 53 in the hour. The morning had passed smoothly so far, but in the half-hour before lunch thre wickets fell for 30. Hilton took the first when Tattersall held a simple catch at slip to send Rabone out. Smith. came in and made an attractive 17, but Greenwood, with the new ball, had Scott caught in the gully by Ikin. Scott had batted for nearly three hours, and his 87 was full g£ character. Greenwood followed his success by having Smith caught again by Ikin in the gully. So Mooney and Wallace were together and, in 35 minutes, •added 30, then Wallace skied a ball from Stone and was caught by Barlow, the wicket-keeper, and Hilton, returning, had Mooney caught by Ikin at mid-wicket. Like Couple of Rockets Donnelly and Reid began like a couple of rockets. Donnelly pulled Stone so hard and square to leg that the umpire had to jump for his life, and Reid, who has now ripened into his best form of the tour, and with his self-confidence as firm as a" rook after his line innings in the fourth test, hit both Stone and Hilton with something approaching venom. Donnelly scored chiefly on the leg side, and runs came at one a minute. Then Hilton took his third wicket by holding a high return from Reid. Donnelly and Burke took New Zealand past the Lancashire total (318), Donnelly using his feet and hitting Hilton with graceful drives. Tattersall’s variation of pace paid dividends when he had £)onnelly caught in the gully by Edrich. Donnelly hit his 80 (13 fours) in one hour and 45 minutes. His stand with Burke fiasted 35 minutes and was worth 50.

Greenwood took the new ball at 346, and beat both Cave and the wicketkeeper, Barlow, who received a painful knock. Cave and Burke made 52 in an hour before Cave was caught at mid-off. Burke putlived him briefly and was caught in the gully when he was 27. Scores: — ' NEW ZEALAND First Innings Sutcliffe, b Ikin .. .. .. 61 Scott, c Ikin, b Greenwood .. 87 Rabone, c Tattqrsall, b Hilton . . 20 Smith, c Ikin, b Greenwood .. 17 Mooney, e Ikin, b Hilton . . 20 Wallace, c Barlow, b Stone .. 11 Reid, c and b Hilton .. .. 30 Donnelly, c Edrich, b Tattersall 80 Burke, c Ikin, b Wharton .. 27 Cave, v Stone, b Ikin .. .. 30 Cowie, not out .. .. .. 1 Extras 6 Total .. .. ..390 Bowling—Stone took one for 105, Greenwood two for 79, Tattersall one for 41, Hilton three for 72, Ikin two for 82, Wharton one for 5. First Innings 318 LANCASHIRE Washbrook,, not out .. .. 0 Ikin, not out 1 Extras 4 Total for no wickets - 5