THE ENGLISH CRICKETERS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 289, 13 December 1897, Page 5

THE ENGLISH CRICKETERS.

,FIRST TEST MATCH.

SYDNEY, this day.

The weather is beautifully fine and pleasant for the first test match. The wicket will probably be easy, but a trifle slow. With the return of fine weather Ranjitsinghi has greatly improved, and the doctor has announced that he will be able to play. If he does probably Board will stand out of the English eleven. The prince will have a little practice this morning to see how he feels. Then it will finally be decided. He | has announced his intention to play if it is at all possible. THE PLAY. The English commenced the batting, Jones and McKibbin bowling. The first wicket has fallen for 26, Mason 6, McLaren (not out) 20. LATER. The English score stands at one wicket for 46 runs. McLaren, 29; Hayward, 9 (both not ou*>); sundries, 2. LONDON, December 11. Several London newspapers comment on the action of the trustees of the Sydney Cricket Ground in postponing the test match. The " Sportsman " says Stodclart lias good ground for serious complaint, and expresses the Opinion that if the action of tha trustees was due to financial considerations it was a most undesirable innovation. The "Globe," " St. James' Gazette," and "Daily Chronicle," condemn the course adopted as unprecedented and unwarrantable, and endorse the action of Stoddart in protesting.