THE THIRD TEST MATCH.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 191, 14 August 1899, Page 3

THE THIRD TEST MATCH.

A GRAND RECOVERY.

The special correspondent of the Sydney "Daily Telegraph" gives a very interesting description of the 'third test match, which, as everyone will remember, was abandoned through rain. Of the Australians' batting he

writes: —

"Nothing more dramatic in cricket | can well be imagined than the early part of the Australians' second inn-! ings. This time Darling accorupan- ! ied Worrall to the wicket. The latter was quite lame. So brilliantly did they start, that visions of great scores were in everybody's minds. England's little lead was on the down grade, and the Southern Cross was decidedly in ' the ascendant. Suddenly the whole position underwent a change so startling that spectators went mad with excitement. A well-judged catch in the outfield on the off side, right on the edge of the rink, got rid of Worrall. He sent the ball to a tremendous height, his stift" knee preventing him from takiug his jump.

"In the following over Hearne did the hat trick. When Hill came in there were, as usual, three men on the on side. After he had played a couple of balls, short-leg was sent across to the slips. As it turned out, it caused Hill's downfall. The very next delivery of Ilearne's Hill attempted to place to leg for a single, but the ball, keping a bit low and making pace, crashed into his leg and centre stumps. Several of the Englishmen nearly jumped out of their skins with joy. Gregory and Noble were both out from bad strokes. Both of the balls were short-bumped, each batsman try|ing: to push them through the slips. When it was seen that the Indian had caught Noble, the row that was given vent to can't be described. In the many triumphs that Hearne has enjoyed on, the cricket field, he never exprienced a more thrilling moment. It was the first time in England that the hat trick had ever been performed in I a.test match. Scarcely had the excitement subsided when another yell proclaimed a further downfall. Darling being the victim, easily caught at third man. Thus, with half the side out, the Australians were still nine runs in the arrear. There was no accounting for it, except it was one of | those wonderful surprises for which i cricket is famous. But for magnificent grit and dogged determination nothing has ever beaten the efforts of the remaining Australian batsmen. Misfortune only goaded them on to greater deeds. It was a splendid illustration of the pluck which has always characterised Australian cricket. All honour to Kelly, Trumper, Trumble, and Layer. But it must be remembered that upon Trumper and Kelly devolved the heaviest burden, as I they had to face Hearne and Young when both were at their best. The , game now was in a desperaate strait, for the Englishmen were fielding1 very J keenly. For nearly an hour they stayed together, putting on 58 runs. Kelly, who was the first to go, played like a Trojan, and went at the bowling in a fine spirit. He ultimately threw his wicket away for the first ball of Hay ward's long- hop.

"Almost a wide be tried to cut, and was caught behind. After Kelly It*ft at 97, Trumble, who is a giant in pluck as well as in stature, joined the boy,

and brought th score to 140, when Trumper was finely caught in the slips by Ranji for an invaluable 32. The exigencies of the occasion caused him to alter his game, and he proved himself the possessor of great nerve and self control. He was batting for 25 minutes before he made his first run. While Layer, the last hope of the Australians, kept Trumble company, fervent and strong and deep were the wishes of his comrades for his succef»<» and gallantly the two giants fought for home and country; although 1 am bound to say Trumble's was the more finished exhibition. They kept together for an hour, and what a glorious hour! They put on 73 runs. The partnership was broken up in a most unsatisfactory manner. Trumble was adjudged out by Sherwin. The wicketkeeper was the only one that appealed.

He had a perfect right to do so, as the ball was thrown in wide, and he was not facing the wicket, but not only to Trurnble's surprise, but also to the surprise of the Englishmen, who had their heads down when the fiat was given, Sherwin held up his hand. It was a bad decision, and thoroughly inexplicable. "The conclusion of the match is familiar to all. Rain prevented a definite conclusion."