THE ENGLISH CRICKETERS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 53, 2 March 1907, Page 7

THE ENGLISH CRICKETERS.

FIRST TEST MATCH. M.C.C. FIRST INNINGS. (Special to the "Auckland Star.") CHEISTCHURCH, this day. The test match between the representatives of New Zealand and the M.C.C team was resumed at Lancaster Park today. The weather was finer than on the first day, but a strong easterly wind was blowing. The wicket, which showed signs of excessive watering on the previous day, had dried well, and the few drops of rain that fell in the early morning had ha-d very little effect. It was, however, on the slow side for the bowlers, and favoured the batsmen. Nine of the New Zealand' wickets had fallen on the previous day for 189 runs, and the innings was resumed by Mahony (66), and Boxshall (13). At 12.15 p.m. the two got quickly to "work, and took the score to 207 before a separation was effected, Boxshall being caught from one of his characteristic uppish hits. After the usual interval the Englishmen started their first innings. They opened carefully enough, Johnson and Fox being the batsmen. Once set, the pair gave a pretty exhibition of cricket.. Johnson played much the faster game, /md his driving and glancing were exceptionally fine, whilst he also got in an occasional good cut. Fox was content to play a slower game, and his runs came mostly in singles, his favourite stroke being a wristy late square cut. Change- after change in the bowling was tried, and the pair soon had the New Zealand bowlers completely tied up. It was not until the score had re-iehed 151 that a separation was effected. Johnson, when within one of his century, getting his knee in front of one from Reese. There was general regTet that he should not "have reached the coveted three figures, though the New Zealand supporters were glad enough to see his back. He had given quite the best display of cricket for \vhk"h he has been responsible during the tour so far. Directly after Johnson had retired, Fox followed him, being run out in attempting a second run for a.n overthrow. The batsman overran the wicket, and, on t being called for a second run, ran with his bat up, and just failed to reach the crease. Harrison did not stay long, being uncomfortable all the time of his short stay to Downcs, scratching forward at him, and being eventually bowled by a bailer. Burns and Douglas showed bright cricket for their runs, Burns' driving being especially vigorous, whilst Douglas hit hard with a greater variety of strokes. None of the remaining batsmen gave much trouble, and the innings, which at one time looked like reaching formidable proportions, dosed for 257, or only 50 runs ahead of the New Zealanders' score. The wickets fell as follows: —One for 151, two for 153, three for 153, four for 194, five for 206, 6 for 237, seven for 237, eight for 248, nine for 251, and ten for '257. The New Zealanders were just-begin-ning to get.jaded when tire, .first; wjeket fell, but the-rapid dismissal of Johnsonand Fox in quk-k .succession livened the team up considerably. The bowling, too, seemed to improve as the day wore on. Reese hardly seemed to maie rapid enough changes in the first part of the innings, and not enough use was made of Bennett, who was keeping the runs down more than either Downes or Callaway. The bowlers were getting plenty of work.on the ball, but the slowness of the wicket was against them. The fielding of the New Zealand team was excellent, and several capital catches were made. The stopping and gathering were aiso fine, but the returning.was hardly, so good. The rapid recovery of the • game made it particularly interesting in the latter stages. The sum of £76 16/ was taken at the gates. The match is now in an extremely interesting state. It will be resumed at twelve o'clock tomorrow. Tbe scores are as follows: — NEW ZEALAND.*—First Innings—2o7. MARTLB3ONB C.C.—First Innings. P. R. Johnson, Ibw, B. Reese- 99 11. H. Fox, ran out 47 \V. R. Burns, c Boxshall, b Call-away.. 27 W. P. Harrison, D Downes 2 j. w. H. T. Dougals, b Downes 40 C. K. Page, c Mahoney, b Reese 2 G. T. Branston, c Seideberg, b Bennett 9 G. H. Simpson-Haywara, c Mahoney, b Bennett 5 A. A. Torrpns, lbw, b Downes 7 C. E. <3e Traffiord, c Lawience, b Downes 1 i>. K. May, uot out 1 Extras 16 Total ' 257 BOWLING ANALYSIS. O. M. R. W. S. T. Callaway 25 4 84 1 A. Downes 26 5 S3 4 J. H. Bennett 16 6 33 2 X.' Tucker 4 0 IS o D. Reese .—C- 5 0 21 2