FIRST TEST MATCH.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 308, 29 December 1924, Page 3

FIRST TEST MATCH.

A SIDE OF SPORTSMEN. STICKING IT TO THE END. (By Cable.—rress Association. —Copyright.) (Received 1 p.m.) SIDNEY, this day. Commenting on the Test cricket match, the "Sydney Morning Herald" says the excellence of Freeman's form was us unexpected as it. was gratifying, especially to his comrades. The iittle "liosie" howler gave an exhibition of plucky endeavour, during which "ue displayed a very correct defence even against the intricacies of Mailey's bowling. He deserved every run of his ,3(1 runs not out, with which lie retired at toe close of the innings—one of the highest scores in his career.

Woollcy's innings was a model one, almost devoid of defensive play, since the batsman and not the bowler was the attacking party. The feat of Woollcy's represented the sixth individual century score of the match, and was the second occasion on wnich this brilliant lefthander has reached three figures in Test cricket. That, little fact is worth noting, because left-handed centuries are rarities among English batsmen, ('. Mead being the only other left-hander to make a century fur Kngland in Test against Australia.

England's wonderful achievement of scoring -ill in tiie last innings established a new record in Test cricket, the previous highest being .170. To get so many runs in a fourth innings of a Test match running into ninth day from commencement of play on a wicket on which 1200 runs lind already been made was really a. remarkable performance, and provided a stimulating compensation for a beaten side. — (A. and N.Z. Cable.) CAPTAINS SUM UP. i Received 1 p.m.) SYDNEY, this day. Gilligan states that he. is confident regarding the remaining Tests, as he has no doubt that the Englishmen had the greater share of the bad luck throughout the match. He added that the English batting did not come up to his expectations, but he wis unable to account for their failure. Ho was well satisfied with the bowling, nnd more than satistied with their fielding.

Collins said that the Australians' superiority was not so great, and it looks ns if there must be a tightening up. especially in fielding, if Australia is to retain the "ashes."—(A. and N.Z.)