A NARROW VICTORY.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 11, 14 January 1926, Page 6

A NARROW VICTORY.

A margin of thirty-two runs at the end is a victory, but no one will suggest that the Auckland team that beat Canterbury was on tbe play substantially superior to its opponents. It was an interesting match, long-drawn out and hard-fought from beginning to end of itsfour days and a bit. A turn of what is called luck in the other direction, and Canterbury might have -won. Our opponents deserve great credit for their skill and determination. To face a first innings total of more than 400 and lose by only 32 runs was a fine performance. Canterbury has suffered more than any other province by the fact that a New Zealand representative team is now in Australia. The encouraging feature of the match that finished to-day is the amount of talent that has not gone to Australia, especially among young batsmen. It might be possible to pick a second Xew Zealand team which in batting would be little inferior to the touring team. We doubt whether at any time in the history of New Zealand cricket there have been so many really good batsmen as there are to-day, and the success of the younger generation is particularly gratifying. Bowling is another matter, but we believe that with improvement in batting, bowlers will be stimulated to reach a higher standard. Coaching is needed, but we question whether it is so great a necessity as better wickets. Poor wickets make it possible for mediocre bowling to obtain flattering results. Improve wickets and raise t)he standard of batting, and bowlers will be compelled to take more trouble with their art.