CRICKET TOUR.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 163, 13 July 1931, Page 7

CRICKET TOUR.

CAMBRIDGE GAME.

Blunt and Dempster Revel in a

Batsman's Wicket.

HARD WORK TOR BOWLERS

(Special to the " Star.")

LONDON, June G,

For the match against Cambridge University Merritt and James were rested from the New Zealand side, whilst. Dempster, having recovered from the injury to his leg, made his reappearance.

The game was played 011 the celebrated Fenners Ground, probably one of the most picturesque grounds in England. The wicket there is usually a batsman's paradise, and a bowler has to work extremely hard to get any turn on the ball at all. The pitch ■in this game proved to be no exception. Although the match ended in an even draw it was distinctly unfortunate for New Zealand that Cromb and Matheson, the two most effective bowlers, had to retire from the field owing to strained leg muscles after three wickets had fallen for only 25. runs in the 'Varsity's second innings, whilst Blunt also was indisposed. This naturally weakened the attack considerably at a critical time. Blunt's Improving Form. New Zealand had first use of a good wicket, rendered easy paced by recent rain. The usual pair, Mills and Dempster, opened, and at once set about getting runs. Both scored very freely, and it was pleasing to note that Dempster had lost none of his form through the enforced spell caused by the injury to his leg at Cardiff. Mills, in scoring his 59 runs, exploited to advantage his characteristic hook shots and oil-drives, and the graceful rhythm with which he executed the strokes drew forth much favourable comment from the spectators. Perhaps the most pleasing feature of the first innings was Blunt's display. Following up his great knock against Middlesex, lie scored 120 in a style that indicated that he has at last struck his true form. .The outstanding strokes used by him were the cut drive past point and the late cut. Allcott batted quietly and assisted _Blunt in a profitable partnership. Although he scored only 25 it is only fair to say that during his .lengthy stay at the crease he had very little of the bowling and was therefore unable to score at anything like his usual rate. J. L. Kerr, who by the way has had a fairly lean time during the last few games, gave promise of making runs, but just as lie appeared to be well set he was given out leg-before for the third time in succession. The policy for the later batsmen was to hit and get runs or get out. Cromb and Matheson both contributed useful scores in a very short time in following out these instructions. Of the Cambridge bowlers in the first innings Baring, the fast trundler, who it will be remembered played for Hampshire against the New Zealand side, secured the most wickets, although lie did not seem to be nearly as impressive as Brown, a googly bowler of considerable promise. Pelham, a medium-fast righthander, also met with a fair measure of success. Matheson Bowls Well. In reply to New Zealand's first innings score .of 1375 Cambridge, through the splendid performances of Surfleet, KempWelch, Fabian and Davies, finished up only 75 runs behind, although when Matheson went on at 200 with the new ball it seemed at one stage that the side would not avert the follow-on. Surfleet gave perhaps the best exhibition. It was almost entirely a display of forward strokes, some of the drives past mid-off being particularly powerful. Peculiarly enough most of the Cambridge batsmen are all splendid in front of the wicket players, possessing the same style of play as E. W. Dawson, who visited New Zealand with Gilligan's team. This 110 doubt is due to the hard wickets to which they are accustomed. Matheson was the most successful bowler for New Zealand, finishing up witli tiie fine figures of four for 70. He bowled with a fair amount of speed and was especially dangerous with the new ball. Dempster's Fourth Hundred. New Zealand's second innings was dominated by another Dempster century. This player seems to be in better form this season than he was in 1927, and up to date has scored 110 fewer than four centuries. Incidentally, lie is leading in the first-class batting averages for the

whole of England. Mills repeated his first innings form by compiling 40 rune? in his usual free style. Lowry was in aggressive mood and scored a quick 35 in an endeavour to obtain enough runs to declare. This object was achieved for the loss of live wickets.

The Cambridge Stars.

The University had to score 297 in three hours. Their second innings revealed some magnificent batting by Kemp-Welch. This player has been most consistent thin season and is regarded as one of the leading first-class batsmen in England. His century was hall-marked by strong strokes all round the wicket, and he is equally strong whether on attack or defence. P. R. Brown ably assisted his captain by scoring a vigorous 72. His batting capabilities, together with his exceptionally good bowling, stamps him as one of the most promising young all-rounders in the country. With very little effort he gets an amazing amount of power into all his shots. Of the five wickets which fell in this innings, Cromb obtained two before he was compelled to leave the field. After this Weir again shouldered the burden of the attack, as he has now done in the majority of his games and also claimed two wickets. However, the New Zealand attack was not strong enough to prevent Cambridge from forcing a draw.

It will be rather interesting to watch the progress of Ivemp-Welch and Brown. Competent critics over here arc certain that the former will be invited to tour Australia with the next English team, and it certainly looks as though he would be even a better batsman on Australian wickets, owing to his strong forward play. Brown is also regarded as a future Test player. Like Peebles, he is a tall well-built man and keeps a very accurate length as well as obtains considerable pace oil" the wicket with his leg break. Although h" can l bowl the "•wrong 'itn" very eU'ectively, lie does not overdo it.