FAST BOWLERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 148, 25 June 1934, Page 7

FAST BOWLERS.

NOT IMPRESSIVE.

Mystery of Bradman in This

Year's Tests. "AUSTRALIA SET FOR A SCORE." (United P.A.—Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Received 10 a.m.) LOXDOST, June 24. The Australian Press Association representative says that with 24S runs to get and eight wickets to fall Australia can await for Monday with equanimity unless the pitch takes a sudden, unexpected turn for the worse. This levelling performance was achieved despite the tantalising obstinacy of England's tail-enders.

Also the fast bowling bogy, temporarily at any rate, was - overcome, Fames and Bowes shattering their energies on the rock of Woodfull's solidity, and Brown's, Bradman's and McCabe'a hearty aggression. Indeed, England with two fast bowlers looked less impressive than with. one. Fames was too expensive to keep on long, but he and Bowes may be more dangerous on Monday, since heavy rain has fallen all night over the whole London area.

However, it can honestly be said that Brown seems to thrive on fast bowling. Ho is a born opening batsman, where he looks safer than lower down. Bradman never looked more dangerous, hitting with great power and confidence. He is the 1934 cricket mystery. He was luxuriantly happy without being reckless, yet immediately he adopted a defensive line he lost his wicket to a poor stroke. Oldfield kept wickets for 9J hours in an innings of 440 runs and did not allow a bye, which is a tremendous feat.

D. R. Jardine pays a tribute to Leyland, and puts him on a high pinnacle. Jardine says Wall got the most out of the wicket, and it was a relief to England's supporters to see him taken off. Fames did not look the bowler he was at Nottingham. The English fielding in the slips and "down the gully" was slovenly and messy. Bradman appeared to get himself out by over-anxiety to score fast. Jardine states that the wicket, which is very dry, will play tricks on the fourth day unless rain binds it together. English Victory Doubted. "Australia is set for a big score and I cannot see England winning unless it rains at the week-end," says Jack Hobbs in an article in the "Star." He applauds Grimmett as a wonderful little bowler who always uses his brain cleverly in mixing slow with faster balls, and forever trying. Hobbs expresses the opinion that Oldfield held Ames' chance when the batsman had made 90 almost long enough to be classed as a catch. He adds: "England's fast men bowled too short, enhancing the performance of Wall, who was able to make tho ball lift without bowling short." Ponsford's health has greatly improved and he hopes to play in the match against Somerset to be commenced at Taunton on Wednesday. His Majesty hopes to attend the Test match on Monday. The Duke of Gloucester lunched at Lord's with the I teams on Saturday.

LARWOOD ECHO. STATEMENT BY SELECTOR. (Received 11.30 arm.) LONDON, June 24. The "Test" forecast predicts light to moderate variable winds with occasional showers and bright intervals, and perhaps thunder. Sir Stanley Jackson, chairman of the English Selection Committee, declared: "I have no knowledge of any of my colleagues indicating to Larwood's captain that he would not be allowed to bowl leg-theory. I cannot believe anyone would do such a thing. My colleagues are fully aware that a team in the field is under the orders of the captain, who is solely responsible."

P. F. Warner, in the "Daily Telegraph," says: "Australia is very likely to head our total. Our bowling is far from impressive, and Verity alone looked like a Test bowler. Brown batted magnificently. If ever there was a greater wicket-keeper than Oldfield I have never seen him." A RUMOUR DENIED. WOODFULL AND BOWES. (Received 1 p.m.) LONDON, June 24. Tho "Daily Telegraph" states a report was circulated during the week-end that Woodfull at the tea interval at Lord's on Saturday protested against Bowes' fast bowling. Sir Stanley Jackson states that the report was untrue, and was probably based on the fact that Bowes asked for an additional fieldsman on the leg-side after tea, a request that was refused. Sir Stanley added that no instructions had been given Wyatt regarding the placing of the field. Wyatt's reason for depriving Bowes of a third fieldsman on the leg-side was doubtless technical.

"Tho Times" cricket writer admits that thus far Australia seems the better side. The Australians have so many more strokes than the average English batsman, and the Australian fielding was immensely superior.

Critics generally anticipate a drawn game.