ENGLAND V. N.S.W.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 271, 14 November 1936, Page 9

ENGLAND V. N.S.W.

ROBINSON IMPRESSES.

McCabe at Top Form; Dismissed by Astute Move.

HAMMOND FIVE FOR 39. (B,t J. B. HOBKS.—Copyright In all countries. Reproduction in whole or part forbidden.) (Received 10 a.m.) SYDNEY, this day. In the match between England and New South Wales, begun at the Sydney Cricket Ground yesterday, the Australians were dismissed for 273 just before the drawing of stumps; and Fagg and Barnett barely had time to start the visitors' inninsrs.

The fourth wicket partnership of 143 runs, between McCabe and Robinson, was broken through a good move by the skipper. Allen started with Hammond after tea, giving him the new ball in the middle of an over. Allen hir.iself at once had an over at that end, .'hen put Hammond back again. The latter at once dismissed McCabe, who mistimed the ball and skied it for an easy catch.

McCabe played well within himself, yet got right on top of the bowling. He and Robinson also must have sighted the ball very early in its flight, because they had so much time to make their shots. McCabe took a little time to play himself in, then batted brilliantly. This knock should put him at top form just at the right time, seeing that the first Test is only a fortnight away.

The strength of New South Wales batting is demonstrated by Chipperfield being sixth. More Strokes Than Badcock. Robinson is the best batsman among the newcomers I have seen on this tour. Badcock (South Australia) is very good, but this boy has more strokes. He had to be good to show up well with McCabe batting so magnificently at the other end, and he shone despite this. He is a trifle impetuous in the way he tries to cut. I don't think any of the English bowlers troubled him undulv.

There was dramatic change after tea, and it was Hammond who started it, to eventually show .the remarkable figures of five wickets for 39 runs. Although he. bowled well, lie was helped by rather indifferent batting by the tailenders, while the light, was poor. McCabe got himself out, two were out legbefore to his slower ball, while O'Reilly was wonderfully caught at short leg by Fagg, who dived and picked up the ball one-lianded close to the ground.

The Englishmen looked more like an England side in the field to-day. The players were keen, chased the ball and picked up well, this being the most gratifying feature of the day's play from the tourists' point of view. Ames, Copson and Sims. I liked Ames' wicket-keeping. It was considerably better than I expected, seeing that he is so short of practice on account of his injury. I was disappointed in Copsou, and it would appear that lie has not had enough work to bowl himself into form yet. Sims before lunch bowled well, but afterwards lost his length, and for a time was badly punished.

I am concerned for this match because I am doubtful about the wicket lasting. Owing to lack of rain the young grass has not come through yet. If the wicket does go, New South Wales will have in O'Reilly a bowler who can take advantage of, and exploit, it to the full. Scores:— NEW SOUTH WALES. —First Innings. Fingleton, lbw, b Sims 30 Mudge, lbw, b Copson 2 Marks, st Ames, b Sims 21 McCabe, c Fislilock, b Hammond .. 83 Robinson, b Allen 91 Chipperfield, c Ames, b Hammond . 14 McGilvray, lbw, b Hammond 1 I Hynes, b Allen 3 Oldfield, lbw, b Hammond 1 White, not out 3 O'Reilly, c Fagg, b Hammond 1 Extras 14 Total 273 Bowling: Hammond took five wickets for 39 runs, Allen two for 45._ Sims two for 73, Copson one for 71, Worthington none for 31. ENGLAND. —First Innings. Fagg, not out * Barnett, not out " Total for no wickets 1 Although R. H. Robinson is only 21 he is one of the most dashing and graceful batsmen in Australia and last summer was consistency personified. In Sheffield Shield games alone he aggregated 013 runs at an average of 61.30. [ His scores included: 103, v. Queensland, at Brisbane, in November; 102 (next innings), v. South Australia, at Adelaide, in December; 66, v. Victoria, at Melbourne, Christmas week; 67, v. Queensland, at Sydney, New Year; 94 not out. match abandoned when N.S.W. had 286 on for six wickets, in reply to South Australia's total of 94 (Bradman a duck: left-hander E. C. S. White eight for 31), at Sydney, mid-January; and 94, v. Victoria, at Sydney, end of January.