" CLAPHAM COMMON."

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 292, 10 December 1936, Page 5

" CLAPHAM COMMON."

• ENGLAND OR AUSTRALIA? M.C.C. BATSMEN EARN A CHUCKLE. (Received 1 p.m.) LONDON, Deveinber 9. The "News Chronicle" in a leading article on England's Test cricket victory, states: "It must be the most pleasant of experiences to be a member of the English team, for it scored heavily, not only over the Australians, but also over the critics. Tt was a bowler's victory. Anart from Levland and Allen, the English batsmen did not greatly distinguish themselves; but thev are entitled to a private, chuckle, for if thev are 'Clnnham Common batsmen.' in J. B. Hohbs' famous phrase, what must the Australians be?" "The Times" cricket writer says: "The overwhelming victorv will be welcome for the comfort of those retaining the belief that the vitality of "Alien can inspire. Tt was known before the team's donarture that there would be a splendid spir't. Allen in a private letter wrote: 'All the nlavers look like atl>l«tes. which is a bi<r help.' "What a measure of h"lp Allen himself gave! Reflected bv the score =heet. it seems that Ai ,c tralia's utter "011-->se was due to timid batting in the fa"" of the spirited bowlinnr nf Allen »"d Voce, who emerge as the heroes of th° match. Australian batsmen of =ii"h repute should surely have done better, despite th" wicket. "England's oneni"<r batsmen still seem to want reidiustment. but the team has shown that it can play with the utmost fire."