ENGLAND ON TOP.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 25, 30 January 1937, Page 8

ENGLAND ON TOP.

Australia is in the doldrums to-day. With everything 1 in her favour, a perfect wicket, a clear sky, the toss won and the two opening batsmen facing the bowling confidently, the eleven seemed to be set for a big score in the fourth Test match. Even after the first wicket fell, the second partnership batted so well during the morning that hopes ran high. Disaster followed immediately after lunch, however, and before the partnership had got set again both batsmen were back in the pavilion. From then on to the end of the day England was definitely on top. Bradman, playing a captain's innings when his side faced' disaster, had to bat with unwonted restraint,] and this probably brought about his downfall for a very niodast total. A few years ago a first innings score of round about 300 would have been regarded as highly satisfactory, but on a wicket such as that at Adelaide, andj with the present ascendancy of the bat, at least a hundred more is demanded from the first users of the wicket. The English bowling was characterised more by steadiness than hostility, but it was backed by splendid fielding, and on the day the visitors certainly earned their ascendancy. They have overcome the disadvantage of the lost toss, and on j present appearances should win. Cricket is a 1 curious game, however; and there is no tellinwhat may happen, particularly if the weather gods decide to take as much interest as they did in the first three Tests.