TWO ALL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 30, 5 February 1937, Page 6

TWO ALL.

Not for forty years has one Test cricket side the first two Tests and won the next two, .as Australia has now done. The one previous occasion was in 1884, when Australia, as in this season, came up from two down to square the but lost the final Test at Melbourne. The match which concluded yesterday was remarkable for the fact that on a batsman's wicket and in perfect cricket weather the bowlers were in command practically all through, except during Bradman's splendid performance in his second strike. How remarkable that innings was is indicated by a glance at the score, and it was particularly so because Australia's captain was playing in a style quite different from, usual. He took no risks till he had passed the double century, and against very accurate bowling kept out everything that looked dangerous, and safely hit every loose ball that . came his way. It was a new Bradman; he has scored more runs in an innings and at a very much faster rate, but he has never played a more, useful innings for his side. This is not'the first time that he has been a match winner, of course, but never has he had to carry the side to, the-same extent. If he had 'gone even atyer a century.; the "Ashes" would probably have gone with him, but he' kept his end up till, in view of the condition of the pitch, the match was /won. Some fine cricket was played by other batsmen, notably Barnett, Chipperfield, Ames and the colt Gregory, but all of them treated the bowling with great respect, and while they were batting the bowlers were on top at the other end. Another high light of. the match was the fowling of Fleetwood Smith in the second innings. Hammond was the only batsman to master him on Wednesday, and he had an early revenge next day. For a spin bowler who varies pace, direction, flight and break so much, he kept a remarkably good; length, and he proved himself a fine bowler when called upon for a great effort. Verity did not take a wicket during the match, but his performance was nevertheless a memorable one; he kept the runs down and had the batsmen on their toes all the while. The match did not provide so-close a finish as some on the Adelaide ground, but it was fought out in a fine spirit and in the highest traditions -the game. Melbourne has a notoriously tricky climate, but if the conditions are anything like even the final round of the fight I for the "Ashes" should be a stirring one. j