TEST THEME.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 30, 5 February 1937, Page 7

TEST THEME.

HOW ENGLAND FEELS. Disappointed But Hopeful for Fifth Game. M.C.C.'S LOST OPPORTUNITY. United Press Association.—Copyright. (Received 10 a.m.) LONDON, February 4. The evening papers' Test theme is disappointment, combined with hopefulness for the fifth Test, commencing at Melbourne on February 26. H. A. Carson, cabling to the "Evening News" from Adelaide, says: "The English defeat is due, firstly, ta England's lost opportunity in the first innings; an J, secondly, to the bowling of FleetwoodSmith, who bowled better than ever previously. "O'Reilly was comparatively innocuous, and McCormick inaccurate. "The Englishmen were much inferior to the Australians between the wickets. "Australian pitches are far more suitable to Fleetwood-Smith than Fames, Voce or Allen." A Sydney message states that the Sydney Morning Herald" cricket writer points out that Australia has a chance to make history, for no side has won three Tests after losing the first two. CHANGES FOR FINAL. BADCOCK AND COTTON? ADELAIDE, February 4. Referring to the sixth day's pipy in the fourth Tevt, at Adelaide, C. G. Macartney says:— "All doubts were dispelled when Fleetwood-Smith bowled Hammond. "Wyatt played Fleetwood-Smith better than the others. Indeed, I have seldom seen him so aggressive, yet watchful. He was particularly severe on anything short or over-pitched. "England's task, considering the state of the pitch and the deadly character of the spin bewling, was very heavy, and it was almost too much to expect victory. "I cannot speak too highly of Fleet-wood-Smith's accuracy. The part he played in the success of this vital match was most noteworthy. "The deciding match now will take place at Melbourne. No doubt one or two changes will be made in the Australians' team. Badcock must be given another chance. He should replace Rig<r, while McCormick may have to give war to the South Australian fast bowler Cotton.

"Cliipperfield has honestly justified the confidence placed in him and he is certain of a place for some time to come

"Australia's victory in this fourth Test was well won and for the first time during the present series it was fought out in fine weather. The bowlin" and the out cricket by the Australian! was of such a high quality that England was not allowed to get on top at anv stage." WHAT THE RECORDS SHOW 300 TO WIN SCORED TWICE. Only twice in Anglo-Australian Test history, extending since 1876-77, has 300 runs being scored in the fourth innings to win. The first occasion was a£ Adelaide, in 1901-02, when A. C. MacLaren was M.C.C. captain, and the scores were:—England 388 and 247; Australia 321 and 315 for four wickets. Clem Hill made 98 and 97, following 99 in his preceding innings at Melbourne. The only other time the feat was accomplished was by A. P. F. Chapman's 1932-33 side, at Melbourne: Scores: Australia 397 (Kippax 100, Ryder 112) and 351 (Woodfull 107, Bradman 112—his first century); England 417 (Hammond 200) and 332 for seven wickets (Sutcliffe 135, Hammond 32 run out). Australia in four previous matches topped 400 in the second innings at Adelaide, where the Commonwealth won seven of the last ten games played. The highest fourth innings total by either country was 411 by England, at Sydney in 1924-25, when set GOS to win. l