CRICKET.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 9585, 27 November 1896, Page 5

CRICKET.

got on to Wilding, however, for a pair and a quartette and 210 went up. At 218 Roberteon relieved Wilding, and singles sent 220 up. Splendid fielding by Holdship saved a 4. Kelly broke the monotony of 12 singles by driving Upham grandly for 4, and a 2 to leg sent 230 up. At 233 Pearce again took the ball from Uphara, and Kelly pulled him to square leg four balls in succession for a pair and three 4's. At 247 Baker had a try with the ball, three men going very deep. The over was a very loose one, and Kelly sent him for a 4 and three 2's. 260 went up, and Baker going on a second over Buffered to the tune of 10 more, the runs S»ing on at an alarming rate. 270 up, and oldehip went on vice Robertson. Kelly dragged him for 3, bringing his own score to 50. Upham went on again at the pavilion end, and, with 280 up, Kelly lifted him to the on, where Williams by a sharp sprint brought off an exceedingly difficult catch. 281—8—53. The retiring batsman was loudly cheered, the partnership having put on 90 in an hour. Jones partnered Eady and Robertson took the ball from Holdahip. 4 byes sent 290 up. Jones was nearly run out, bnt the same batsman brought 300 up with a 3 to leg amid applause, and Eady drove Robertson to the boundary. This was his last hit, for lifting Robertson very high to the on Pearce brought off a well-judged catch. 304—9—41. McKibbin went in only to see his partner sky one into Wilding's hands at mid-on, the innings thus dosing for 304 at twenty minutee to six. Scores: —

AUSTRALIA. First Innings. J. Darling, 124322224142, c Mills, b Pearce ... ... ... ■•• 29 P. Iredale, 1114311131134211144111114 412113113124211 b Wilding ... 75 G. Giffen, 221111224114511, c Upham, b Neill 29 G. H. S. Trott, 213134212221113, c Niven, b Wilding 29 S. Gregory, 211112, run out ... ... 8 H. Graham, 1113214, st Niven, b Pearce 13 H. Trumble, c Niven, b Wilding ... 0 J. J. KeUy, 121241111142142442422131 11, c Williams, b Upham ... ... 53 O. J. Eady, 1431111134321111444, c Pearce, b Robertson ... ... 41 E. Jones, 1113, o Wilding, b Robertson 6 0?. R. McKibbin not out ._ — 0 Byes, 1243131 ... ... ~- 15 Leg byes, 11112 «. - 6 Total .« .- - 304 BOWLING ANALYSIS.

(PIIBS6 ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.)

AUCKLAND, November 26

The following interprovincial cricket team has been chosen to represent Auckland against Wellington at Wellington. The balance of the Auckland team leave by the Takapuna on Monday, and will meet Hay, Cuff, Mills, and NeiU at Wellington. The Auckland team is as follows:—T. Ball, D. Clayton, L. A. Cuff, D. Hay, W. Hawkins, T. Mills, G. Mills, R. Neill, Dr. Pabst, W. Stemson, W. T. Wynyard.

INTERCOLONIAL MATCH.

AUSTRALIA v NEW ZEALAND.

Yesterday marks a red letter day in the history of Canterbury—it might almost he said of New Zealand—cricket; The match between the famous Australian Eleven of '96 and the New Zealand team has been: looked forward to by the cricket loving public with excited expectancy for months past, and it will as certainly be looked back to with equal interest. The eyes of the world have been on our visitors from the time they bearded the British lion in hie den, and all loyal colonials have followed the successes of the cornstalks with a glow of pride that is perhaps only natural when it is remembered that they are, like ourselves, an off-shoot : from the mother country, and our very near heighbours. It is pretty generally admitted that no better, lot of cricketers ever left Australia, and a team drawn from a comparatively small population I hat can hold its own against the flower of English cricket, where they have thousands of players to choose from, could not fail to excite the admiration of every country where the game is played. It is quite certain that no match ever played in Christchurch has created so much interest as the present one. And the reasons for this are easily found. After what are known as the "palmy days of cricket" in Canterbury fifteen years ago, the game temporarily " went under" in public interest. But it was bound to come to the top again—"a consummation devoutly to be wished" by all tafue lovers of the good old English national game—and for the last season or two there has been abundant evidence of its revival. This revival will probably culminate in a record attendance at Lancaster Park to-day—the people's day. Of course there are hundreds who will attend out of mere curiosity to see the men who have so worthily upheld the honour of Australian cricket in foreign lands. Hundreds will also go, not so much to see a contest between two teams, but to see the game played as New Zealanders are ■ not yet competent to play it. It is also safe to say that a few thousands will go, weather permitting, from pure cricketing instincts. The fact of the Australians coining here in defiance of the dictum of their own Cricket Council, gives a dash of romance to the New Zealand tour, and has certainly not lessened the interest in the present fixture. Indeed the loyalty of the team in carrying out the contract it arranged in good faith has added zest to the matches in this colony. The Australians are so weft" known by repute that little need be said about them. General regret was expressed when it was known that a family bereavement prevented Hill taking part in the game, as many had looked forward to seeing the sterling batting of the young South Australian. The New Zealand team was certainly unfortunate in being without the services of Fisher, of Dunedin, for his telling delivery would undoubtedly have been found useful yesterday. Rains and Downes would . also have strengthened the Maorilandera. Otherwise the team is about as strong a one as could have been chosen.-

: The match yesterday was played under very favourable conditions. Certainly, a cold sou-west wind blew across the ground and made it very chilly for the fieldsmen who had not much to do, and very uncomfortable for the spectators. The weather, however, remained fine, and that was something to be thankful for, seeing that the early morning was not at all promising. The wicket was one of French's beat), and as the Anstralians were pleased with it it must have been a gpod one. Mr C. R. Smith and Mr F. C. Raphael, the Secretaries respectively of the New Zealand Cricket Council and -the .Canterbury Cricket Association, had leffcxib stone unturned to make the arrangements for the match as complete as -possible. Scoring cards were issued at a small charge, and numbers hoisted on the boards corresponding with those on the cards enabled the onlookers to see who the batsmen and bowlers were. The attendance, considering it was not a holiday, was fairly good, nearly 2000 paying for admission. The applause throughout was very impartial, the onlookers recognising the play of both sides alike.

' The play itself was of a very interesting nature, and those who went to see the Australians bat must "have been perfectly satisfied. At the- very start, Darling, the vigorous left-hander, evinced an inclination to hit, and this was appreciated immensely by the onlookers. . He tried hard to find the boundary, but the ground was a bit too big, and he was eventually taken near the brack, after being let off twice; Iredale was playing perfect cricket, and as Giffen played a sound game as well, play slowed down a bit. When the century appeared on' the board with, only one wicket down the visitors looked like going for a big score. However, an extra crtrly one from Keill caused a mi&s-hit, which dismissed the veteran. He had just been in long enough and made enough runs to show that the theory that he is one of the best batsmen in the world is not far out, and the fieldsmen doubtless heaved a sigh of relief when he walked back. When the burly skipper went in he livened up things considerably, and some smart running between wickets was done. At 165 Iredale's time came, for in trying to lift an apparently soft one of Wilding's out of the ground he missed ,it altogether and it bowled him. The retiring batsman had played the finest cricket of the day, and was probably the beat objeot lesson in batting tho tfewZealanders could have had. (Eh© ease and grace with winch he played the good once was a treat to Watch. Bufe the greatest revelation was thY lShtnine like rapidity with whioh he

brought anything the least bib short, <d(f hie wicket or even from the off round to the on aide. His cutting too was a treat-*o watch, the ball going off his bat with.-a crispness that was pretty in the extreme. Probably no better or more etyiieh innings has ever been played at the Park. Soon after his dismissal the game wore a better aspect for the homo team, for with the retirement soon afterwards of Trott, and 18 runs later of the crack Gregory, tho board showed 184 for the best five wickets. Gregory stayed long enough to show that he was a perfect master in the art of leg gliding, and thore was general regret that the little man who had gamed the best batting average in England, should have been run out before ho had shown what ho could do. Graham did not long survive him, though it is doubtful it he was really out, several of the fieldsmen being of opinion that the wicketkeeper had lost the ball when he stumped him. With the board showing 191—6—13ias an adjournment was made for afternoon tea, there were many who prediotod that the score would not, be very largely increased, as the remaining batsmen wore not supposed to be of the Iredate and Co. calibre. These prognostications, however, were soon difl* pelled when Kelly and Eady got together. Both men, and particularly the former, soon had the bowling in a knot, and knocked ib about moat unceremoniously all over the field, putting the runs on at a truly alarming rate. No less than 90 were added before a separation was effected, and then Kelly was onty dismissed by a very fine catch. Hie innings was a splendid exhibition of vigorous and fearless hitting, and the way he pulled short ones round to the on boundary was little short of wonderful. Pour times in one over he pulled Fearce round like a flashthree of them to the track—and those who know the speed of the Midlander's de« liveries will appreciate the performance. Eady also completely dispelled tho idea that he was an indifferent bat, for his strokes all round the wickot were characteristic of hie great size and strength. He played the good ones with correctness and care, bob when he hit there was no mistako about it, and he finished up with three fours. The batting all round, though affording a splendid illustration of sound defence, was brilliant, and just the kind the spectators like to see. Tho New Zealandors did a heavy day's work in the field creditably. Wilding trundled very well, and though he may have been somewhat lucky in getting his . wickets,. a glance at the bowling analysis shows that not more than 6 were scored off any one. over of his, and with batsmen of the Australians' calibre against him the fact sneaks for , itself. Upham, Robertson and Pearce bore the brunt of the work with the ball. The Wellington man bowled steadily, but with little luck. Robertson also kept up • his end well, and was the only bowler who really appeared to puzzle the batsmen. Pearce kept his end going splendidly for a time, but later on Kelly was chiefly instrumental in registering 18 for his Hast' two overs. Neill, Hay, Holdehip and Baker also had a try with, the ball. The last named suffered to the tune of 20 in two overs, and it appeared unaccountable that a man who is nob recognised as a bowler in his own province Bboiud be put on before men like Holdship and DeMaus. Wilding, who was only on once, might with advantage been given another turn.

The fielding all round was very good, though occasionally fault could be found with it. Early in the game two chances were dropped, but probably the bitterly dold wind was responsible for this. How* ever, later on some very good ones were made, which brought down tho house. The poorest -work in the field was the throwing in. When anything sharp waa run the olean picking up was nullified by either a wide return, or one that landed at the wicket-keeper's feet. Clarke at deep cover and Holdship at mid-off did some magnificent work; Cuff was also good at point. Niven was fairly good at the wiokete, and although he allowed 15 byes to go he is credited with the dismissal, of three men. Messrs Jones, for New Zealand, and Phillips, for Australia, umpired, and their decisions, with the exception of the one referred to, gave satisfaction. Cuff was elected captain of the New Zealand team, and in spinning the coin with Trott the Australian skipper's ueual good luck followed him, and he nad no hesitation in deciding to go in. At ten minutes- past twelve the New Zealand team took the field amid cheers from about five hundred people. Darling and Iredale almost immediately followed. Upham, the Wellington bowler, opened from the. north end to Iredale. Three singles resulted, Iredale putting a full toss dangerously near third man. Robertson opened from the railway end with a maiden.. In Upham's next Darling out a half-volley Srettuy to the boundary. The fast bowler id not appear to get hie length, and 10 were scored in the over. A four and a3to ' Iredale sent 20 up for ten minutes , play. In Upham's fourth over the play was somewhat sensational. The second ball the lefthander lifted into Ridley's hands at tho Square-leg boundary, which was dropped. The second ball afterwards the same bate* man lifted over the bowler's head into Mills's hands, but tit was again dropped amid derisive remarks from the onlookers. The batsman ehowed his gratitude by eend- , ing him for 2 and- 4—12 in one over. 40 soon went up. At 43 Pearce relieved Upham, and in his second over Darling again lifted one into Mills's hands near the boundary, where it was safely held. 47—1—2j9» Giffen waa next and. opened with a pair. Play t became slow, Pearce especially bowling very* .steadily., . Good fielding by Baker saved runs, but Iredale sent a full toss to the leg boundary in double quick time. 60 up, and Neiil relieved Robertson. Play became slow, and at 76 Upham took the ball from Pearce, and Giffen opened .his shoulders twice to Neill, getting a 4 and 2, and yrixh the score at 86 the luncheon adjournment took place. Iredale 40 and Giffen 16. Play was- resumed' at 2.26, Robertson trundling from the railway end and Upham from the other. A bye and singles sent 80 up. A slight interruption here took place, an individual taking a position on the edge of the grass behind the bowlegs arm, and it took a limb of the law to shift him. Robertson was getting a- lot of work On, several times beating Griffon, but Iredale at lost cut him sweetly to' the boundary. Soon afterwards the same batsman lifted Upham grandly to the leg boundary, sending 100 up as the result of an hoar and a half's play. Giffen.lifted Robertson grandly to leg for 6, the ball landing against the fence. At 109 Pearce went on in place of Upham. 110 went up, and Iredale gave Mills a very difitatut' chance in the long field, the batsman's score being 51. Ac 115. Giffen tried to make a big fift to long leg, but a mice-hit sent the ball into the Blips, where Upham sprang up and made a fine one-handed catch. 116—2 —29. Trott followed, and broke the ice by pulling Neill to square leg. Both batsmen became aggressive, and 130 soon went up. Iredale took his score to 71 by lifting Pearce grandly to the on -boundary. At 128 Upham went on at the > railway" end, and Trott cut him for 3—140 up. Iredale gave a difficult chance to Williams in the slips, and Hay went on at the pavilion end. 160 soon -went up, - and Iredale pat an uppish one. to the slips boundary for 4. Pearce took the. ball from. Hay, and Wilding relieving' Upham was toe signal for applause. With the last ball of the over the veteran bowled Iredale, the batsman trying to drive him to the on. 165—3—75. Gregory, partnered his skipper , and opened with a pretty leg glide for a pair, but Trott was soon afterwards taken at the wickets off Wilding. 176—4—29. , Graham was the incomer, and after scoring two singles was nearly run out, Mills'c return beia£ Wild. At 184 indecision on the part of both men, aided by smart fielding by Williams at short leg, caused Gregory to be run out. 184— s—B. Trumble filled the vacancy, and play became somewhat slow. Graham sent 190 up with a grand leg hit to the boundary, but Fearce had his revenge by getting the batsman—who appeared to lose his balance—stumped. ' 191— 6—13 appeared, and an. adjournment was made for afternoon tea. •' After the'adjournment Kelly accompanied , Trumble to the wickets; -P,eatw opening to the incomer. Wilding resumed at .the. raflway end, and off hie second ball Trumble was-caught at-the wicket, "and the fin*, "duck " of the innings brought down the house as 191—7—0,, appeared.. Eady was ' nexK-aad drove the veteran for a single «nd sent Pearce to the leg.bqnndary like a flash. The sante batamaa sent 200 up by cutting Wilding over, Clark's head—* dangerous stroke. Pearce beat the bateman and the wicket with ■ a beauty—3 byes resuttinif. Upham relieved Pearce at 207, and Kelljr da not appeal? to wH«o tb* change. ,»,

P. Upham W. Robertson .- W. Pearce R. Neill D. Hay F. Wilding _ J. Baker A-R..Holdship... Balls. Mdns. Runs. M 150 7 61 138 5 59 132 4 66 64 0 33 18 0 8 60 1 29 12 £ 20 12 0 7 Vkts. 1 2 2 1 0 3 0 0