A PAEAN OF PRAISE.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19508, 3 January 1929, Page 8

A PAEAN OF PRAISE.

HAMMOND'S FINK DISPLAY. (Received January 2nd, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, January 1. P. F. Warner, Writing in the "Morning Post," describes Hammond as the grent batting success of the tour* "Obviously hj« ia the b«»t young batsman since Hobbi," he says. "As all-rounder he may be oompared with anyone, for he is a glorious field ana a good medium-paced bowlir, but connut be expected to make huge stores, run about the field, bend down in slips and take wickets in the Australian heat. He is the greatest cricketer Gloucester has provided iince W. G. tirace, not forgetting G. L. Jesaop and A. F. Townsend. Before the end of bis oareer ho may rival even Grace's deeds." F. E. Wooltey, in the "'Daily Chronicle," says that he always had the highest opinion of Hammond s cricketing abilities as batsman, bowler, and fieldsman, but often wondered whether lib was concentrating sufficiently to do justice to himself. Apparently he did so both in Svdney and Melbourne. His latest is his mwt valuable effort, seeing that England .vas up against a more substantial tota] and sterner bowling. He did not agree with the suggestion that Butcliffe had failed because HoKbs did. but is of the opinion that Sutcliffe it simply out of form. Clem Hill, in the "Daily Telegraph." considers that Hammond's performance was outstanding and in the main front of English batting. His footwork was inimitable He gave no chance and did not make a weak stroke. "The Australian nttaok, on the whole, was more virile then hi the previons matches." Hill savs, "but lacks Gregory's devastating fast bowling."—Australian Press Association. SHEFFIELD SHIELD MATCH. (Received January 2nd, 11.25 p.m.) SYDNEY, January 2. In the Sheffield Shield match, New Sonth Wales in their first Inning# made 457. Bowling: Thompson three for 21, Brew three for 114. Queensland in their first innings made 435, and in the second live wickets were down for 22R (Thompson not out 7fi McCoombe 56).—Australian Press Association.