AUSTRALIA NOT DISGRACED

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21973, 23 December 1936, Page 9

AUSTRALIA NOT DISGRACED

BATTING OF HIGHEST STANDARD CHANGE IN NEXT TEAM THOUGHT INEVITABLE (UNITED TRESS ASSOCIATION—COPiTUGHT.) (Received December 23, 1.20 a.m.) SYDNEY, December 22. C. G. Macartney, commenting on the test, says: “The Australians made a plucky fight to retrieve a difficult situation. Their failure in the circumstances was no disgrace. Their batting to-day, and England’s out-cricket, were of the highest standard.

“It was not until McCabe’s departure that England could be considered safe. His dismissal spelt the beginning of the end. Sims found a good ball for Fingleton, which made too much pace from the pitch. The ball which dismissed Bradman was a bad one, but he'played the right stroke in an attempt to find the boundary. Verity thus secured a wicket of untold value to England. McCabe’s timing and placing were perfection. Voce found a low one for him, which skidded through the damp turf and ended a magnificent innings.

“The English bowling never lost its steadiness. Voce and Allen made every batsman work for his runs. Sims bowled a mixture of good and bad balls on his previous appearance in Sydney, but to-day he was well on the mark with much improved deliveries. Robins was used only sparingly, but Verity did not seem in a bowling mood. Ames kept wickets in grand style. I have seldom seen him in better form.

“England deservedly now has a strong hold on the Ashes, and one must pay a tribute to Allen and his men, who have been moulded into a great side which hitherto appeared decidedly inferior. “Australia must now put its house in order. There is no need for panic. Some change in the next eleven is inevitable. The selectors have got to remember that the test matches have to be fought from the moment the first ball is bowled.” “HAD ALL LUCK AGAIN” ENGLISH CAPTAIN’S COMMENT ’ (Received December 22, 11.15 p.m.) SYDNEY, December 22. Commenting on the result of the test, G. O. Allen said: “I am terribly glad we won it;.,it will help us to digest our Christmas dinner. We had all the luck again.” SHEFFIELD SHIELD SOUTH AUSTRALIA BEATS NEW SOUTH WALES (Received December 22, 11.50 p.m.) ADELAIDE, December 22. In the Sheffield Shield cricket match against South Australia, New South Wales in the second innings made 224 (Marks 74). South Australia won by 109 runs.