THIRD TEST DRAWN

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25547, 15 July 1948, Page 5

THIRD TEST DRAWN

Australia Aided By Rain ASHES RETAINED [By W. R. HAMMOND.] (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 8 p.m.) LONDON, July 14. Australia, helped by the rain which cancelled one day and ruined the final day, saved the third test with a draw by scoring 92 runs for one in the 160 minutes in which play was possible. With two victories and two tests to play, the Australians have retained the Ashes and made sure of

not losing the series. It was a great pity that the game was not carried to a decision. A definite result would have created so much more interest in the remaining games. Bradman must be pleased .that, with the Ashes safe, he can leave international cricket at the end of this season feeling satisfied 'with all his endeavours for Australian cricket.

England had a grip on this game, and I am certain that if the weather had remained fine Australia would have been beaten for the first time since the Oval match in 1938. They were on the run, and did not look convincing under pressure. It was not rain, but the magnificent bowling of Bedser and Pollard which gave England the upper hand. If similar conditions obtain at Leeds next week, and if England retain their fighting spirit, Australia will have to go all out for victory. . In Australia’s second innings at Ola Trafford, England lacked the services of a good fast spin bowler to support Young. He was able to turn the ball slowly, but surprised me by bowling over the wicket, an almost impossible position from which to get a leg-before decision. , Play did not begin till 2.15 p.m., and rain drove the players from the field at 3.35 p.m., but only for five minutes. The second hour passed safely, ending with another break for rain. Morris was then 29, and Bradman 25. The batsmen refused to take the slightest ri sk. t , All the drama of the game departed when the umpires inspected the wicket after the rain stopped, and announced that play would be suspended until 5.30 p.m. At least 75 per cent, of the spectators went home. Morris and Bradman continued their defence until stumps on a wicket which was turning but easier than the Englishmen had hoped or the Australians feared. Scores:—

ENGLAND First Innings • • 363 Second Innings (for three wickets, declared) • • AUSTRALIA First Innings • • 221 Second Innings Morris, not out • • 54. lan Johnson, c Crapp, b Young .. 61 Bradman, not out , • • 30: Extras .. .. 2

TEST MATCH AVERAGES With three of the five test matches between Australia and England finished. 8. G. Barnes (Australia) and D. C. Compton (England) still lead the batting averages foi' their countries. Compton’s aggregate is now more than 100 above that of any other player. The Australian left-arm bowler, W. Johnston, has taken most wickets in the series. The averages of the leading players

M.C.C. CANCELS TOUR OF INDIA LONDON, July 13. The M.C.C. has announced that the cricket tour of India by an English team in 1949-50 has been cancelled. The Imperial Cricket Conference will meet at Lord’s next Monday to consider the reduction of M.C.C. tours abroad. The cancellation of the Indian tour will, it is reported, be the first step in this direction. COMMUNIST PARTY IN JUGOSLAVIA (Rec. 8 p.m.) TRIESTE. July 14. The first open bresfe between supporters of Marshal Tito and supporters of the Cominform in the Trieste Communist Party’s central committee occurred when each expelled rebel elements and accused each other of treason. , ’

Total for one wicket ... 92 Bowlin? Analysis O. M. R. W. Bedser 19 12 27 0 Pollard 10 8 6 0 Youn? 21 12 31 1 Edrich - 2 0 8 0 Compton 9 3 18 0

are:— Batting Av. In. N.O. H.S. Agg. S. G. Barnes (A.) 5 2 141 268 89.3 D. C. Compton (E.) 6 1 184 430 86.0 A. R. Morris (A.) 6 1 105 312 62.4 A. L. Hassett (A.) 5 1 137 243 60.7 D. G. Bradman (A.) 6 1 138 302 60.4 J. E. Crapp (E.) .. 2 1 37 56 56.0 E. Toshack (A.) .. 3 2 20 39 39.0 S. Loxton (A.) .. 0 36 36 36.0 T. G. Evans (E.) 5 1 50 129 32.2 C. Washbrook (E.) 6 1 85 148 29.6 L. Hutton (E.) .. 4 0 74 110 27.5 K. Miller (A.) .. 4 0 74 10927.2 D. Tallon (A.) 3 0 53 81 27.0 R. Lind wan (A.) 4 0 42 105 26.2 Bowling R. Pollard (E.) Runs Wkts. 49 3 Av. 16.3 N. W. Yardley (E.) 115 6 19.2 R. Lindwall (A.) 297 14 21.2 W. Johnston (A.) 389 16 24.3 E. Toshack (A.) 252 10 25.2 K. Miller (A.) 178 7 25.4 A. V. Bedser (E) 479 14 34.2