KENT 167 FOR NINE

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27132, 31 August 1953, Page 9

KENT 167 FOR NINE

JOHNSTON TAKES FOUR FOR 28

(Rec. 8 p.m.) LONDON, August 29. Bill Johnston, idle for most of the Australians’ current tour with a knee injury, gave a glimpse of his 1948 tour form against Kent at Canterbury today. Johnston changed from medium pace to spinners after two overs, and had all the batsmen guessing. When rain stopped play 65 minutes before stumps, he had taken four wickets for 28 from 23.5 overs, including 13 maidens. Kent then had 167 for nine wickets.

Alan Phebey, an opening batsr.ian, was Kent’s star. He was 83 not out, after being dropped three times. Johnston’s figures should have been better. The Australians dropped seven catches. Phebey was dropped at 21, 42 and 73.

Michael Cowdrey, who gave hints of his ability when he hit 50 and 48 for Gentlemen of England against the Australians, again showed his ability. His 25 today was full of forceful strokes, including powerful off-side Play. Cowdrey is one of the best strokemakers the Australians have seen in England. Kent collapsed after Phebey and Cowdrey had put on 69 for the third wicket, and the score of 114 for two changed to 167 for nine when rain stopped play. Scores:—

KENT First Innings A. Fagg, run out .. .. ..2 A. Phebey, not out .. ..83 A. Woollett, c Benaud, b Miller .. 18 M. Cowdrey, c Benaud, b Johnston .. 25 P. Hearn, run out .. .. 0 A. Sherreff, c de Courcy, b Johnston 0 T. G. Evans, lbw, b Johnston .. 4 F. Ridgway, lbw, b Davidson .. 5 A. Mallett, cde Courcy, b Benaud .. 10 R. Dovey, b Johnston .. .. 1 Extras .. .. .. .. 19

Total for nine wickets .. 167 Bowling.—Lindwall, 12 overs, 1 maiden, 41 runs, 0 wickets: Miller, 11, 2, 17, 1; Benaud, 8,1, 26, 1; Johnston, 23.5, 13, 28, 4; Hill, 9,4, 21, 0; Davidson, 10, 2, 15 1.