“England A Much Improved Side”

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28795, 16 January 1959, Page 10

“England A Much Improved Side”

ISpeciauy written toi the Ov W J O* RE/LEY.)

SYDNEY, January 15. In the drawn third test England gave its best performance of the series. What would hav* happened had the game been played right out Is purely a matter for conjecture—and what effect that wet Saturday had on the final result is something about whjch both sides will have plenty to say. But it is certain that England looked a much improved aide on this performance. Australia right from the start of the important partnership between May and Cowdrey, was much more interested in maintaining its unbeaten position than in going for a win. Both sides will take away some comforting thoughts from this game. England, has the psychological benefit of that remarkably fine partnership between May and Cowdrey. It is to these two men that England has looked and will continue to look for their match-winning efforts in the batting. May, temporarily out of form, batted his way back the hard way to such a pitch of confidence that he is sure to be a tremendous force in the Adelaide test But it is Cowdrey’s form which will please England most of all Cowdrey played beautifully tn this test. His off-side strokes were so fluent and his placements and run judging so precisely carried out that this fundamentally important player is now right back among the best players m the game today. The Cowdrey-May partnership will surely go down as one of the great partnerships of the tests between the two countries. On a pitch which favoured Benaud s spinning—-Australia’s main bowl ing feature— they fought back so well that they almost altered the whole character of the present series. „ . . England gave up all hopes ot winning today when Burke bowled May. Cowdrey spent.the following 85 minutes in getting the 13 runs he needed for *jj is century. One may judge from that fact alone that May s closure was more a sporting gesture than a determined effort to bowl out the opposition. Australia comes happily out or the game secure in the knowledge that England must win the last two tests to retain the Ashes And as Benaud so far has had no luck with the toss. England s chances are not particularly bright if the luck of the Coss swings as it should. Another pleasing feature for Australia was the brilliant all rounder. Davidson who was the outstanding individual Davidson seemed to be taking the leading part in the game at every In fielding, bowling and batting he made outstandingly valuable contributions. But care will have to be taken with him. Benaud has been inclined to

make severe demands upon his bowling. In this game Meckiff’s withdrawal through injury gave Benaud no other choice: But it is a point that he had better remember constantly in the future.. Australia without Davidson would be a much easier nut *or England to crack. O’Neill’s form was another credit entry for Australia This young man has developed so quickly that the English players now regard him as their main batting danger. What a pity that he is not being used as a spin bowler. Australia's bowling looked mighty thin. It was not a fast bowlers’ pitch at any stage. Benaud’s performance in taking nine wickets was another splendid effort from him fiut his general bowling form was below his best standard Slater was used so sparingly even as a spinner when spin bowling was on top that it is difficult to see him getting another chance this series. England’s great problem is still unsolved. The opening batting is still the main cause of all their trouble. In six opening partnerships 30 runs has been the best. May should take a risk with the next test. He should open with Cowdrey, now that the two of them are in real form, and go all out for the win which England must have to keep the series alive. It is no use persisting* with men whose confidence has been annihilated. Australia does not feel quite as certain about regaining the Ashes as it did before this game began England managed to make Australia run hard for cover at a stage when it ought really to have been plugging hard for victory. That is a big psychological advantage for a team which has been taking it hard on the chin in the first two rounds.