CANTERBURY XI PROFITED FROM PURPOSEFUL OUTLOOK

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31304, 25 February 1967, Page 11

CANTERBURY XI PROFITED FROM PURPOSEFUL OUTLOOK

TF ever there was vindication of the widespread belief that New Zealand cricketers would profit from a more aggressive outlook It was in Canterbury’s memorable victory over the Australians at Lancaster Park. So often in the past, provincial and New Zealand teams have been far too conscious of the reputations of their overseas opponents. In this instance, the Australians did not take long to disclose frailties almost unknown in earlier teams: but in fairness to Canterbury, it was penetrative bowling and batting which was often audacious which forced the Australians into error. Throughout the Plunket Shield series, Canterbury disclosed a purpose and pugnacity which the other teams could, not match. To be sure, the shield was lost to Central Districts, but in its approach to its games Canterbury led the way. From the start of the match, Canterbury sought quick wickets and quick runs. With this in view, G. T. Dowling did not post a third man or fine leg throughout the Australian first innings, although the batsmen scored at a very brisk rate, averaging 3.6 an over. Dowling, in fact, did not use fieldsmen in these run-saving positions until the final morning, when economy was desperately needed, Australia then leading by 156 with four wickets in hand.

The Canterbury bowlers seldom failed to make the

batsmen play shots, and Dowling deserved much credit for his direction of the Canterbury attack. The bowlers responded magnificently to his assertive leadership. If there was to be a sensational effort, if was almost certain to be R. C. Motz who would produce it How he managed to bowl so well after tea on the second day, feeling as ill as he did, only Motz himself could explain. Had there been a weak link in the Canterbury bowl-

ing chain, the Australians would have found it and exploited it. But there was none. B. R. Taylor bowled very well indeed in both innings. A match analysis of four for 94 did not fully reflect the merit of his bowling. K. I. Ferries took only two wickets, but was of particular value in the Australians’ first innings, when he was able to pin down K. C. Cunningham, who threatened to take charge. J. M. McIntyre bowled beautifully on

the last morning, his most convincing performance this season.

Dowling, unluckily dismissed in the first innings, batted in the same confident and attractive style which has marked bis displays this season and M. L. Ryan, although favoured by fortune at times, had a notable double with 35 and 58.

But the greatest advance in Canterbury’s batting fortunes was effected by J. W. Burtt and B. R. Taylor. In

the match, Taylor scored 106 for once out in 93 minutes, and if he was not always orthodox, he was highly spectacular and effective. Cricket badly needs a few rollicking batsmen like Taylor. Burtt made two major contributions. In the first innings he started quietly but scored his 51 in 75 minutes, in the process defeating P. I. Philpott, who had looked particularly dangerous. This was an utterly delightful innings, crisp and businesslike, correct and attractive. In the second innings, Burtt stood firm while Canterbury's wickets were falling, and held the innings together in a critical period, so being able to join Taylor in the final assault.

It was very much a team effort, and its full effect may go far beyond a distinctive line in the record book. To be the first side to defeat an Australian eleven was a superb achievement But if the lead Canterbury gave—and Wellington followed brilliantly next day—is taken up by other Plunket Shield sides, the miseries of recent slow scoring may soon be memories.