N.Z. Cricketers Fight Back In Test

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32076, 26 August 1969, Page 20

N.Z. Cricketers Fight Back In Test

(Tram R. T. BRITTENDkN, N.Z.P.A, special correspondent) LONDON. : New Zealand had a lead of 30 runs, and seven wickets standing, at lunch on the fourth day of the final cricket test against England.

In its second innings New Zealand was 122 for three- The first innings score was 150 and England made 242 in reply. ■After rain overnight, play began 20 minutes late with A. Ward bowling with a fresh breeze behind him and R. Illingworth at the other end. B. E. Congdon square-cut Illingworth firmly for three, chopped Ward away for .two, and took New Zealand to 80 with an off-drive for two from the fast bowler. Ward was no-balled three times by the start of the third over, and then Congdon hooked him for four. But another attempt at a hook in the same over had him caught behind on the leg side from the glove and -New Zealand still needed four runs to draw level. Bouncer Bowled Three byes off Illingworth put New Zealand in front soon after 20 minutes of play, but Ward, who quickly worked up to his full and considerable pace, posed problems and G. T. Dowling was barely able to avoid a bouncer. However, Ward was rested after bowling for 50 minutes

and was replaced by J. Snow, without any prospect of relief for the batsmen. Hastings edged the first ball through slips for a 4 to take New Zealand to 100 in the forty-eighth over. England tried six bowlers before lunch but none looked likely to break through. The fast bowlers, with no help from the pitch, made frequent use of the bouncer but failed to disturb the batsmen.