CAREFREE CRICKET

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 114, 8 February 1937, Page 9

CAREFREE CRICKET

Englishmen Hit Out at Geelong

HARDSTAFF SCORES 94

By Telegraph.—Pres a Assn.—Ccpyright. (Received February 7, 6.30 p.m.) Geelong, February 7. A wicket of varying pace and a general picnic atmosphere surrounding, the match made England’s first innings against Geelong yesterday very interesting. After winning the toss the Englishmen lost Worthington at 14. Hardstaff and Verity settled down to sedate cricket. but when the former sighted the ball he batted stylishly, with the result that the second wicket partnership pro. duced 97 runs. Leyland hit everything. He and Wyatt were soon out, the latter failing to score and being caught low in the slips. Hardstaff was joined by Ames. With the score four for 140, the pair played carefree cricket, which at one stage produced 50 in 25 minutes. 'When nearing his century, however, Hardstaff was painfully slow, and was eventually trapped leg before while attempting a defensive forward stroke when 94. Ames threw his wicket away. Captain Howard, manager of the team, played, making several good off-strokes before being stumped. « England’s innings realised 282 in 244 minutes, bowling honours going to the fast-medium bowler. Collins, who obtained assistance from the wicket. After the pitch was rolled it was easier,, and Fames made no impression on the opening Geelong batsmen, except Anderson. who at 7 played Farnes on. but the bails were not dislodged. Scores:

ENG LAN D.—First Innings. T. 8. Worthington, b. Collins 3 11. Verity, 1.b.w.. b. Schofield 47 J- Hardstaff. 1.b.w.. b. Doyle 1)1 K. K. 8. Wyatt, e. Metherell, b. Doyle . ■ 0 M. Leyiand, 1.b.w.. b. Collins Hi K. Howard, st. Hurley, b. Schofield .... 0 L. E. G. Ames, run out 51 R. W. V. Kobins, h. Collins 14 J. M. Sims, e. Hassett, b. Collins 31 G. Duckworth, not out 8 K. Farnes, b. Collins r > Extras 7

Total 282 Bowling Analysis.—Collins took five wickets for 48; Mair, none for 49; Doyle, two for TO: Schofield, two for 99; Weddell, none for 9. GEELONG.—First Innings. Brown, st. Duckworth, b. Sims 13 Anderson, not out 22 Hassett, not out 14 Extras 1 Total for one. wicket 50

Bowling Analysis.—K. Farnes took no wickets for 10; 11. E. S. Wyatt, none for !); J. M. Sims, one for 11: M. Leyland, none for 8: R. W. V. Robins, none for (!; L. E. G. Ames, none for 5. ENGLAND BETTER TEAM Hobbs Hopeful Ashes Will Be Won Adelaide. February 7. There is no earthly reason why England should not win the Ashes after all. ' The Australians still do not strike me as a great side, for they, like England, have to rely on two or three men.

As a team I think England is the better, and it is no disgrace to lose when the other side h.as a wonderful batsman like Bradman. He is the equal of two or three men. The reason why England lost the fourth Test was its batting. The batsmen slipped back toward the period early in the tour when they were struggling with leg-break bowling. More enterprise is needed and they must attack O'Reilly.

ENGLISH VIEWS ON TEST CHANCES

London, February 5

Commenting on the Australian win in the fourth Test, the cricket writer of “The Times” says: “It was a triumph for spin bowling, which is nowadays all too rare, but I still have faith in Alien’s meh for the fifth Test.”

The “Daily Mail’s” “Clubhouse Chair” columnist points out that Bradman in the Tests scored 644 runs and the remainder 1465. To the bowler sending him to the pavilion in Melbourne most rapidly he extended England’s most grateful thanks in .advance. England’s team was better balanced, and with even luck would win the fifth Test.

The “Morning Post” expresses the opinion that Australia’s superiority was clearly defined. The “Daily Telegraph” says that the chances favour Australia in the final Test. The “Manchester Guardian” says: “Once again Bradman beat England.”