THE GREAT CRICKET MATCH. ENGLAND v. VICTORIA. [By TELEGRAPH.] [UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Evening Post, Volume XXII, Issue 150, 28 December 1881, Page 2

THE GREAT CRICKET MATCH. ENGLAND v. VICTORIA. [By TELEGRAPH.] [UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Melbourne,' 2oth December. Tro fir3t match of the English Eleven against Yiotoria commenced on the 15th, in the presence of a large crowd The wicket was in splendid order. The Victorians, in the first inninga, made a grand atand, having only eight wickota down in the first day for 249 runs. M'Donnell made 51 ; Blackham, 66 ; Edwards, not out, 64 ; Bonner, 26 ; M'Shane, 22. The English fielding at first was rather loose, due no doubt to tho faot that the Englishmen only' arrived at Melbourne late the previous night. Tho batsmen were in fine form, and some brilliant play was exhibited. Blaokham played good cricket all through, and his score waa well, earned. Bonner made several sensational hits, one over the pavilion for six off Peate. Edwards distinguished himself greatly ; he played admirably, and won much applause. The Vio« torians' defence was stubborn, and the batting free. Englishmen tried eeveral ohanges of bowling without effect. Peate secured three wickets, Emmett and Bateß two each, Shaw and Ulyett one each. The English had to bat on a dead treaoheroua wicket, and Bates was the only one who made anything of a 6oore, viz., 42, by brilliant hitting. Scotton played well for 28, and Shaw a dashing innings for 23. Palmer, Allan, and M'Shane all bowled well, and the fielding Wiß particularly good. The Englishmen had to follow on. Shrewsbury made 62 not out, Barlow 42, Selby 23. All played good cricket off the Victorian bowling. In the first innings Palmer took four wickets, Allan three, M'Shane two in 24 balls, and Cooper one. The teams appeared pretty evenly matched. The Englishmen were not bo strong as anticipated in any department of the game, but circumstances were somewhat against them.