A SLOW WICKET

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 105, 4 May 1926, Page 7

A SLOW WICKET

DOES NOT SUIT AUSTRALIANS.

(Australian-New Zealand Cable Asgn.) (Received -Ith May, 12.30 p.m.)

LONDON, 3rd May

Colonel Philip Trevor, in the "Daily Telegraph," says: "Despite Gregory and Ponsford the Austsalians disappointed their admirers at Leicester. Tho batting was slow, without being easy, and was cramped and without confidence, the majority hugging their bats to their legs, while no effort was made' to place the ball between the fieldsmen. It was difficult to believe that the majority of the men had been playing test cricket for half a dozen years. It was obvious that they were not enamoured with slow wickets." The special correspondent of tho Australian Press Agency says that the Australians were very gloomy when half their number had been dismissed for 118, but they made a splendid recovery owing to Gregory batting in his best style. He was only in difficulties a few times, in marked contrast to the early batsmen, who were unablo to play with confidence. It was obvious that they still felt the effects of, too little practice, and wore unanimous in describing the' wicket before lunch as being "funny." Good bowling, backed up by fine fielding, made the ruiis h:ird to get. Collins commented that ho did not expect'to meet better bowling anywhere, while another Australian was of tho opinion that Leicestershire would win the county championship if their batting was equal to their bowling. Collins's slow /play prompted ironical applause, but it appeared as though ho was seeking match practice. It has been arranged that the Australian players will go to London after the match by motor in the event of a strike. Six cars huvo been placed at the disposal of Marylebono for the remainder of the tour by their owners.