ON THE AIR

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 47, 23 August 1930, Page 9

ON THE AIR

TEAM TALKS TO AUSTRALIA

The following items were picked up on the air by Mr. B. Leslie Jones:

Tho critic in England over the air stated that a hot campaign had started to prevent limitless tests. It has been said there is no vestige of the spirit of the game in them; it is contended in England that without a time limit cricket is not cricket.

The Australian eleven, "which was held so cheaply at the commencement of the tour, will take home the Ashes. England on the last day still had a chance, but it was governed by the weather and not by the' wicket. The weather chanco is great in England. Concerning the traditions governing tho question of the time-limit Tests of bygone days, the critic referred to them as "hide-bound traditions." When England visits Australia and plays five Tests they are treated differently. It is only logical to play one Test to a finish.

Tho great deeds of Don Bradman naturally overwhelm other deeds in

this great contest. Reference was made to Bradinan as "this lovable young chap." Woodfull has proved himself a captain who can get the best out of his men. It speaks well for the captain. Grimmctt's fine work was also eulogised. "We find the cream of England passing tho 400 mark only twice. We have beeu prone to forget Grimmett's great achievement, and he will be bracketed with Bradmaa when tho team returns to Australia." Pousford and Kippax have both played well; Stan M'Cabe, Fairfax, and Oldfleld woro also singled out for special mention, whilst Hornibrook proved himself a good man, but has not had. a good left-hand wicket to bowl on. Richardson has had a wonderful influence) throughout the tour, and has bucked up tho team. a'Beckett haa been unfortunato with sickness, but his work has been quite satisfactory. M'Cabe and Fairfax naturally had to have first consideration. Tho Australian team of 1930, both on and off the field, has created a splendid impression which \vi!'» redound to the credit of Australia. Deep down under all the various criticisms, tneso battles help considerably to bind tho Commonwealth of Nations.

The day broke cool and cloudy, with an unexpected change of weather, the sun breaking through. Several thousand were waiting for tho gates to open. Wyatfc ordered tho heavy roller, and hoped it would bring ample water from underneath to the surface. Ten thousand were present when the game resumed, sawdust being freely used. Grimmutt opened, and Hornibrook just

missed a possible chance. Fairfax shortly took up the attack; Whysall got a single; Oldfield slipped when reaching out for the ball; Sutcliffo 13, Whysall 7. Tho next two overs were maidens. Wall went on instead of Grimmett; 3 runs came off Fairfax's next over, 10 runs being added in 20 minutes. Grimmett then got Whysall, who went for 10. Two for 37. Dulcepsinhji came in and opened off Grimmett with a single; 1G had been added in 40 minutes, the score being 40. Sutcliffe got his first 4 off Hornibrook just as mid-day struck. Tho wicket then began to "kick" again. Fairfax hit Sutcliffe on the finger. The batsmen were playing carefully; Sutcliffe 37, Duleepsinhji 9. Presently Dulcepsinhji banged the ball, the third of the over, to the boundary; Sutcliffe 40, Duleepsinhji-17; total 85. Sutcliffo was cheered as he passed the 40 mark. Woodfull had not used M'Cabc up to this point. From Grimmett'a next over Sutcliffe. reaped .3, and 00 was hoisted, leaving England 200 behind with ight wickets in hand. Great cheers went up as the first century appeared on tho board, tho 100 runs taking 135 minutes. For soino time the wicket played well; the first century had cost two wickets; Sutcliffe was 51, Duleepsinhji 21, with sundries 8. Hornibrook displaced Grimmett; both Hornibrook and Wall bowled maidens. There wore further cheers when Sutcliffe reached 54, Duleepsinhji 29, sundries 8; Duleepsinhji got two fours off Grimmett later. Then, "Hornibrook has Sutcliffe's wicket," rang through the ether. Sutcliffo had hit the ball with the shoulder of his bat. and was neatly caught by Fairfax. The partnership added 73 runs. At the' luncheon adjournment the score was three for 126 (Duleepsinhji 45 not out, Hammond 0 not out, sundries 2). Duleepsinhji continued to score nicely. There was some drizzling rain for a while, and the sun shone once more during the adjournment. There was further excitement when, "Duleepsinhji is out!" greeted tho listeners. Four wickets for 135 (Hammond 4 not out, sundries 12). Duleepsinhji was caught at short leg by Kippas, his score including four 4's. Leyland opened with a single, and then four byes were scored; another four byes made sundries scored since luuch 8. The rate of scoring had slackened considerably. Four for 145 went up with Hammond 5 not out, Leyland 4 not out, sundries 16. Leyland was bowled by' Hornibrook for 20 (Hammond (33 not out). Five wickets for 189. Hammond and Leyland were not comfortable facing Hornibrook. 150 were scored in 185 minutes. Two fours were taken off Hornibrook, and "the scores now jumped somewhat. The bowlers were getting very little help from the wicket. Five for 189 was hoisted, England still needing 102. Wyatt came on, but did not last long, being bowled off his pads for 7. Sis wickets for 207. Tate came on and quickly had his wicket thrown down for a "duck." Seven for 208. At 4 p.m. (English time), amidst tremendous excitement, "Australia won the fifth Test and the Ashes," flashed through space, electrifying everyone. Australia won hy an innings and 39 runs, the game closing immediately. The manager, Mr. Kelly, and the team returned to the Midland Hotel, and, after refreshments, a two-way telephonic conversation was carried on from 6 p.m. (London time) for half an hour with Sydney, Mr. Williams being tho chief speaker in Sydney. This talk after the great match was robroadcast by 2BL (Sydney), 4QG (Brisbane), SCLI (Adelaide), and 3AB (Melbourne). In addition to this VK, 2ME, Sydney (Amalgamated Wireless, Australasia, Ltd.), broadcast, on 31.2S metres a ball to ball description of the last Test. Woodfull spoke first from London, saying "Hullo, Australia.",A message from the King was then read out. Australia, through Mr. Williams, congratulated the manager, captain, and the team. Woodfull thanked Australia for many kind messages. "Hullo, Oldfield." "3y jove, we're proud of you all; all Australia is listening to you now." "Who am I talking to?" asked Oldfield, "am I talking to you direct?" "Yes, and your people are listeningin too." . Oldfield asked if his wifo was listen-ing-in. "Yes," said Mr. Williams. The latter added, "We've got a rousing welcome for you all when you come home. We could stay up all the week to hear you," said Sydney. "The best of good luck, Bert." "Hullo, Don." "Hullo, Don I Williams here; when you come home tho, girls will rush you to death. All States are broadcasting you." Bradman said he had received piles of letters, etc., and he sent his parents best regards over the air. He thanked all for the communications. "Many happy returns of your birthday,. Don, when it comes round." "We'll give you a great reception when you come back; best of luck and aafo journey home." "Is that you, Grimmott?" '' Yes.'' "Congratulations, Grimmett." Grimmett sent his love to his family. Ho said, "All wflll here; we're leaving in v week or so." "Hullo, Hornibrook. We're proud of you all," said Williams. "We've had a wonderful time here in Sydney to-day." "A glorious game" was how another speaker termed the Test; and the team were all happy. The manager, Mr. Kelly, received the warmest congratulations of the board in Australia. Mr. Kelly said they were all delighted, of course, and felt they deserved the confidence reposed in them, Mr. Kelly spoke at length about the play; and, finally, received the best wishes to the whole team from Australia. Mr. Williams added in conclusion, "Give all the boys our very best wishes and thank them all for speaking." "Thank you very much," said Mr. Kelly. Thus ended a memorable occasion in cricket and wireless circles.