BRILLIANT OPENING

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 50, 28 February 1931, Page 9

BRILLIANT OPENING

LAST TEST IN AUSTRALIA

WEST INDIES IN GREAT FORM

SYDNEY, 27th February. The fifth Test—Australia versus the West Indies touring team—began, in brilliant weather. There was a strong south-westerly wind, but a perfect wicket. The teams were: — ! West Indies.—Grant, Boach, Headley., Scaly, Constantine, Scott, Barrow, Martin, Francis, Griffith, Barlett, and Birkott (twelfth man). Australia.—Woodfwll, Ponsford, K. Rigg (Victoria), Ironmonger, Grimmett, Oxonham, Kippax, Bradnian, M'Cabe, Oldfield, Fairfax, and Jackson (twelfth man.). West Indies won the toss and elected to bat. Boach and Martin opened confidently and took the score to 70 by lively hitting. Then Roach got in front of Grimmett. He hit five 4's. Otxenham was bowling well, and it was difficult to score oil him. Martin had a couple of narrow escapes of being run out. He and Hoadloy dug in and were together at the luncheon adjournment, when the score was one | wicket for 92. Frequent changes of bowlers were mado after lunch, nevertheless the Aus- j traliaji attack was spiritless. Headley sparkled and forced the pace, and runs came freely oil every bowler. Woodfull's placement of the fielding alone kopt the runs down. i At the tea interval the score was ■ ono for 193 (Headley 84 and Martin 70). . Tlta pair carried on merrily after tea and Boemed inseparable until Headley wont out leg before to M'Oabo. He hit thirteen 4's and received a great cheer. Graait, partnered with Martin, played out the time, the former hitting with great force and the latter being more cautious. An apiJeal against the light at 5.45 p.m. was disallowed. With only two wickffts down for 298, the Indies men had oertainly given the Australians a taste of their own medicine. Scores:— WEST INDIES. First Innings. RoachJ, lbw, b. Grimmett 31 Headliey, Ibw, b M'Cabe .."...... 105 Martin, not out 100 Graai, not out 48 Extras 14 Tottal for two wickets 298