TEST SENSATIONS

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 11, 14 January 1933, Page 12

TEST SENSATIONS

CRASHES AT ADELAIDE

PAST AND PRESENT

(By "Not Out."-) As a general rule scoring in erieket Tests at Adelaide has beeu fairly high. On that account, as well as in view of the big scores made by the M.C.C. team earlier in the present tour, it was expected - that the batsmen would bo to the fore from the outset of the England-Australia Test commenced at Adelaide yesterday. It came as a great surprise, therefore, to find England, with the initial advantage of first strike on the wicket, losing three valuable wickets —thoso, of Jardine, Hammond, and Sutcliffe—for a matter of only 16 runs: The news of that disastrous beginning spread rapidly and caused a real stir. It was quite an unexpected sensation, and yet one doe 3 not have to go far for a parallel. There have been occurrences almost identical in the two previous EnglandAustralia Tests at Adelaide, though in each case the boot has been on the other foot. ' ■ The fourth Test of the last tour, under the captaincy of A. P. F. Chapman, was played at Adelaide, and in this the Australians had an experience similar to that of the Englishmen yesterday. Woodfull, who opened with Jackson, was caught at the wicket after having made only one run, Hendry was dismissed when Australia's score was 6, and Kippax lost-Ms wicket with the total at 16. The tide of disaster was then turned, by Jackson (making his Test debut), and Kyder, in much the same way as Leyland and "Wyatt came to England's rescue yesterday. The Adelaide Test during the 1924-25 tour had a sensational opening almost the same as that of the match now-in progress.- Australia won the toss, and, of course, took first strike. However, with only 22 runs on the board, Collins, Gregory,. . and Taylor were back in the pavilion, Collins having made only "3, Gregory 6, and Taylor 0. A. J. Eiehardson and Ponsford then made a serviceable stand, after which (V. Y. Bichardson having been disposed of for 4) Byder played one of the.greatest innings of his career. CLOSE FINISHES AND INCIDENTS. It is worthy of note that those two last Tests at Adelaide were very keenly contested. The 1924-25 match resulted in a win for Australia by 11 runs, and the 1928-29 match was won by England by 12 runs. One must not take yesterday's experience, therefore, as an indication that the writing is on tie wall so far as England is concerned. The match is young, and Australia will need a very tidy score in order to attain a position of security. Certainly, the Australians acquitted themselves excellently yesterday, but in the recovery effected by Leyland and Wyatt there was something to give England's supporters no small amount of satisfaction. The run of play illustrated once again the glorious uncertainty which helps to make cricket such' a grand game, but, unfortunately, there is evidence of further .incidents which are not altogether in keeping with the true spirit of the game. The tour does not appear to be running along as pleasantly as should be the case.

TEAM CHANGES.

Those responsible for the selection of the English Eleven have adopted the wise course in bringing a spin bowler back into the team. Whether the right man has been called upon remains to be scon.. Tate also might well have been given a place; he does not appear to be receiving his dues. The batting change—Paynter's inclusion in place ofj,Pataudi—-was not unexpected in view of the Nawab's disappointing displays. So far as the batting order ■is concerned, it is evident that no settlement has been reached on the all-im-portant question of an opening combination. Wyatt did not succeed as partner to Suteliffe, and Leyland evidently has not come up to the selector's requirements. Jardine took the position himself yesterday, with results that have made the' problem more perplexing than ever. • This v difficulty, and the excess of bowling material, are not helping England toward achieving the main object'Of the tour —the winning of the Ashes. It came as no surprise to find Ponsford back in the Australian Eleven, although the dropping of O 'Brien means that the side is again without the services, usually of some account, of a left-handed batsman. Several inquiries have been made asto who took over the captaincy of Engi land's team when A. P. F. Chapman was dropped. The change was made during the Australians' last tour of .England, and it took place before the final Test, in which E. E. S. Wyatt led the English Eleven. Inquiries have also been made regarding the hours of play in the present Test. Play commences each • day at noon (about 2.30 p.m.' New Zealand time). The luncheon adjournment is from 1.30 p.m. to 2.15 p.m., and stumps are drawn at 6 p.m. (about 8.30 p.m. New Zealand time).