CRICKET RECOVERY

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 132, 1 December 1936, Page 9

CRICKET RECOVERY

FIRST TEST PRELIMINARY

M.C.C. ACHIEVEMENT

Called Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) (Received December 1, noon.) SYDNEY, This Day. Commenting in the "Sydney Morning Herald" on yesterday's play in the England-Queensland cricket match at Brisbane, C. G. Macartney states: "The splendid score of England and the great achievement of the opening pair, Barnett and Fagg, will be welcomed by thousands of cricketing enthusiasts. This grand partnership came at a time when faith in the prowess of the Englishmen was gradually diminishing, and the recent performance will restore confidence in the standard of the team. "Barnett's performance was magnificent. He is a great batsman who has revealed his scientific stroke play in other matches of the tour. The greatest admiration must be felt for Fagg, who has so pluckily fought to gain his form under Australian conditions after weeks of adversity. TEST INTEREST RESTORED. "The success of England's opening pair must be treated guardedly, as the Queensland attack is not the equal of Australia's in any shape or form. Nevertheless, the performances of Barnett and Fagg have restored interest in the Test and every sportsman hopes the English openers will repeat their form. "Robins observed common-sense methods by sending Fishlock to the wickets upon Fagg's dismissal. The idea is to build up a reliable batting side and build it quickly. The process has been operating too long and before the complete batting side can be | produced the initial Test match may ! overwhelm it. RESTORING CONFIDENCE. "Whether or not England wins this match against Queensland matters little. It has.been the means of raising England's batting almost from the depths of despair to a position o£ confidence. Runs were compiled at * rate that pointed to a batting side strong and successful rather than to one that has been struggling to find form commensurate with its reputation." OUTLOOK NOT TOO GOOD. The opinion is expressed in the "Sydney Mail" that Barnett and Fagg have apparently solved the M.C.C. team's most important problem, that of the opening pair, almost on the eve of the first Test. This recalls the occurrence in the fourth and decisive Test on Jardine's tour. Nevertheless, it is admitted that the outlook on paper is not too good for England. Australia can parade a magnificent sequence of batsmen who already have shown themselves at ease against the English bowlers. The question is whether the English bowlers are to peg the batsmen down, although Verity on a worn and sticky wicket might win the day. i SOMETHING IN RESERVE? Allen may have a trick up his sleeve, Maybe Fames has not yet bowled his best. If something has been kept in reserve it may have an upsetting influence. Meanwhile the English batting has not been at its best. Hammond and Leyland are in fine form, but many of the batsmen are strangely nervous against slow bowling. The team, however, has powerful possibilities with a choice of bowlers richer than Australia's. Allen's inspiration may help to brace up his colleagues to give of their best, and there would then be confidence in the team holding its own.