M.C.C. V. VICTORIA

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 46, 24 February 1937, Page 11

M.C.C. V. VICTORIA

BARNETT AND VERITY FAIL

BUMPERS FROM NASH

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. (By J. B. Hobbs—Copyright in all countries —Reproduction in whole or part forbidden.) MELBOURNE, February 23. The match between Victoria and England reopened at noon today in bright weather after a blank Monday. A draw was practically a foregone conclusion. In the early stages it appeared as if we were in for a dull day's cricket, each side using the chance of getting such practice as it could—Victoria in batting and England muscle-1 loosening in the field. But the new ball was no sooner taken by the fast bowlers just before lunch-time than life crept into the proceedings and things began to happen. In quick time four wickets fell. , ■ Victoria's innings closed for 292 runs and England scored 132 for three wickets in the second innings. < Ames took three catches at the wicket. One, that which dismissed Hassett, was a particularly fine one. Hassett, in trying to force a good-length ball outside the off stump through the covers, turned it in the direction of first slip, though it is a moot point whether it would have carried so far. Ames flung. out his right hand and found that the .ball stuck. Gregory was unlucky to get one from Copson that rose sharply and he couldn't get away from it. Ledward was caught off a weak hook'shot, which he spooned to short leg. Pearson Was Ames's, third victim through flicking a good-length ball from Voce' that swung away. GAME SWINGS ROUND. \The game swung round to promise England valuable batting practice. The wicket had been toned down and was quite easy, but, as throughout the tour, the new ball made a big difference and seemed to fly. The two youngsters, Gregory and Hassett, were rather slow today. The bowling was pretty good. Its length permitted no liberties, though once Gregory stepped out and hit one over the heads of the infielders. While he watches the ball Gregory has not the power to hit it hard, except when hooking. The outfield was very slow after recent heavy rain. Hassett completed a very good 50. He was not as brisk in strokes today, but one has only to see him at the wickets for a few minutes to recognise his class. He inspires confidence straight away. He and Gregory added 103 for the third wicket. I have heard glowing accounts of Pearson's batting, but he was not on view long enough for me to express an opinion. Copson bowled well at fair pace. Voce worked enough to tune himself up for Friday without unduly exerting himself. Three more wickets fell, but there was unexpected resistance by the last pair, Nash knocking up a crude but useful 29. Leyland had to go on to break the partnership. Victoria gained the impressive lead of 105. OPENING PAIR OUT. I thought opportunity would have been taken to give Wyatt a show as Barnett's partner, but Verity was again sent it, so it would appear a settled policy to let him open in the Test. Verity was out second ball, a good one from Nash, which went away and was caught in the slips. Barnett was uncomfortable against three bumpers from Nash. From one he had a lucky escape, putting the bat up blindly shoulder high and sending it oVer short-leg's head. He was then dismissed by a fairly good length one, which he tried to hit past rnid-off, where there was no fieldsman,! but he played too soon and was caught to the left of cover. Nash is a tearaway bowler, able to make a short ball rise disconcertingly. While Barnett looks at ease with any other type of bowling he might fall to a bumper at any time, having got into the .habit of flinching. On the other hand Hardstaff, who went in first wicket down, stands up very well and bouncers do not appear to worry him. He and Hammond were able to indulge in some batting practice. Both looked in fine form.; Allen, Fames, Worthington, and Fishlock had net practice today at another Melbourne ground. Details:—

VICTORIA. i . First Innings. Rigg, lbw, b Sims ...... 18 Lee, run out 40 Gregory, c Ames, b Copson 86 Hassett, c Ames, b Voce 54 Ledward, c Barnett, b Copson .... 7 Pearson, c Ames, b Voce 15 Sievers, b Verity /. 6 Barnett, lbw, b Robins 7 Nash, c Barnett, b Leyland 29 Ebeling, lbw, b Sims 6 McCormick, not out 10 Extras 14 Total 292 Bowling.—Copson took two wickets for 64 runs, Hammond none for 12, Voce two for 52, Sims two for 76, Verity one for 39, Robins one for 34, Leyland one for 1. ENGLAND. First innings . 187 Second Innings. Verity, c Sievers, b Nash" 0 Barnett, c Lee, b Nash 11 Hardstaff, not out 60 Hammond, • c Lee, b Ledward .... 56 Leyland, not out .' 5 Extras 0 Total for three wickets 132 Bowling.—Nash took two wickets for 16 runs, McCormick none for 14, Sievers none for 15, Pearson none for 47, Gregory none for 22, Ebeling none for 7, Ledward one for 1, "Hassett none for 6, Lee none for 4. ■