GRADUAL CHANGE

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 53, 4 March 1937, Page 9

GRADUAL CHANGE

STRENGTH OF TEAMS

NO GREAT DIFFERENCE

(Received March 4, 11 a.m.)

SYDNEY, This Day.

The "Sydney Morning Herald's" cricket commentator, in reviewing the Tests, emphasises the steady improvement made by the Australians after the second Test and the manner in which some of the younger players proved to be capable of backing up the efforts of. the more experienced men.

C. G. Macartney, recalling that it is the first time Australia has won the Ashes in Australia since 1925, says: "While rain caught the side that lost the toss in each match, the luck was evenly divided.

"There was not a great deal between the two sides, but Australia can claim the superiority. It was Bradman's batting: that turned the scales in favour of Australia. Bradman clearly showed that he is capable of suiting his batting to any situation, and exploded the idea that the captaincy would interfere with Ills run-getting.

"England possessed no Bradman to come to her rescue when she was in peril. Hammond was not sufficiently consistent to play the role.

"On the whole, England possessed steadier bowling strength than Australia, but was seriously hampered by the poor quality of its slow bowlers.

"England won . the first two Tests owing to superior team work, but from then onwards the side gradually declined, while Australia improved, emerging from the last Test as a firstclass, well-balanced fighting ,team.

"Allen made the most of his limited material. The team he was asked to lead was the weakest seen in Australia this century. Bradman is established as Australia's captain for many years." .