SECOND DRAWN TEST

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 151, 29 June 1938, Page 12

SECOND DRAWN TEST

Hie sccond crickct Test at Lord's has been drawn and Australia and England go on to the third match of the series, to commence at Old Trafford on July 8, with honours easy. Two main facts emerge from the two Tests already played—that the batsmen generally are on top of the bowlers and that there is little prospect of completing matches under the time limit of four days operating in England, unless, of course, the weather plays a dominating part. Drawn games are satisfactory to no one, and it is not surprising to find that there is a move, in England in favour of playing all Tests,to a finish. Whether English conservatism will yield to the advocates of the change remains to be seen. The Test which has just concluded has been remarkable for its rapidly changing fortunes and public interest has been maintained at a high pitch. Again favoured by the winning of the toss, England, thanks largely to a brilliant double century by Hammond, the English captain, paved the way to victory with a total of 494, but the bowlers, despite some-early successes, not the least of which was the dismissal of Bradman for a mere 18, were unable to ram the advantage home. The youthful Queenslander W. A. Brown, in what has been described as the greatest innings of his career, defied the attack for 375 minutes, and when the last wicket fell was unbeaten for 206. Thanks to him, and the invaluable assistance he received from the colourful O'Reilly, Australia were only 72 runs behind on the first, innings. Brown has definitely silenced those who criticised his selection and has proved himself to be one of the world's greatest opening batsmen. England were early in difficulties in the second innings, and until the advent of Compton, valiantly assisted by the consistent Paynter and the hard-hitting Wellard (another bowler to rise to the occa ; sion), Australia had prospects of forcing a win. When England de-j clared, however, the prospect of a decisive result had practically disappeared, and all doubt was removed when Bradman came to light with yet another century. Incidentally, Bradman created a new record for the aggregate runs scored by a batsman in Tests between Australia and England. Has this wonder batsman any fresh worlds, to conquer?