CRICKET

Evening Star, Issue 21641, 9 February 1934, Page 4

CRICKET

NOTES AND COMMENTS [By Substitute.] FIXTURES. • February 16, 17, 19, and 2U.—Wellington v. Otago (Plunket Shield match) at Carisbrook. March 2,3, and s.—New Zealand v. Australia (first test), at Carisbrook. University’s Improved Form. It was-pleasing to see University get a good total against Christian Brothers, as the team has certainly not been batting up to form in the last few matches. Burt, who opened, failed to get going. He has not been doing too well this season as an opening batsman, and no’ doubt will go in later on the list with the return of Uttley. Jolly is another who has been given opportunities early on the list, but unfortunately he has not learned as yet to leave off balls alone until he has been at the wickets for a time. Almost invariably he has gone out for small scores in attempting to play off balls through the slips before he has had time to see the ball properly. It was pleasing to sec Ibbotson get going. Like Burt, he has not been Very successful as an opening batsman, but his runs on Saturday were well made, and this should set him going for the rest of the season. Priest, who scored 86, played the outstanding knock of the innings. He scored ihis, runs without giving a chance, and although much slower than usual he displayed a fine variety of scoring shots, it was surprising to see a player of his experience go out to such a weak shot after having given so solid a display. He returned an easy catch to the bowler from a fulltoss. Robinson, in scoring 22, showed that he had benefited from his score against Kaikorai the previous week. He started off very slowly, and then opened out, scoring five beautifully--timed 4’s m a short space of time. This player should do well from now on, and should be an asset to the team. Bwinton scored 14 from powerful drives. He wasted a lot of energy in hitting at off-balls. His weakness obviously lies m his footwork—lie seems to have no idea of getting his foot over to the ball. If he could overcome this difficulty he would improve his timing of off-balls and would put together bigger scores. M‘Lachlan, who was given his first opportunity in senior grade, played a solid knock for 15 not out. He appears to.-be the most successful junior tried, by the University Club this season, and with more experience should develop into a useful member of■ the tbam. ■ A. R.. Cameron, who made some good scores last season, has so far failed to get going. He-gives one the impression of trying to force the pace too much, and hits out at practically anything that comes along. A little patience would help him to get runs for hi* side. The bowling of Christian Brothers was very steady, but did nut appear dangerous, it was difficult, however, for ’ the batsmen to score freely, Brookes making Imjuent changes and handling his bowling well. Otherwise the total would have been, much larger. He has no really outstanding bowler in his team, but makes the most of the talent available. The fielding of the Christian Brothers was not good, too many balls passing the fieldsmen, while the throwing-in was at tiroes erratic. Dawson and Ilodgersou have given the Brothers a good start, and both scored quite freely during their short stay at the wickets. Jolly was bowling far too short ro be dangerous, and will have to get them well up to the batsmen as he did before the holidays if he wants to get wickets. Twenty-five Wickets Fall. Most of the batsmen who participated in the game between Carisbrook and Orange on the North Ground were all at sea to the fast pace of the pitch, and it was found unnecessary to use any bowlers other than the regulars. Nimmo. in particular, was in his clement. Apart from a few awkward, shoit-pitched bumpers, he maintained a good length, and did most of his destruction with orthodox express deliveries which beat the batsmen all the way. At times, moreoer, he was swinging perceptibly, and in each Grange innings he was equally dangerous.

Only Elmes survived the early afternoon ordeal with any real success. Right from the start he was timing with characteristic ease, coming well forward to the right ball and scoring freely-from many pretty strokes behind and on either side of the wicket. The fact that ten 4’s were included in his total of 50 indicates the pace at which the ball was.flying from the bat. Under the circumstances, it can be said that there were a few other sov«d scores during' the afternoon, but that of Elmes was undoubtedly the titbit. Except for the fatal soft catch he hit up to Dunning in the first innings, Chettleburgh was also well worth watching. His eye is good, he has the strokes, and he hits the hall cleanly. Both Knight and- Tomkinson failed to get going, but Dey, especially in the first innings, made a better showing. Dunning, in the first innings, and D. Cameron,- in the second, were consistent and accurate enough to help Nimnio in his errand of dismissal. But for a timely stand by M’Mullan and Procter, it is hardly likely that Carisbrook would have had the satisfaction of passing Grange’s first innings total. 13. Cameron. Cox. and Moloney had all gone fairly cheaply when M'Mullan took strike, and the experienced left-hander made very few errors in compiling his 38, At times he drove well, but it was in his behind-the-wicket shots that he phone. He can certainly teach the younger brigade a point or two in the art of converting a fast wicket to his own use. Combining forceful batting with keen running between the wickets, Procter ably helped Ills associate to get the team out of a fix. Lemin. like Nimmo, found that the wicket suited him. a feature of which he made the most by keeping an accurate length. Elmes did not come out of the innings with such success, but he got a useful man out in Moloney. Towards the end of the innings Galland had a happy time with the ball. Chettleburgh taking two good catches in slips off his bowling.

The fielding of botli sides left little to be desired. It was only difficult catches that were dropped, and some of the catches that were taken were almost as difficult. The throwing in was much better than has been seen in many senior games this season. In the face of the scores as they stand, Carisbrook has a strong grip on the game, but to-morrow’s cricket on the North Ground may be equally full of surprises. At any rate, if the sun is as kindly as it was last Saturday the afternoon will assuredly be an enjoyable one.

Old Boys Hold Advantage. The bowlers on botii sides played havoc with the tail-endors in the game between Old Boys and Dunedin, at Logan Park, and had it not been for the destructive methods of Groves, and good scores by Saxton and Clark, the competition leaders might have had considerable difficulty in obtaining a two-point lead. Conversely, however, it could be said that Ditchfield saved his side front being routed, for, excepting, a glimpse oi form on the parts of Torrance and Cavanagh, the Dunedin team slumped very badly. Flighting the ball in good style, and employing a deceptive change of pace, Groves bowled really well to finish up with seven wickets for 81, and though it must be said that most of his victims gave him every assistance with pool'' footwork and timing, his wickets were well deserved. In no less than three cases were batsmen stumped, and, generally speaking, these dismissals appeared to be due to the use of too much force and too little watching of the bull, the result being that it was missed altogether. In the case of Torrance, the batsman was beaten by the swerve of the delivery, and up to that time he was shaping very confidently. Dunedin started its innings disastrously, Badcock playing over the top of the first ball he received, but Cavanagh and Ditchfield .retrieved the position somewhat with a bright partnership. Ditchfield further strengthened his claims for inclusion in the Otago team with a stylishly-compiled 41), which he made without blemish. His strokes through the covers were particularly well made, and he piloted the ball time and again between the fieldsmen on the off with freedom.

Before he was stumped, Cavanagh gave an exhibition of how to make runs quickly, the first two balls he received being slammed to the boundary. Before Ditchfield was sent back the century pad been hoisted, and the unexpected then happened, the next five men being dismissed for an additional 6 runs, G'roves and Beck being the destroying agents, the former just failing to get the “ hat trick.” Old Boys opened their innings as badly as did Dunedin, for Giles was out Ibw in Badoock’s second oyer, and Leadei and Groves followed in quick succession. It was left to Saxton and Clark to-provide the best partnership of the day. Saxton’s effort, though a : particularly solid one, probably saved his side from- collapse, for judging from the procession of later batsmen. Clark would not have had anybody to stay with him.

After ins performance behind the stumps and also a good innings, Clark’s chances for the position of wicketkeeper for the match against Wellington would appear to be particularly bright. He has been a consistent performer this season, and in addition he has the advantage of youth. On Saturday his wicketkeeping was first class, and he did not miss any chances of stumping, all three of. his victims being out as the result of particularly quick liftings of the bails. Following his dismissal, the latter part of Ola Boys’ innings was a repetition of that of their opponents, Claridge coming to light with a couple of wickets. Considering the defections of Gale, Dickinson, and Cherry the competition leaders could be considered to have done well in having a first innings lead with two wickets still in hand.

Albion’s Late Run. The Albion first eleven is now showing to advantage. After scoring its first win against Dunedin, it is now placed in a good position against Kaikorai. On an excellent wicket on the main ground at Logan Park, Kaikorai occupied the crease for almost four hours to get 150 runs against the Albion attack, which consisted of a good variety of bowlers, but of which the Kaikorai batsmen found none to their liking. The extraordinary slow rate of scoring was certainly a most decided compliment to the accuracy of the attack.

Even the veteran Reg. Cherry was tied up by the bowling, and 'only by his stubborn resistance and patience was he able to hold up the fort foi more than two and a-half hours foi 45 runs. His effort was no doubt in valuable to his side, but it is hardly the style of batting' which is appreciated by the spectators. He scored only one 4 during his innings. The game started rather sensationally, and the fact that M'Knight and Talbot were dismissed when the total was only 13, and Holden followed with the addition of only 8 more runs, no doubt, affected the Kaikorai side to such an extent that the remaining batsmen were afraid to play any delivery at all. In the majority of eases it was a matter of the ball hitting the bai. Kone of the Albion bowlers met with any outstanding success, the wickets being divided amongst R. Silver (three for 30). Sheipherd (three for 23), 1,. Smith (two for 3(3), and J. Barron (two for 14). Silver bowled with greater accuracy than usually, and of his twenty-two overs ten weie maidens His three victims were also clean bowled with balls which swung in from the off. Jim Shepherd wax a great asset to the attack, and he sent up many tricky deliveries. The young left-hander, L. Smith, got a lot of work on the ball, and on numerous occasions his deliveries beat batsman and wickets. Jn view of his recent successes move use might have been made of Barron, who is a much more difficult howler to play than he looks. As it was, he finished up with tV.o best • figures for his six overs. Once again, H. Miller and O. Dalziel gave Albion a good start, knocking up 51 runs in 33 minutes without being defeated. Tbe side requires only 100 runs to head off Knlkorai’s total, and as it has nothing to lose an endeavour should be made to secure a four-point win. The Albion side possesses a number of fast-scoring men in Shepherd. Barron. Duncan, and Vorrath, and if they can only strike form, 300 runs could be hit up in time to have a second shot at dismissing Kaikorai. Everything. of course, will depend on the conditions for play, and on the other hand, the possibility of Kaikorai stag-

mg another fighting innings or hoisting a big score cannot bo overlooked. But for the sake of the spectators an endeavour should be made to liven tip the game. The incentive—a four-point win—is there, it remains with the players to give it a 11 go.” New Zealand Team. Commenting on the selection of the New Zealand team to meet Australia in the first test. “■ Touchline,” in the ‘ New Zealand Free Lance,’ writes:— “ By the time the test matches with the*Australian team arc played F. T. Badcock will be on liis way to fulfil his engagements with a Lancashire League Club, and therefore I have not considered him in my selection. The team 1 suggest that would represent New Zealand well at this stage in their batting order are:—J. L. Kerr (Canterbury), E. W, Tindill (Wellington), J. Ell (Wellington), H G. Vivian (Auckland), K. Uttley (Otago), S. G. Lester (Canterbury), M. Wallace (Auckland), K. C. James (Wellington, captain), A. M. Matbeson (Auckland). L. Riley (Canterbury), and E. I). Blundell (Wellington ). It will be observed that G. R. Dickinson is not included in this team, possibly owing to the fact that ho has not* been seen in representative engagements this season. If. however, he is able to take his place, in the Otago team against Wellington ami shows anything like the form he has done this season, he is likely to force his claims upon the selectors. Average of 147. With his score of 128 in Sydney on January 26 Don Bradman completed an aggregate of more than 2,000 runs against Victoria. His complete total after that innings was 2,061, at the amazing average of 147 (says the ‘ Sporting Globe ’). Such a record against one State is unparalleled in the history of cricket in Australia or perhaps in the world. Bradman has, of course, scored prolifically against every bowling that he has faced, but his record against Victoria is outstanding, even among the extraordinary records that stand to his cre-

dit. Starting against Victoria in 1927-8, his first season in big cricket, he began modestly enough with 31 and 5 at Melbourne. However, in his sec : ond game, played in Sydney, he began the centnry-making habit, and has been i-eep ng it up ever since. Following is his amazing series of scores against this State: —31. 5,7, 134 not out, 1, 71 not out, 340 not out, 89, 26 not out, 77, 2, 33, 220, 23, 167, 238, 52 not out, 157, 187 not out, 77 not out, and 128. Thus he has made his runs in twentyone hands, in seven of which he was not out, and has made eight centuries. What Bradman’s record will be when he finishes his cricket career goodness only knows. Four other New South Welshmen and two Victorians have made more than 2,000 runs in the games between the two States, but none of them has an average half the size of his. Kippax’s is the best with 2,323 runs at just under 70 an innings. The biggest aggregate of all is M. A. Noble’s 2,829; and that probably will not remain the record long with Don in the field. Notes. The spread ot cricket within the confines of Otago province is exemplified by the number of applications the Otago Association has had for games recently from country clubs and minor associations. It has been impossible to meet all demands, but a representative side goes to Invercargill to play a return match with Southland. Efforts are being made to arrange a mid-week game with North Otago, and if this proves successful it is likely that a good side will be despatched to Oamani, including several of Otago’s Plunket .Shield players. A second grade A representative team is to meet South Otago on Anniversary Day (March 231, and several other -applications for games have had to be declined owing to lack of suitable dates. There is a good opportunity. however, for some cricket enthusiast with a flair for organisation to arrange tours to various country centres of Otago, and if the players of all senior clubs were approached well ahead of the proposed tours there should be iittle difficulty in getting together two or three teams. This is a matter that .might well he considered early next season.

In his ‘ History of New Zealand Cricket' F. J. C. Gustard stated that A. K. Moss (Canterbury! took all ten Wellington wickets for 2ft in 1889-90. and remains the only Now .Zealander who has accomplished the feat (says: a

writer in the ‘Cricketer’). During that season he took twenty-six wickets for under 11 runs apiece, but never appeared again. 1 hear from Colonel Lewis, of the Salvation Army, that Moss left New Zealand for South America, where J believe he made efforts to bring a side over to England, and eventually found his way to South Africa, where he joined the Salvation Army, and with his: wife did untold jrood. The veteran (he is over 70) now lives in London, but I am told that he still retains his interest in the game. J. Badcock, “The Tasmanian Bradman ” in the Australian cricket team to tour New Zealand, is a very free batsman usually, and is generally considered to be in second gear if he is not averaging a run a minute (says an exchange). His long list of big scores includes a high proportion of quicklymade centuries. Nevertheless he can play the rock when necessary. For Tasmania against the English team last season, in playing for a draw, he batted for two hours and a-balf for 42, carrying Kis bat right through the innings The Kaikorai Club will engage in a match at Easter time with a team from the Kaitangata Club. C. G. Hamilton, of the Hutt team, i.s the youngest member of a family who have been identified with Canterbury cricket for some years (says the ‘New Zealand Free Lance’). He is the only one of the brothers—W.J.V., F.H., H.W.F.. R.C., and J.M.—who bats right-handed. The High School Old Boys’ Club is holding one of its popular cricket dances on the 17th, and as this dub’s social functions are invariably of a most enjoyable nature a large muster is anticipated. Ted Harraway, well-known senior cricketer of a season or two ago, is now enjoying his game with the Old Boys A team in second grade B. He has been a consistent run-getter this season, and has scored two centuries. Captain of his team is W, R. Brinsley, sen., who has been a good run-getter also. “Observer” writes; “Speight’s batting in Saturday’s match in the League competition was poor, the side

collapsing. The fielding was good for a while, hut it soon fell away. Olsenis very keen in the field, but Hunt missed two easy catches, The bowling could have been handled to better advantage, Wilson keeping himself on foo long.” In watching the colts playing at Kichtnond last Saturday I saw a left-hand howler with all the essentials for English success—a young fellow, R. Brown, a Geelong product (states..!; Won-all, in the ‘ Australasian ’). He is slightly built but wiry looking, and has the "action and style of the lefthander of whom we are in search. He is Wilfred Rhodes over again, and can spin and flight the ball, with fine length withal. Under our tarpaulin conditions Rhodes would not have been heard of as a bowler. Vet what a freat man be has been for England, •ersonally I would have no hesitation, after seeing this young left-hander, in including him in the combination for England. Selectors must possess imagination and that innate knowledge of estimating a bowler’s possibilities by his action, and this young man, Brown, seems the ideal man for the job. Of the few left-handers operating at .the present time, now that Ironmonger appears to be under a cloud, none possesses the potentialities of this young left-hander, and a gambler’s chance should be taken. The South Otago Association is to be commended on bringing before the notice of the O.C.A. the claims of a young wicketkeeper, T. Gold, who is considered to be a very promising placer. The selectors quite properly decided to try him out in practice, and even if the country player does not yet measure up to representative requirements nothing hut good can result from such action as that taken by South Otago. There must be quite a number of promising players in the country, and if afforded the opportunity they might eventually win their way into the Otago team. It does seem that promising Southland and North Otago plavors, too, might be given so'me further opportunity of proving themselves other than that afforded in the. jrmiies played here before the shield 'series. If one or tvo of the more likely men were perhaps invited to take part in rep. practice for a few nights, the expense of bringing them here for such a purpose might prove worth while. In view of the growth of cricket in Otago, these are matters that should be kept well in view in the near future. The president of the Otago Association, Mr. J. M. Fraser, who is also pie-

sident of the New Zealand Cricket Association, put a somewhat different complexion on the matter of the allocation of matches with the Australian team. He stated this week that North Otago was offered a game, hut turned it down, Ashburton being then fitted in to the itinerary. It is a pity, however, that some effort was not made to arrange for the tourists to play a match with Southland at Invercargill.