THE FINAL TEST

Evening Star, Issue 22579, 22 February 1937, Page 9

THE FINAL TEST

AUSTRALIAN TEAM NASH IN THE THIRTEEN CHOSEN Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright SYDNEY, February 21. The Australian team for the final test will be chosen from the following 13: — D. G. BRADMAN (South Australia). C. li. BADCOCK (South Australia). W. BROWN (Queensland). J. H. FINGLETON (New South Wales). L. O’B. FLEETWOOD-SMITH (Victoria). R. GREGORY (Victoria). S. J. M'CABE (New South Wales). E. L. M'CORMICK (Victoria). L. NASH (Victoria). W. A. OLDFIELD (New South Wales). W. J. O’REILLY (New South Wales) K. E. RIGG (Victoria). M. W. SIEVERS (Victoria). The Victorian fast bowler, Nash, is the' only man who has not appeared in tho current test series. Chipperfield, who is suffering from an injury, was not available, while Sievers and Badcock did not play in the last test team. ANOTHER MEAGRE SCORE M.C.C. DISMISSED FDR 187 VICTORIA 144 FOR TWO WICKETS [By J. B. Hobbs.] (Copyright in all countries. Reproduction in whole or in part forbidden.) MELBOURNE, February 21. It was another hot day; though there was a strong breeze, it was still sultry. The new,, stand, which stretches halfway round the grounds, has a snowy-white roof, which produces a glare. The wicket had nothing like yesterday’s life, and there was no new ball to contend with. Still, M'-Comick had plenty of pace. He and Sievers took one wicket each to dispose of the remaining men for the addition of 18 in 23 mmutes. Ames was playing so well again that I was surprised to see him go. He was trying to push past point a good length ball that did nothing, and he played across its flight. There _ was a comic interlude when Voce tried to hit a_ full_ pitch from Sievers for six. He sliced it high in the air, and Pearson and the bowler both went for the catch, which was left to Pearson. I was not surprised to see him put it down. Voce, coni sidering himself a better batsman that Copson, refused a long run off the last hall of an over and was bowled next ball. So England was all out for 187, a meagre score. Though the batting was poor, X can find a little excuse in that the wicket was livelier than usual. In addition to the casual attitude of the batsmen mentioned yesterday, they would not take the risk of getting hurt by fast-rising halls so near the test. The boundary was very close on one side, and when Voce went on Lee, a left-hander, nearly cut the second hall for 6, a risky shot that might have easily been a catch at deep third man. Eight were scored off first six deliveries, but the seventh, his googly, coming quickly off the pitch, got Rigg out leg before. This brought Gregory and Lee together at 37. It looked as if they might make another stand like their 262 against England in the first match here despite a chance given by Gregory to Copson in the gully off Voce when he was 24. They added 64, and had just hoisted 100 when Lee was unfortunate to be run out owing to a mix-up. Lee made a useful 40. Good E layer though he is, I should not call im attractive to watch. I might say the same about Gregory, but he is very young and should become great. He watches the ball well, but seems nervous of going all out for a stroke unless it is a hook, which he does expertly. Hassett was lucky to receive a full toss, with which he got off the mark with a square drive for 4. Hassett led the Australian averages for a long time, and only recently Bradman got in front of him. He made 28 quickly before rain came on. He is a beautifully free player with an attractive style, and stands well up at the wicket. All his strokes are executed with ease and elegance. He demonstrated a splendid cut, getting well over the ball and giving himself room to bring his free wrists into play. In addition he plays a delightful straight bat. This was my first view of Hassett. It was only for half an hour, but I can understand why he has scored so many runs. He is sure to represent Australia in the near future. In the last two matches the English batsmen gave the impression that they were not taking things too seriously. To-day’s policy seemed to be to keep the regular bowlers fresh for the test. Allen and Fames are resting. Voce did not unleash himself, not even openingjthe howling, Copson and Hammond doing that. _ Voce might have dismissed Gregory twice with a good-length hall just outside the off stump, which he edged, but generally the bowling did not look deadly, and the batsmen wore never in difficulties. After three appeals against the light within a few deliveries, play ceased at 3.45. Rain fell immediately, and tho wicket was completely covered. Play was abandoned for the day at 4.50. Details:— ENGLAND. First Innings. Verity c Pearson b Nash 1 Barnett c Pearson b M'Cormick ... 1 Hardstaff c Pearson b Nash ... 14 Hammond b Ebeling 14 Leyland c Ledward b Sievers ... 19 Wyatt c Barnett b M'Cormick ... 1 Ames b M'Cormick 6-1 Robins c Nash b Pearson 33 Sims c Ledward b Ebeling 16 Voce b Sievers 15 Copson not out 2 Extras 7 Total ' 187 Bowling Analysis.—M'Cormick, three for 35; Nash, two for 21; Ebeling, two for 20; Sievers, two for 36; Pearson, one for 40; Gregory, none for 28. VICTORIA. First Innings. Rigg Ibw b Sims IS Lee run out 40 Gregory not out 58 Hassett not out 2S Extras 5 Total for two wickets 144

HASSETT'S ATTRACTIVE INNINGS SYDNEY, February 22. (Received February 22. at 11 a.in.) The ‘ Herald’s ’ cricket writer, commenting* on _ the_ match between England and Victoria, says: “Gregory’s play lacked some of the dash of his century innings against England in the first Victorian match, but his defence was wonderfully sound. He appeared to aim at developing his stroke play, and he was more versatile than m the previous innings. A satisfactory feature was that he was not content to play back, but left the crease, using Ins feet, to Verity, who had the held spread to stop hard drives, Lee also batted well, but the most attractive innings of the match so far was played by the consistent 2‘i-jear-old righthander. Hassett, who in his first appearance against the English men impressed them by his artistry and confidence. The English attack was varied, but lacked sting. Robins was careful not to overwork the testbowlers, especially Voce.