THE FIRST TEST MATCH.

Feilding Star, Volume IV, Issue 1132, 12 March 1910, Page 4

THE FIRST TEST MATCH.

NEW ZEALAND MAKES A POOR STAND.

AUSTRALIA GOING STRONG

PER PKESS ASSOCIATION. Christchurch, March 11. After rain overnight the Test match Australia v. New Zealand opened at noon in beautiful weather, though the wicket was so much in favour of the bowlers that Armstrong, on winning the toss from Reese, sent the New Zealanders in, himself and Whitty having charge of the bowline the start was disastrous, Siedebe.o-, Midlane, and Haddon leaving, in quick succession. Lusk and Reese made short stands, but they had both gone with the total at five for 52. Sims then set up a strong defence, but received little assistance until Boxshall joined him, when the total was advanced from 93 to 128*. Howden, the last man, also gave Sims some help, and the innings realised 155. Sims batted splendidly, whilst Whitty bowled finely on a wicket that just suited him. The Australians did not start their innings auspiciously, Mayno leaving at 1 and Simpson at 31. Smith assisted Bardsley (who was missed early, and also had his wicket hitwithout dislodging the bails) to add 50, and then Armstrong and Bardsley played together until just on time, when Bardsley was stumped for an attractively played 97. When stumps were drawn the total was four wicket's for 210. The scores were as follow :— NEW ZEALAND.—First Innings. Lusk, c Emery, b AY bitty ... 22 Siedeberg, lbw, b Whitty ' ... 2 Midlane, b Armstrong ... 0 Haddon, c Simpson, b Whitty ... 1 Reese, b Whitty ... ... 20 Sims, not out ' ... ... 51 McFarlane, lbw, b Whitty ... 6 Oliff, b Emery ... ... 5 Bennett, b Armstrong ... 4 Boxshall, b Whitty ... ... 1. Howden, c Mayne, b Armstrong 11 Extras ... ... ... 20 Total ... ... ... 155 Bowling analysis—Whitty, 22 overs 5 maidens 53 runs, 6 wickets: Armstrong, 13,"5, 28, 3; Emery, 3, 18, 1; Warne, 8 overs 36 runs. AUSTRALIA.—First Innings. 11. Mayne, c and b Oliff ... 1 Bardsley, st Boxshall, b Reese... 97 C. E. Simpson, b Oliff ... 17 Smith, b Bennett ... ... 16 Armstrong, not out ... ... 63 Warne, not out ... ... 2 Total for four wickets ... 216