CRICKET,

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 290, 14 December 1901, Page 2

CRICKET,

ENGLAND v. AUSTRALIA. THE FIRST TEST MATCH. By Telegraph—Press Association -Copyright Sydney, Dec. 10. A strong south-easterly gale sprang up and dissipated the gloomy, threatening weather of the early morning. Maclaren’s luck was in, and the toss of the coin gave him the advantage. It was a perfect wicket. Robson, McGahey, and Garnett stood out of tvie English team. Darling captained the Australians. The English skipper with Hayward faced the attack by Jones at the southern end and Noble at the northern. Maclaren commenced freely, but the bowling induced carefulness on the part of Hayward. Jones bowled full pace, Maclaren making live leg glances. The fielding of the Australians, with the exception of one or two slips by Jones, was brilliant.

At do Howell relieved Jones, and a few runs later Noble gave way to McLeod. The double change brought-"about a standstill in the scoring, Maciaren playing both bowlers cautiously. The half century appeared in fifty minutes, and was the signal for both to open out. Hayward, who had been most respectful to the bowlers, made several fine boundary drives, and Maclaren some beautiful leg glances. At 70 Jones replaced Howell. Hayward appreciated the South Australian, and got him to the boundary for the first two balls.

Maclaren, in trying to play Jones through the slips, sent the hall a hit high and right into Howell’s hands, hut the latter missed him badly, the skipper’s score standing at 40. After lunch the game proceeded slowly, with one brief interval of lively play. Maclaren occupied eighty-eight minutes in compiling half a century, the batsman taking no risk. The century appeared by a square cut for four by Hayward. After ninety minutes’ play at 103 Noble replaced McLeod. Hayward punished Jones with several magnificent drives, both batsmen plaving the fast howler with the utmost confidence, Noble being the only ono they faced gingerly. Jones gave way to Trumble at 115, hut the howling completely tied him into a knot.

Another change at a hundred and thirty-nine saw Laver tried instead of Noble.

Maclaren scored freely off Trumble, but the Victorian had revenge, and tempted Hayward, who jumped out, and lifted him high to mid off. Hill got under the ball and held.

Hayward played a faultless innings, lasting just over two and half hours. It included eleven fours. One wicket was down for a hundred and fifty-four. Tyldesley partnered Maclaren, but the Lancashire professional performed badly, and gave McLeod an easy chance at cover point after scoring a single. Two wickets for a hundred and sixty-two. Quaife was next, as afternoon tea adjournment intervened. The bowling had variety, but had not sting in it. The fielding was especially good, Gregory at mid-off, and Noble, at point, being brilliant.

After tea Maclaren made a fine drive for four, which brought his century up. In compiling his hundred, Maclaren occupied three hours and seven minutes.

Laver proved too expensive, and let McLeod take his place. Quaife pursued stonewalling tactics, Trumble feeding him with tempting ones, the field being close in, hut without avail. The Victorian sent down seven maidens in succession, the Warwick man’s play raising ironical cheering. Maclaren, in trying to bring McLeod across, got his leg before, and was given out. His score included twenty four’s, and he only gave one chance. His brilliant cutting was much admired. He was at the wickets for three hours and a half. Three wickets for 190. The English captain received a great ovation. Jessop followed, and the Australians were as anxious to see the cyclonic hitter bat as they had been to see Raugi, and they were promised a samplo of his prowess. His strokes were not attractive, and at times they proved dangerous to him. He hit five boundaries with lightning rapidity, and then McLeod boat him all the way. Four wickets for 220. Jessop knocked up his score in sixteen minutes.

Jones followed, and tipped Noble (who succeeded McLeod) into Kelly’s hands. Five for 236.

Lilley was next to bat, and Quaife still stonewalling, his County mato quickly caught up his score, when Howell, with the final ball of the day, clean bowled Quaife. The attendance was over 12,000. The score at the close of the day’s play was six wickets down for 2.2.

The following are the detailed scores : England—lst innings. Hayward, c Hill, b Trumble ... ... 69 Maclaren, lbw, b McLeod 116 Tyldesley, c McLeod, b Laver ... 1 Quaife, b McLeod 24 Jessop, b McLeod 21 Jones, e Kelly, b Noble ... ... 9 Lilley, not out... 22 Sundries ... io Total for six wickets 272