BIG CRICKET

Gisborne Times, Volume LXIV, Issue 10192, 2 January 1926, Page 5

BIG CRICKET

N.Z. v. N.S.W.

STATE SIDE STILL BATTING

THREE WICKETS DOWN FOR 278

BROWN GETS A CENTURY

United Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Received Jan. 1, 7.55 p.m.) SYDNEY, Jan, 1.

The weather was fine with a cool breeze when New Zeeland met New South Wales at the Cricket Ground to-day. The wicket was in excellent condition, and the out-field was good. Vaughan replaced Seddon in the New South Wales team. Ratcliffe won the toss and elected to bat. Play was rather slow after the dismissal of Phillips in the first over. The first hundred took ninety minutes. Brown played scratch in gly and was lucky to be missed by Patrick in the slips when three. The New Zealanders fielded excellently, and few balls escaped them. The bowling was also good particularly that of Cunningham end Allcott. All the bowlers maintained a good length. Some of Blunt’s deliveries had the batsmen tied up, hub bis loose ones of which there were a good many, were severely punished. Brown’s [day improved as the day progressed, lis partnership with Morgan yielding 46. Play livened after lunch. Ratcliffo had a narrow escape when Brown made a short stroke. Blunt jumped out and with his shot knocked a bail off. but Ratcliffe’s bat was just in. Brown’s century coincided with the appearance of 200 in 170 minutes. Brown, in his century stroke, -returned the ball just above Cunningham’s bead, a little too high for him. Brown displayed some nice strokes, particularly a square cut, with which he frequently rattled the pickets. 'With the score at 231 Brown narrowlv escaped being run out off Alloo’s‘first hall. Patrick made frequent changes in the bowlers in an endeavor to break the Brown-Rat-cliffe partnership, but the score continued to mount up, both finding gaps in the field skilfully. When Ratcliffe was 65, Blunt missed a low catch at first slip. The tea adjournament saw the score at 278 for three wickets, Brown being 148 and Ratcliffe 75. — U.P.A.

(Received Jan. 1. 10 25 p.m.) SYDNEY, Jan. 1. Shortly after tea Dacre dropped an easy catch from Brown off Patrick, in the latter’s second over. Alter tea Brown hit him to Dacre at cover point, and the latter accepted it. Brown received an ovation on returning to the pavilion. He hit 21 fours. The hoard read three for 183 then four for 312, Brown occupying the crease for 234 minutes. Ratcliffe continued to bat brightly. Boundaries appeared frequently, but the fielding prevented gaining many from ground strokes. Dacre, Worker and Lowtv were the outstanding fieldsmen, ‘but all were good. Blunt proved a very expensive howler, but Patrick persisted using him. After batting 101 minutes Ratcliffe was clean bowled by Allcott. He lut 13 fours. Ratcliffe gave a good exhibition of cricket, placing his strokes cleverly. He was warmly applauded on leaving the field. Four hundred appeared for 2e3 minutes. Bardsley hitting strongly all round the wicket. Following are the scores:— N.S.W.—,First innings. Phillips, b Cunningham 1 Brown, c Dacre, b Patrick 16S Scanes, b Allcott 1< Morgan, c Oliver, b Cunningham 29 Ratcliffe, b Allcott 128 R. Bardsley. not out 54 Punch, c Allcott, b Mcßeath 13 Vaughan, b Cunningham '.... 11 Nicholls, not out 10 Extras 10 Total for seven wickets 441 The attendance at the New Zenla'nd cricket match was three thousand—U.P.A.

VICTORIA v. NEW SOUTH WALES

(Received Jan. 1, 10.35 p.m.) MELBOURNE, Jan. 1

In the Sheffield Shield match Victoria iu their first innings made 232 (Ryder 16. Hendry 23, Love 22 Woodfull 97, Hansford 15, Mitchell 26; Scott took two for 51. Wliitty two for 46, Grimmitt two for 61 and A. Richardson three for 40). South Australia have lost no wickets for 20.

The weather was fine and the wicket good. The Victorian team was weakened owing to Ponsford, Barring and Ellis being unavailable. Play in the opening stages was careful and uninteresting, but with the arrival of Woodful play livened up and runs enmo fast. Woodful played a splendid clianceless innings. Mitchell shaped well, but when he went the bowlers made short work of the rest. —U.P.A.

THE AUSTRALIAN TOURISTS

HOME CRITICISM ON THE

SELECTIONS

(Received Dec. 31, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 30

The newspapers make the men selected for the Australian XI. a feature, issuing special posters, together with photographs. Experts analj.se the qualities of the individual members and declare that the selectors sho lid be congratulated on choosing sound men and avoiding daring experiments. The “Evening Standard’s” critic says: Australia has not troubled io wait for the averages at the close o! the season before selecting her team. The selectors, apparently, have gone on lines of salety and are probably considering minutely the three remaining vacancies. Macartney has undoubtedly retained his abilities during his enforced rest. He is probably the most famous stroke player living and, in addition, he has developed innocent looking left-hand bowling. England will rejoice in his inclusion because he is an entertaining, aggressive batsman. Though Bardsley is not as fast as he once was he is still one of the best left-handers to open an innings, because of his unsurpassed knowledge of English wickets. Ponsford and Grimmett will . excite tremendous curiosity, particularly Ponsford, because it is generally accepted that his run-making will mot be confined to Australian wickets. There can bo no question as to the strength of the hatting, though tho bowling is another question. It appears the attack will rest with Gregory, Mailey and Grimmett. The team appears most useful, though such prominent players jis the Richardsons, Scott and Love sti : l reniiin umcliosen. Douglas, in an interview wile the “Daily Express,” says: The Australians are a. formidable, well balanced side. Thus far, followers of the game in Australia have no quarrel with the selectors. I am particularly pleased Grimmett was selected. He is no mean batsman and should turn the ball more on the English wickets than on the Australian. 1 hope Ricnarclsom will be chosen. He, too, will bowl better in England, being one of the lew reallv good flight bowlers Australia claims. Hornibrook also _ deserves careful consideration, as he is a splendid left-handed, medium spin bowler. I think the odds are on us, though tho Australians have collected an imposing side. Nearly everything depends on the English Selection Committee, who will do almost as much towards winning the tests as tne. players. I hope tho County captains will not over-work the men selected. Interviews obtained bv the Australian Press Association reveal unanimity as to the powerful nature of the team. Jackson, says the selection oaves Australia powerful battin D , but

where arc the bowlers:' Grimmett will arouse the greatest interest. It will also be interesting to see how the suggestion of Tate and others—that Ponsford’s methods are unsound—will work out on English wickets. The tests will he a toss up. Faulkner says that it v. ill be the strongest batting side sent to England Everyone welcomes the in;lesion of Macartney and Bardsley The latter unquestionably is one of the greatest batsmen on English wickets as well as an admirable vice-captain. Australia badly reeds a first-class, medium bowler The tests ulil be very.open, though Australia’s morale will stand bv them, as in the past. —A. and N.Z.C.A.

HOBBS OPTIMISTIC. ENGLAND’S CHANCES AT LEAST 50-50. (Received Dec. 31, 11 p.nT.) LONDON, Dec. 30. Hobbs, in a special article in the “Daily Chronicle,” appeals to the newspapers to spare early criticisms and querulous fault finding in connection with the selection of the English team. Reviewing the Australian selection, lie criticises and pays tributes to various players and then adds:—“It is not a super teem ; they can be beaten. I am not afflicted witn over-confidence when I say England has at least fifty-fifty chance and L rate our chances even higher on a wet wicket.”—A. and N.Z.C.A.

WANTED : A SURPRISE BOWLER!

(Received Jan. 1, 8.15 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 31The newspapers continue to discuss the Australian team, particularly from tlie viewpoint of the remaining players to be selected. They realise that the selectors’ task is difficult owing to the numerous claims. It would he more easily solved if of at least half a dozen sound batsmen available one had bowling qualifications. The omission of Kippax proves that batting is no longer a consideration. Australia is undoubtedly being scoured for a surprise bowler. Some critics are puzzled by the absence of Kellewav; others believe Kelleway. A. Richardson and Love are certain for inclusion owing to their dual qualifications. Hurst of Yorkshire, questions Australia’s bowling strength and points out that Collins is deprived of Armstrong’s advantage of two fast howlers such as Gregory and MacDonald at either end. England’s side should he selected from the viewpoint of variety of attack. England is fortunate that Tate and Macau ley are useful batsmen. Wicketkeepers should also be good batsmen. —A. and N.Z.C.A.

WARNER ON THE AUSTRALIANS

A HOT CATTING SIDE

LONDON, Dec. 31

“Plum” Warner, interviewed, said: “Australia has selected a very hot hatting side. Its great strength lies in the fact*’that numbers eight, nine, ten and eleven are all good batsmen. You have got to get the whole side out and are just as likely to have trouble after the sixth wicket has fallen as before. But they don’t seem to have found any new howler except Grimmett. It will he interesting to see the remaining three that are selected for it will he a difficult matter to choose between such promising players as Love, A. Richardson, Kippax and Kelleway, whose brilliant innings at Melbourne shows he is still at the top of his form.”—A. and N.Z. C.A.

AUSTRALIAN TEAM FOR ENGLAND.

WELL BALANCED SIDE

SYDNEY, Dec. .31

The .newspapers commenting on the cricket team, say it contains no surprises. The trouble will be in ilic selection of the remaining three players to complete the team. The Herald declares that the selection forms the nucleus of a powerful and well-balanced side capable of upholding Australia’s prestige. It :s strong in all departments, and every player is capable of securing runs. The bowling provides for a varied attack, while as to the vital question of fielding there ore probably only two who cannot be regarded as first-class fieldsmen.

N.S.W. ROUTS VICTORIA

(Received Dec. .31, 9.3-5 p.m.) MELBOURNE, Dec. 31

The Sheffield Shield match was concluded in line weather and on a good wicket.

Victoria, in its second innings, made 130 (Baring 30. Ponsford, in, 25). Bowling: Jvelleway took three wickets for 12 runs, Mailey three for 34, Gregory two fer 57. New South Wales won by an innings and 162 runs.

It was a hopeless fight from the commencement of the day's play and the N.S.V. bowlers took command, routing the Victorians, who appeared unable to tackle the deadly deliveries, the remainder being dismissed within an hour.—U.P.A.

TRIAL MATCH ABANDONED

MELBOURNE, Dec. 31

The Board of Control has decided that the second proposed match between the selected team and the Rest of Australia, which Was to have been played in Melbourne in February, is to he abandoned.—U.P.A.

PLUNKET SHIELD

WELLINGTON STARTS WELL AGAINST CANTERBURY.

IIIDDLESTONE SCORES 212

McGIEE EXCEEDS THE CENTURY

WELLINGTON, Jan. 1

The Plunket Shield match, Wellington v. Canterbury commenced to-day on the Basin Reserve before a fair attendance. Wellington won the toss and batted first on a good wicket. Tattersall and Hiddleston opened the innings, but the former went early and Kortlang filled the gap. The new pair batted slowly, but played solid cricket against accurate bowling and keen fielding. Kortlang, who was much quieter than usual, made 30 before sending one into Talbot’s hands. Dempster joined Hiddleston, but was never comfortable and, after making 29, was honied by Talbot. McGirr came in and play livened up. Hiddleston reached the century without giving a chance, it being his highest score in Shield cricket to date. He was caught behind the wickets by Brunton after being at the wickets over four hours. McGirr got a forceful century. When stumps were drawn Wellington had nine wickets down for 494.

WELLINGTON. —First Innings. Tattersall, run out 4 Hiddleston, c Brunton, b Sandman , 212 Kortlang, c Talbot b Findlay ... 30 Dempster, b Talbot 29 McGirr, c McEwin, b Talbot 108 Badcock, b Talbot ... 8 Lambert c Talbot, b Sandman ... 2o Barclay, b Talbot 2 Henderson, lbw, b Talbot ......... 14 Banks, in W Extras Total for nine wickets 494 Bowling analysis: Read none for 128, Findlay one for 91, Mcßwin none for 74, Sandman two for <6, Talbot five for 105. P-A. i *

AUCKLAND v. OTAGO. AUCKLAND. Jan. 1The Plunket Shield match between Auckland and Otago opened to-dav. Hie wicket was fast and the attendance in the afternoon numbered 1500. Otago batted first, but could not make a stand against the Auckland howling. Galland gave the best display, making 44 runs by-forceful batting. Player was the best of the Auckland howlers and finished with the fine average of five wickets for 60 runs. The Auckland fielding was good. Horspool and Mills gave Auckland a good start, putting on 112 before Horspool lost his wicket. Otago s total was passed before Mill was dismissed for 59. At the close of the day’s play, Auckland was in a strong position, having scored 208 for th rce wickets.

OTAGO.—First Innings. McMullan, c Smith, b Simpson ... 6 Cherry, c Horspool, b Smith 7 Alloo, e Horspool, b Smith 18 Knight, b Player f Galland, c Snedden, 1> Player ... 44 Blamires, b Player 0 Duncan, e Rountree, b Player ... 6 Conrnde, b Player 33 Torrance, c Smith, b Snedden ... 1 Zimmerman, not out 9 Douglas, st Rountree b Snedden O Extras 3Total 131 Bowling analysis: Player five for 60; Snedden two for nine; Smith two for 29; Simpson one for 30. AUCKLAND. —First Innings. Horspool. c Blamires, b Torrance 64 Mills, c Galland, b Torrance 59 Snedden, c Alloo, b Torrance 36 Smith, not out 29 Anthonv, not out ° Extras - 12 Total for three wickets 208 —P.A. WAIAPU TEAM TO MEET NOMADS. The Wniapu team to play the Nomads at Tokomaru Bay on January 4 and 5 will probably !>e as follows: (Jr. Franklin, G. Mill, J- Mill. JMoody, .J. Oates, F. Wikeus, C. B. Sharpe, G. Oates. V . Oates ; PHelean, R. Chalmers. Reserves: L. Faram, P. Fairlie, C. Franklin. A match was to have been played at Tokomaru Bay on New Tear’s Day between .the Mata and Tokomaru Bay Clubs, lor the Lcisel Cup.