ENGLAND’S GREAT CHANCE IN FOURTH TEST

Grey River Argus, 24 July 1948, Page 5

ENGLAND’S GREAT CHANCE IN FOURTH TEST

Brilliant Batting

(Rec. 1.30 a.m.) LONDON, July 23 England’s splendid show in their first innings of the fourth test against Australia at Leeds suggests the possibility of a fine win. At stumps yesterday the batting side had lost two for 268, and up to the luncheon adjournment to-day the not out batsmen, Edrich and Bedser had carried their bats to score another 92 without loss. The weather was perfect and Edrich gave a fine display in batting for anothre two hours, for a further 35 Bedser, who started the day without a score, batted vigorously for his 52 at the adjournment. Bedser was the first batsman dismissed to-day, he having been at the wicket for just over three hours. He alcng with Edrich took the score to four hundred odd. A few minutes after he was dismissed, Edrich followed him to the pavilion after making 111. thus ending a valuable partnership. . 2 Compton then took his place at the wicket and from the first few balls scored 18 runs, including four fours. Crapp, who was beaten by the pace of the ball from Toshack, was bowled when his score stood at five.. England’s score then stood at five down for 447, with Compton and Yardley facing the bowling. . Compton was next to be dismissed, he being caught behind by Saggers from a ball by Lindwall when his score stood at 23. The score then stood at six wickets down for 466, and England’s position did not look as secure as it did earlier in the day. Loxton secured his first Test wicket when he clean bowled Cranston for 10, leaving England with seven wickets down for 486, with Evans then coming on. The tea adjournment score was as follows:—

ENGLAND. —First Innings Hutton, b Lindwall 81 Wash brook, c Lindwall, b Johns ton Bedser, c and b I. Johnson 79 Edrich, c Morris, b I. Johnson .. Hl Crapp, b Toshack 5 Compton, c Saggers, b Lindwall . 23 Cranston, b Loxton 19 Yardley, not out 23 Evans, not out 1 Extras 12 Total for seven wickets 488 England were all out for 496 at 4.5 a.m