CRICKET.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 18 June 1924, Page 8

CRICKET.

SOUTH AFRICA V. ENGLAND. COMMENT ON THE PLAY. BY CABLE—PRESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT LONDON, June 17. MacLaren, writing in the Daily Express, says that despite the first innings sensation, the day’s play will cause some anxiety to the English selection committee. Taylor put a heavy roller on the wicket, which brought the damp to the top, so that the ball was certain to turn. For about twenty minutes the star batsmen failed to break down these early difficulties and pave the way for the rest of the team to bat on a plumb wicket. Gilligan’s direction and length were splendid. Tate was equally difficult, but the Africans, in their second innings, made Parkin, Kilner and Fender seem tame. Just when the game ■ should have been finished quickly Catterall and Blankenberg played in heroic style. The Africans may surprise us yet. A man must be an optimist who shouts about the bowling strength of England.

Warner, in the Morning Post, says the day began with disaster for the Africans, but ended in triumph. The wicket was perfection itself, but the batsmen seemed quite helpless against the splendid bowling of Gilligan and Tate. It was an utter rout, and what followed made it more incomprehensible. Scarcely ever can there have been a greater contrast in a single day’s cricket. The explanation of the first innings lies in the fact that the Africans, for the first time in their tour, met. with a really fast wicket, and were all late in timing the ball. Taylor and Commaille started the second innings with ™ much confidence as if their side had made 300 instead of 30. It was only natural towards the end of a. hot day that the Englishmen should tire in thp field, and during the last hour Catterall and Blankenberg scored at a fast rate. Both should have been out before the close of play, but their free batting delighted everybody, the crowd dispersing full of enthusiasm for the Africans’ pluck. He adds: “It was a remarkable day’s play, and if there should be a succession of hard, true wickets I think the Africans will prove a far better side than they have hitherto been 'regarded.” Gilligan’s astonishing performance was the sensation, not only of the day, but of the season. His pace was bewildering after the dead wickets of recent weeks. Taylor, wlm opened the innings, did not receive a ball until the fifth batsman appeared. Gilligan sent down three no balls, and after each secured a wicket, which recalled the old Yorkshire saying: “After a. K wide a. wicket.” The Africans persisted in playing back to deliveries closely resembling half volleys. Gilligan twice took two wickets with successive balls. Tate was fully equal to his captain. Though bis figures were less sensational his length was perfect, and his continued varied deliveries disconcerted the Africans. In the second innings Commaille played with that set purpose of wearing down the bowling; he was dour doggedness personified. After making a poor beginning, the rest batted excellently, though Catterall was nervous.