CRICKET.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume II, Issue 43, 3 February 1912, Page 2

CRICKET.

ENGLAND v. VICTORIA. VISITORS SCORING STEADILY. HEARNE TOPS THE CENTURY. Melbourne, Feb. 1. The sweltering lieat, with a temperature of over ii)sdeg. in the shade, was distressing for the cricketers, while some factories ceased work at neon owing to the heat. The attendance at the match was meagre. Victoria’s takings for the match are to go to the Blackham testimonial. —Vine, Kinneir. Strudwick and Foster were omitted and Seitz supplanted Ranr.-fold, who was unable ’to play, having had his thumb injured in the third test match. It is doubtful if be will be able to play in the fourth test. The wicket was perfect.

Douglas won the less, and Hobbs and Rhodes were opposed by the new fast bowlers McDonald and Scott. The batsmen played with characteristic caution, and at the end of half an hour Rhodes was caught low in the slips—l. for 22. Gunn came next, and at 27 Matthews relieved McDonald. Gunn made two nice drives and then Hobbs beautifully cut Matthews for the first fourer of the day. The extreme heat was already affecting the players. The bastmen frequently walked between the wickets to reserve their energies. After an hour refreshments were supplied. Scott maintained a good length. He was relieved by McKenzie. The 50 was scored in 54 minutes. At- 63 a double change was made. Brown relieving Matthews. Hobbs played on in trying to hook Brown —2 for 75. After the adjournment Hearne accompanied Gunn, who resumed by playing McDonald on. He batted 61 minutes —3 for 79. Mead tried to pull a short pitched one from Brown and was out leg before —I for 90. Woolley started briskly. Tn one over he cut and trw-n hit to square leg McDonald for a fourer each. Tiiis knocked McDonald off for Matthews, who dismissed Al oolley with a v orker— 5 for 125. He was in for 23 minutes and hit 1 fourers. Douglas joined Heaine. who was relishing the heat and batting stylishly. He reached 50 in 45 minutes. Douglas took 53 minutes in getting 10. After the tea adjournment McDonald and Brown

bowled. Armstrong was not bowling as he was feeling the effects of ptomaine poisoning at Sydney. At 198 Spencer relieved McDonald. The 200 occupied 191 minutes. The barrackers were critical about Douglas’ slowness. Then ho quickened a bit as the bowling became weak, while Hearne’s rate scoring lessened. He reached the eontiiiy in 150 minutes .narrowly eseanisig being r.n: out on the hundredth run. Manv speci ators expressed dissa: isfaci.iori nt the decision in Hearne’s favour. Douglas's rate increased. He hit many fine, solid strokes and played chant eless cricket. Seven bowlers bowlers wore tried. Tim fielding was commendable considering the heat. The temperature in the shade increased to lO6deg. Scores:--ENGLAND. First Innings. Rhodes, c Armstrong, b Scott . . 16 Hobbs, b Brown 29 Gunn, b McDonald £9 Mead, 1.b.w., b Brown 2 V. oolley, b Matthews SI Hearne, not out 125 Douglas, not out 58 Extras ... 13 Total for 5 wickets 293 TEAM FOR ENGLAND. MANAGER APPOINTED. Sydney. Feb. 2.

A meeting of the Boaid of (’ticket Control received the six recalcitrant; plavers’ protest without (ummem, and proceeded to appoint Mr. G. Couch, a prominent Queensland player, as the board’s manager fertile team visiting England. BILLIARDS. LTNDRUy! v. REECE. London, Feb. 2. Lindrum has scored 13,335 and Recce 8639.