THE CRICKETING CHAMPIONSHIP.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIII, Issue 10599, 7 March 1895, Page 4

THE CRICKETING CHAMPIONSHIP.

The majority of the colonial public would probably bave been better pleased if the final contest between the Australian and English cricketers had resulted in a victory for the representatives of the Island continent; but the most ardent supporters of the defeated team must admit that Mr Stoddart and his men thoroughly deserve the brilliant success which attended their efforts at the Melbourne Cricket Ground yesterday afternoon. The Englishmen, besides giving a capital exposition of the national game, have set an example in many ways to colonial cricketers. They have borne defeat with a ready recognition of the skill of their opponents, and have accepted success without indulging in any of the extravagant language which has been employed on occasions by some of their elated admirers. They have, in fact, conducted themselves from first to last in a manner that testifies far more eloquently than mere words could do, to the soundness of their training and the manliness of their disposition. It is not possible to say quite so much for the Australian cricketers. There was a tendency among the local players to strive for personal advantage and distinction, when the only object should have been the efficient representation of the country. Disputes as to the qualifications of this batsman or that bowler seemed to occupy more attention than the need for a united and patriotic effort to establish the supremacy of Australian cricket. The result was exactly what an observant student of the game might have expected. There was an absence among the Australians of that esprit de corps which is the very essence of English cricket, and although they led on the first innings in every one of the five test matches, they just as regularly failed when their fortunes depended upon the possession of nerve and endurance. There can be but little doubt, as we pointed out some time ago, that Australia, favoured by her brighter climate and numerous practice grounds, will one day wrest the cricketing championship from the Mother Country, but until her players learn the lessons of discipline, patience and courage that have been set before them during the present season by Mr Stoddart’s team, they will never achieve the position to which they aspire.