CHANCES ABOUT EVEN.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 7, 7 December 1936, Page 8

CHANCES ABOUT EVEN.

VIEWS OF THE CRITICS. Received December 7, 11.5 a.m. SYDNEY, Dec. 7. The Sydney Morning Herald’s cricket writer says: IV ith two days completed, the first Test bears an open appearance. The dismissal of Badcork was disappointing, but its effect was mild compared with the shock that came when Bradman was caught. Fingleton and McCabe defied a keen attack during the closing hour and ahalf, concentrating on keeping their wickets intact.

The attendance of 30,775 on Saturday was a record for a cricket match in Brisbane. Mr A. G. .Moves, in the Sunday Sun, says: At the end of two days’ play tho chances are about even. When it came to the Test the Englishmen—helped certainly by the indecisiveness of the home team, by the erratic bowling, and some poor fielding—rose superior to their form of other games. Actually the struggle is only just starting. Fingleton, McCabe, Robinson, Chipperfield, and Sievers have it in them to add another 300 to the score, therefore I still think Australia can win.

Mr Arthur Mailey, writing in the Daily Telegraph, says: Australia will have to fight hard for runs when the game resumes. Australia will need at least another 300 before they will be in even a reasonably good position. Mr C. G. Macartney considers the situation at the end of the second day is in England’s favour, and adds: This position may not last, but the possibilities are definitely there. England has runs on the board; Australia still has to make them. Three recognised run-getters remain; from these men, plus McCabe and Fingleton, a lead of at least 100 runs is essential to make the situation one of safety for Australia. The wicket at one end is showing occasional turning qualities which are being exploited by Verity. ENGLISH COMMENT. "LONDON, Dec. 6. The Evening News remarks: “The Englishmen are settling down into a good team and their prospects are much brighter now we have lost that foolish senso of inferiority. At present we have Australia fighting for runs. It is true they were fighting successfully at the finisii, but we have good reason to bo satisfied with our work.” A. P. Freeman, the famous slow bowler whom the Kent club did not re-engage tin's year, has been appointed professional coach to the Walsall Club in the Birmingham League