England on Top in Exciting Test

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 291, 9 December 1936, Page 4

England on Top in Exciting Test

Australians Need 381 to Win

FINGLETON OUT FIRST BALL

(By J. B. Hobbs—Copyright in all Countries —Reproduction in Whole or Part Forbidden.) Received Tuesday, 11.10 p.m. BRISBANE, Dec. 8.

The seesaw Test swung Australia’s way again in as an exciting pre-lunch period as yesterday -when England got on top. Australia lost three wickets for 51 in ninety minutes. England also lost throe wickets and scored two fewer runs.

On both occasions good bowling was responsible. Bradman persisted with the slow bowlers, Chipperfield, Ward and O’Reilly. The only time he put od a bowlor with any pace was when he gave Sievers four overs just before lunch and those were maidens.

O’Reilly and Ward bore the brunt of the attack at this period. They kept a perfect length and looked deadly enough to be capable of getting a wicket with any ball. Only four fours were hit, the batsmen being kept in complete subjection.

Fagg was the first to go and Leyland stepped into the breach as he has often done lately, holding the side together. Hammond seldom played forward because. Ward was making the ball turn. Perhaps he did not realise that he was being driven back on to the wicket ns much as he was, for in cutting Ward ho also hit the top of the stumps.

Ames was the victim of Sievers, a medium-paced bowler with a really good ball.

Never can a Test have been more dourly fought. Had it not been a Test we could not have endured the slow cricket but realising that a bitter battle was being staged I think we ati enjoyed it.

Similar conditions ' obtained after lunch. When he had added 14 Leyland was sensationally caught oil Ward. He tried to hook a shortish one over Bradman’s head fielding deep wide mid-on. Having sighted it Bradman suddenly turned round, darted' off like a Hash and made the catch while running full tilt with his hands over his head and his back to the wicket. Leyland’s was a useful 35, but six for 144 was not nearly enough to please me. The crux of the match probably came during the period between lunch and tea. Thanks_ to the seventh wicket stand of 61 by Ilardstalf and Alien things turned England's way again. Hardstaff took an hour to reach 16. Getting to 20 he left the crease, played forward and was stumped. During this partnership Ward went off after bowling continuously for two and a-half hours, sending down 20 overs and nine maidens for 40 runs and three wickets. When ho returned he got Hardstaff first ball.

Allen raised himself in tho batting order so as to bo fresher for bowling, lie batted so stubbornly that it may have the opposite effect. Allen’s effort raised him in public esteem. It was truly magnificent enhanced by tho fact that he came in just before lunch in a crisis with live down for 122. He was stilL there at tea with 41 to his credit, including six fours, but he hit nothing except bad ones. I said the slow bowlers would come into their own. Ward has done so, but so far O’Reilly did not get a wicket, an amazing circumstance. Allen scored two off O’Reilly who beat and almost, bowled him typifying his bad luck this innings. A storm was brewing with clouds and distant thunder as tho ninth wicket stand laborously added a valuable 42. At 244 Bradman had to put on McCabe and Sievers with a new ball. Australia were in a quandary. Sievers in his second over got Verity leg before and Allen was eventually caught as in tho first innings having a hit. Finglcton running from mid-off behind the bowler made a good catch. Allen hit eight fours aud scored most of his runs on the leg side. This left Australia 3SI to get to wiu. The Australian slow bowlers were great, Ward having a field day. It was only when their fingers got tired that they lost their nip. McCormick was much missed. I know 381 would be a fieabite to Australian batsmen normally in an innings but considering the way the wicket is wearing I am of opinion they will find it too big a task, especially as they lost Finglcton with the first ball. The Australians appealed against the light before receiving the ball and then played on to Voce. I hope the rain does not conic to spoil things and that wc shall sco the match played out on its merits. Australia fought back grandly but England is In a stronger position than last night. Scores:

ENGLAND. First innings 358 Second Innings. Worthington, std Oldfield, b MeCabo s Barnett, c Badcock, b Ward .... 26 Fagg, std Oldfield, b Ward .... 27 Hammond, hit wicket, b Ward .. -5 Loyland, c Bradman, b Ward .... 33 Ames, b Sievers 9 Allen, c Fingleton, b Sievers .... 68 Hardstaff, std Oldfield, b Ward .. 20 Robins, e Chipperfield, b Ward .. 0 Verity, lbw, b Sievers Voce, not out “ Extras Total 356 Fall of wickets: One for 17, two ior 50, three for 82, four for 105, five for 122, six for 144, seven for 205, eight for 247, nine for 256. Bowling analysis.

AUSTRALIA.

First Innings Second Innings. i’ingleton, b Voce •• .•». >«. «.«. sm. 0

Badeoek. not out 6 Sievers, not out 2 Extras -*■ Total for one wicket 3 Bowling: Voce one tor 1, Allen none for 1. The Diplomats AUTOCRATS AND THE DEMOCRATS. In Sydney in circles that count in the matter, it is considered that the Board of Control in turning down the suggestion of au Australia v. The Empire cricket match in connection with the 15Uth year celebrations a year or so hence, disclosed laclc of courtesy (states the Sydney Referee). The writer continues: "This was not in the decision the board reached, but iu the curtuess, lacking explanation, by which it was conveyed to thoso it concerned most iu relation to tho programme being drafted ior the celebrations. "Seeing that some time ago New Zealand made a similar complaint it would be well for the board people most concerned to give this side of their activities a little consideration. ‘ ‘ Diplomacy in sport is worth while. In luteriiatonal sport it is imperative to go a little beyond a plain yea or nay. * ‘ The Australia v. The Empire match suggested, aud desired, does not look practical; and before the current series of Tests is decided, does not look diplomatic. If perchance England'defeau»l Australia ior tho Ashes, where would Australia come iu as challengers to tho Empire l ! "An Empire team of the Character suggested would be worth while: ‘ 4 Hammond, Leyland, Verity, Ames, Fames. Headley, Constantine. - Dempster. Nourse. Amar Singh, Merchant."

0. M. E. \V. 19.6 9 29 3 .... 6 1 14 1 fVRpilly . .. .. .. 35 15 59 0 .. .. 46 16 102 6 .. .. 10 - 33 0