Australia's Huge Lead

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 4, 6 January 1937, Page 7

Australia's Huge Lead

Bradman Not Out 248 FINE INNINGS BY FINGLETON (By J. B. Hobbs.—Copyright in all countries.—Reproduction in whole or in part forbidden.) Received Tuesday, 10.15 p.m. MELBOURNE. Jan. 5. This Australian team lacks the punch of the old elevens against which I have played. With the game in the state they had it when play was resumed they would have rubbed it in hard. Still the partnership of Bradman and Fingleton made them safe and they consolidated what was already an impregnable position. The only chance England had before lunch seeing there had been no further rain was the taking of quick cheap wickets but these they failed to get. The wicket was iu excellent condition, easy paced with the ball coming through at a nice height with no kickers. It must have been a welcome relief to the batsmen after some of their recent experiences. As soon as the new ball could be taken Voce and Allen came on but could make no impression. Indeed at this period no bowler looked deadly, though Verity bowled a perfect length and kept the batsmen quiet. Seven overs for seven runs was pretty good considering that Bradman was there. Bradman was always ready for a bad ball. He made same spanking shots with his favourite hook but these were cleverly blocked and did not bring him one four. Those he got were to fine leg with late cuts. Bradman gave nothing like a chance and in the first hundred did not make one off-drive. It was a favourite stroke that earned him his century just after lunch because it was edged off Voce at a catchable height just where second slip would have been. Bradman having put one or two past third slip early Voce moved his slip field and had a first and third only. Even the greatest batsman wants a bit of luck. I should not say his first hundred was characteristic of the old Don. I lacked sparkle, being rather a fighting knock. Fingleton's I can .describe best as a Charlie Kelleway innings. It was, of course, of immense value to his side and in keeping with most of the batting we have seen this test series—dull. He took 158 minutes over his first fifty and at lunchtime had advanced his score by only 18. Facing Verity when 33 Fingleton played forward a bit harder than usual and lifted the ball just wide of the bowler. He played forward to the next ball with exaggerated care and then he was missed after adding three. It was one of the few occasions he went all out for a stroke. Trying to drive a wide ball Verity he edged it high and wide to Hammond's right hand at first slip. Perhaps it was hardly fair to call it a catch. I admired England's men for sticking to their work as they did and still fighting as if on level terms. Lionhearted is tho word for it. Bradman and Fingleton boat the best test record for the sixth wicket and soon after with Sims on runs were coming more freely. They made 200 iu 226 minutes. It. is not often we see au opening batsman in with a like Bradman for sixth wicket. Work must be at a standstill in Mel bourne for there was another huge crowd to-day. There was less of a holiday element, i e great partnership being wa... . v.jp.auded but with no-v of the hysteria which marked the falling of England's wickets on Saturday. The crowd deservedly gave Fingleton three cheers on reaching his century. He went from 94 to 98 with his best stroke so far, a cover-drive off Robins. The two batsmen never let up the whole time. Even after they had achieved a 300 partnership they still took no chances. Their concentration was remarkable. Anyone coming on to the ground late in the afternoon and not knowing the score would have thought a great light for a first innings lead was iu progress. Just after tea when in one over Verity twice beat Bradman he still did not depart from the even tenor of his way. England ’s fielding was very good and Robins saved many runs. What made me admire them more was that apart from the batsmen staying there they had such a heartbreaking wicket on which to bowl. The rain had taken absolutely all the life out of it. I don't see what Allen could have done to improve the situation. It would have needed more than a human captain to have dislodged this pair to-day. I can't imagine anyone bowling a better length than Verity. He was almost on the same spot with every delivery except when sending down his faster ball which bad to pitch shorter.

As far as I am concerned the tension is relieved. I had written this down as a victory for Australia a long time ago. The running between the wickets was excellently judged. On previous occasions on this tour when the Australians were stealing runs there always appeared a danger of one of them getting out, but that was not the case to-day. Allen tried a few overs at half spaed with Ames standing up to the wicket, but this was unavailing and it was left to Sims to get Fingleton caught at the wicket. The batsmen were very tired but got pleasure out of it. The sun 3hone pleasantly all day. Scores:— ENGLAND. First Innings 76 AUSTRALIA. First Innings 200 Second Innings. O’Reilly, c and b Voce 0 Fleetwood-Smith, c Verity, b Voce 0 Ward, c Hardstaff, b Verity .... 18 Rigg, lbw (new rule), b Sims .... 47 Brown, c Barnett, b Voce 20 Fingleton, c Ames, b Sims 136 Sradman, not out ~, , # 248