“ONLY A MIRACLE CAN SAVE AUSTRALIA"

Northern Advocate, 9 December 1936, Page 8

“ONLY A MIRACLE CAN SAVE AUSTRALIA"

EXPERT VIEWS ON BRISBANE TUSSLE

[United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—CopyrightJ (Received 1.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, This Day.

Commenting on the test cricket match at Brisbane, the “Sydney Morning Herld’s” cricket writer says; “Australia, faced with the task of making 381 runs in the fourth innings to win. suffered a crushing blow in the last 10 minutes of play when Fingleton, after unsuccessfully appealing against the light, played the first ball on to his wicket. Six appeals against the light were made before stumps were drawn at 5.55.

“At midnight light steady rain was falling, but nothing definite about the state of the wicket could be known until late on Wednesday morning.”

England Looks a Winner.

C. H. Macartney, in the “Herald,” states: “England looks the potential winner of this test and, except for unattractive batting yesterday (Allen excepted), has outplayed Australia. The loss of Fingleton’s wicket did not improve matters, and, while I am optimistic enough to expect something immense from Bradman and McCabe, Australia will find difficulty to win.

“At one period yesterday it appeared that England’s policy of defence would be fatal, as runs were scarce and wickets were falling with disastrous regularity. Allen’s meritorious innings dispelled danger, and England was in a strong position. If rain falls heavily Australia will be hopeless.

Unattractive Batting.

“England’s policy may prove wrong; for, if only enough rain falls to bind the pitch, the big task set Australia in the fourth innings may be reduced. The M.C.C. policy of wearing down the Australian bowling by patience was' unattractive. Such reputable run-getters as Hammond, Ames, Leyland and Hardstaff were seldom seen in quest of runs, and their inaction cost them their wickets for modest .contributions. This policy was pursued throughout the day. “Allen was the only one who displayed enterprise. It must be admitted that the limited bowling attack had suffered greatly from earlier defence on a trying day. The absence of McCormick was a blow. There was an improvement in Ward’s work. O’Reilly did not reveal the real venom expected of him. Sievers supplied inexpensive relief and rendered assistance by securing three wickets.

Appeal Against Light Justified,

“Australia’s fielding was good. Two running catches by Bradman and Fingleton will be remembered among the feats of test cricket.” Arthur Mailey declares: “Australia faces an extremely difficult task. Our big hope is Bradman and, in a lesser degree, McCabe.” V. Y. Richardson, Australian captain in South Africa last summer, broadcasting said; “Only a miracle batting effort can bring victory to Australia.”

A. E. R. Gllligan (captain of the M.C.C. team in Australia in 192425) broadcasting expressed the opinion that the appeal against the light, when the Australians went in, was justified.

W. A. Oldfield has now dismissed 85 batsmen in Anglo-Australian tests, breaking the Englishman, A, A. Lilley’s, record.