Surrey Match Ends in Draw

Northern Advocate, 25 May 1938, Page 5

Surrey Match Ends in Draw

(Received 10 a.m.) LONDON, May 25,

Owing to Bradman’s action in electing. to bat again, instead of enforcing the follow-on with the county 257 runs behind, the Australia v. Surrey match at the Oval, ended in a tame draw. Declaring at 232 for two wickets, Australia was 489 ahead when the Surrey men went in to play out time, which they did with the loss of only one wicket.

Two remarkable innings were played to-day by B. ’A. Barnett, the Australian wicketkeeper, who went in first, and by Fishlock for the county. Both are left-handers. Barnett and Badcock scored 121 runs before lunch and after the adjournment they took all runs freely offered by change bowlers. The batsmen were ironically applauded for caution approaching the 100. Barnett reached his in 125 minutes. He is certainly never likely to find one easier to make. Play drooled meaninglessly on until Badcock, after much unwarrantable pottering, was caught in the slips at 95. Bradman Did Not Bat Bradman stifled criticism concerning personal ambition with regard to completing his 1000 runs for May, requiring only 124, by not batting, and the innings was declared closed at 5 o’clock, Bradman was hooded from the cheaper seats on leading Australia out to field.

Gregory, in trying to hit a short fast ball from Waite, was struck on the head and retired. Fishlock hit furiously, making 93 of Surrey’s 104 runs. Just when he seemed likely to reach the century he was splendidly caught by White in tht outfield. He hit two sixes and 12 other boundaries. English Criticism

The Australian Associated Press says; “Bradman, taking a long view, was doubtless justified in refusing to send Surrey in to follow-on. It would be asking too much generosity from ■any crowd to conceal dissatisfaction that a match capable of being won was allowed to be drawn. The evening papers criticised Bradman for not enforcing the follow-on. The “Evening News” says: “The Australians seriously jeopardised their popularity and caused much grumbling among spectators.

“They came to see Surrey fight to stop the series of Australian innings victories, but had to watch ‘exhibition stuff.’ This drew from the crowd shouts of ‘Play the game, Bradman.’ ” O’Reilly’s first over today, in which he bowled Watts and Gover with successive balls, ended Surrey’s innings for 271. Bradman’s Reason In spite of having a lead of 257 runs, and four and three-quarter hours in which to attempt an outright victory, Bradman chose to bat again. His decision meant a draw. Bradman’s reason for not insisting upon a follow-on was duo to his desire to rest the bowlers, chiefly O’Reilly, in view of the serious doubt of the fitness of McCormick and FleetwoodSmith for the heavy programme ahead. Also, he wishes to give Badcock practice as an opening batsman. Fleetwocl-Smith’s knee, strained at Worcester, is causing some concern. Badcock and Barnett opened Australia's second innings at 11.50 a.m. The Surrey fieldsmen looked bored. At the luncheon adjournment they had scored 121 without loss.

Details:— AUSTRALIA. First Innings 528 Second Innings. Badcock, c Watt, b Gregory .... 95 Barnett, not out 120 Chipperfield, c Brooks, b Gregory 6 White, not out 5 Extras 5 Total for. 3 wickets (declared) 232 Bowling: Gregory two for 10 runs; Berry none for 12; Gover none for 20; F. R. Brown and Holmes none for 23; Squires none for 29; Watts none for 47; Garland-Wells none for 62. SURREY. First Innings. Gregory, c Hassett, b O’Reilly 60 Fishlock, st Barnett, b O’Reilly .. 24 Squires, b O’Reilly 7 Barling, Ibw, b Ward 67 Holmes, c Brown, b O’Reilly Garland-Wells, c Brown, b O'Reilly 2 F. R. Brown, b O’Reilly 15 Berry, st Barnett, b Ward 31 Watts, b O’Reilly 22 Brooks, not out 16 Gover, b O’Reilly 0 Extras 17 Total 271 Second Innings. Gregory, retired hurt 5 Fishlock, c White, b Chipperfield 93 Squires, not out 4 Extras 2 Total for one wicket 104 Bowling: Chipperfield took one wicket for 20 runs; Waite none for 4; O’Reilly none for 12; White none for 16; Ward none for 50,