Third Test Held Up By Rain

Northern Advocate, 9 July 1938, Page 5

Third Test Held Up By Rain

(Received 8.30 a.m.) LONDON, July 8. It is raining at Manchester, and the captains of the English and Australian cricket teams, W. R. Hammond and Don Bradman, decided that there should be no play in the third test match before luncheon. Long delay in starting the game is likely. Last night it had been raining almost continuously for 15 hours and the wicket and ground at Old Trafford were made very soft. It was still raining heavily at 12.54 p.m. and there is little prospect of play before tea. The toss has not been decided, and the teams have not been announced yet. None of the players in either team was able to practice yesterday. McCormick is suffering from a cold and a mild tonsilitis. In view of the state of the wicket English crieies argue that, the chances are definitely in favour of England. There were showers at intervals in the early afternoon, and the decision to abandon play for the day was made shortly after 2.30. The weather bureau, in a special forecast for Saturday, predicts considerable bright periods and showers, with possible thunder. The Australian Associated Press says that even if there is no rain in the meantime a punctual start on Saturday is doubtful.