Bowlers’ Match At Leeds; Bradman Again in Captain’s Role

Northern Advocate, 25 July 1938, Page 5

Bowlers’ Match At Leeds; Bradman Again in Captain’s Role

(Received 10 a.m.) LONDON, July 24. 'pHE MOST EXCITING DAY’S CRICKET IN THE SERIES SO FAR WAS WITNESSED CN SATURDAY, TOE SECOND DAY OF THE FOURTH TEST MATCH. HAVING DISMISSED ENGLAND CHEAPLY ON THE OPENING DAY. AUSTRALIA STARTED OFF IN FINE STYLE. Barnett, sent in overnight as a stop-gap batsman, played an opener’s role, topping the half-century. While batsmen had monopolised the glory of the first and second tests, however, this game, so far, has been dominated by the bowlers, and except for Bradman. Barnett and Fingleton, the Australians capitulated easily. Like Hammond on the opening day, Bradman played a skipper’s innings, and went on to collect still another century, his third in the present series. The Leeds ground has been a happy hunting-ground for Don, who, in his previous test appearances there, scored 334 and 304. Australia scraped past England’s score by 19, but at stumps Edrich and Barnett had put on 49 without being separated, leaving the game in a very open position.

Play was resumed in warm, but dull, weather. The attendance was 33,000 and receipts were £3303. Bowes opened the bowling in a bleary light. Fingleton and Barnett were naturally careful against the accurate trundling of Bowes and Fames, and runs came slowly. The light improved about 11.50 a.m. Wright replaced Fames with the score at 48, Bowes being transferred to Fames’ end. Fingleton, with his score at 17, had a narrow escape from playing the ball on to his wicket. Barnett Aggressive. England’s hope of snatching a cheap wicket had gone, and Verity was called on- with the total at 66. Barnett then began a bright attack, taking fours of! Verity and Bowes. He passed Fingle-

in order to keep Waite away from the bowling, and reached his 100 in 165 minutes. Two overs later Bowes uprooted Bradman’s middle stump. He had played a chanceless innings, which included nine fours. Waite, after an uncomfortable stay, was well caught on the leg side by Price, off Fames. O’Reilly was out to a beautiful low right-hand catch by Hammond, while McCormick made a cross-bat swing and was bowled by Bowes.

England, which was only 19 runs behind, opened its second innings at-5.20 p.m. Play was held up for a few minutes owing to bad light. Edrich, when 20, was dropped by O’Reilly at forward square-leg. The score was taken to 49 without the loss of a wicket at stumps. Details of the scores are as follows: ENGLAND. First innings 223 Second Innings; Edrich, not out 25 Barnett, not out . 20 Extras • 4 Total for no wickets 49 AUSTRALIA. First Innings: Brown, b Wright 22 Fingleton, b Verity 30 Barnett, c Price, b Fames 57 Bradman, b Bowes 103 McCabe, b Fames 1 Badcock, b Bowes 4 Hassett, c Hammond, b Wright .. 13 Waite, c Price, b Fames 3 O’Reilly, c Hammond, b Fames .. 2 McCormick, b Bowes 0 Fleetwood-Smith, not out 2 Extras 5 Total: 242 Fall of wickets: One for 28, two for 87, throe for 128, four for 136, five for 145, six for 195, seven for 232, eight for 240, nine for 240, ten for 242. Bowling Analyses:

ton's score, the latter, who was playing the “rock,” not being over comfortable at any stage. He made a number of mishits, and was eventually bowled by Verity while trying to turn a ball on the wrong side. Bradman was warmly cheered when he appeared. He opened quietly. The crowd concentrated on every ball he received. The TOO appeared after 140 minutes. Barnett quickly followed Fingleton, being caught at the wicket with his score at 57. His score included six fours, and was made in 126 minutes. He was heartily applauded for his

fighting innings, which was his most impressive effort of the tour. The total was 128 for three wickets at lunch. Dramatic Collapse. The Australians collapsed dramatically after lunch, when the weather was cool and gloomy. McCabe was bowled neck and crop in Fames’ second over, the batsman failing to sight an extra-fast one in the dim light. The last ball of Bowes fourth over struck Badcock’s off-stump. He, too, was beaten by the pace of the delivery. Bradman, meantime, looked supremely confident. He apparently realised the seriousness of the situation, as he discarded his sweater and cap. He took

liberties only when necessary, and reached his 50 in 90 minutes. He then mistimed one from Bowes, and put the ball dangerously close to Wright. Bradman Nurses Strike. The diminutive Hassett was going well when he snicked a leg-break from Wright and Hammond, and fine-slip, took a splendid catch. Bradman was compelled to do most of the scoring, as he lost partner after partner in a grim procession. He craftily took singles off the fifth ball of each over

O. M. R. W. Fames 26 3 77 4 Bowes .... 35.4 6 79 3 Wright 15 4 38 2 Verity .... 19 6 30 1 Edrich .... 3 ~ 1 13