“An Extraordinary Match”

Northern Advocate, 26 July 1938, Page 5

“An Extraordinary Match”

(Received 1 p.m.) LONDON, July 25. The Australian Associated Press says; “Win or lose at the Oval, Australia will retain the ashes. “The fourth test was an extraordinary match, confounding nearly every forecast. It ended in a gallant victory for the Australians who batted with determination against bowling which might have overawed a less stout-hearted side. “One hundred does not sound many to get, but so many queer things happened at Leeds that it is impossible io take anything for granted. The match was in the balance when Brown, Fingleton, Bradman . and McCabe had gone. “It was then that Hassett’s cool head turned the scales. “Australia, losing the toss, and having the worst of the light, unquestionably deserve to win this test. It will probably go down into history as O’Reilly’s match, but Bradman’s steadfastness on Saturday was an unforgettable contribution.” J. B. Hobbs, writing in the “Star,” says: “The English batsmen's difficulties were due to the ball ‘hanging’ on the pitch. It was not the ball turning. but the pace of the wicket, with the atmosphere allowing the ball to do something in the air, which baffled them.” Howard Marshall, writing in the “Daily Telegraph,” states: “The Australians fully deserved their great victory. The spectators were inclined to blame England’s batting, but lot us, instead, praise the persistent ac-

curacy and control of the Australian attacks.” “The Times” declares that the wicket was taking spin today, but that cannot fully explain the fatuity of some of England’s batting. The Somerset team against Australia on Wednesday will be: —Longrigg, M. D. Lyon, Meyer, Ingle, F. S. Lee, Buse, Gimblett, Andrews, Wellard, Luckes, Hazel.