Indian Batsmens Fail 'After Rain

Northern Advocate, 6 January 1948, Page 3

Indian Batsmens Fail 'After Rain

MELBOURNE, Tue.—Once again India was caught on a rain-affected wicket and easily defeated by 233 runs. Rain, which fell for three hours early yesterday morning softened the wicket which was never dangerous and favoured the bowlers. Bradman, the Australian captain, took advantage of the situation and declared the Australian innings closed, sending India in on a wet wicket. The Indians, who know little about the technique of batting on such wickets. made many lucky snicks but the state of the pitch was not responsible for the loss of early wickets, two batsmen being bowled by “yorkers.” Gul Mahomed, a bright left-hander, swung several deliveries to leg for fours and powerful turbaned Rai Singh hit I. Johnson for a six in scoring 24 in 19 minutes.

Gul Mahomed stirred the crowd with three successive fours off W. Johnston before being caught in the long field in the next- over, after scoring 18 in 15 minutes. W. Johnson, a lefthander, and I. Johnson, a spin bowler, each took four wickets. * There was an attendance of nearly 20,000. Scores: — AUSTRALIA. First Innings 094 Second innings, for lour wickets, dec. 255 INDIA First innings, for nine wickets, dec. 201 Second Innings Mankatl, b Jolinsien . l’i Sarwate, b Johnston .... h> Gill Mahomed, c Morris, b Johnson . 28 Hazare, c Barnes, b Miller to Amarnath, b Lindwall 8 Phadkar, c Barnes, b Johnson Ft Adhikari. c Lindwall, b Johnson 1 Rai Singh, c 'Fallon, b Johnston 24 Rangnekar. c Hamence. b Johnson 18 Sen. c Hassett. b Johnson 2 Nayudu. not out 5 Extras I Total 125 Bowling.—Miller, one for 29; Johnston, three for 44; Lindwall, one for 10; Johnson, five for 35.