CRICKET

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 18 June 1924, Page 9

CRICKET

FIRST TEST MATCH

(By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.)

LONDON, June 16

Gilligan’s astonishing performance against the South Africans is not only the sensation of the day but of the season. His paco was bewildering after the dead wickets during recent weeks. Taylor, who opened the innings for the visitors, did not receive the ball until the fifth batsman bad appeared. Gillignn sent down three no-balls and after each secured a wicket, which recalled the. old Yorkshire saying. “After a wide, a wicket.” The South Africans persisted in playing back to the- deliveries, closely resembling the play for half-volleys. Gilligan twice took two wickets with successive balls. Tate was fully equal to his captain, though his figures are less sensational. His length was perfect, and he continually varied his deliveries, thus disconcerting the South Africans. In. the second innings Commaillo played with the set purpose of wearing down the bowling. He was dourncss and doggedness personified. After making a poor beginning the rest- of the South Africans batted excellently, though Catterall showed signs of ner- \ cusuoss. LONDON, Juno 17.’ MaoLaren, in the Daily Express, says despite t-lie first innings’ sensation, the day’s play will cause some anxiety to the English selection committee. Taylor put a heavy roller on the wicket, which brought the damp to the top, so that the ball Was cerain to turn for about twenty minutes. The star batsmen failed to break down these early difficulties and pave the vay for the rest of the team to bat on a plumb wicket. Gilligan’s direction and length were splendid. Tate was equally difficult, but the South Africans in the second innings made Parkin, Kihier, and Fender seem tame just when the game should have been finished quickly. Catterall and Blanckcnberg played in heroic style. The South Africans may surprise us yet. A man must be an optimist who shouts about the bowling strength of England.

Warner, in the Morning Post, says the day began with disaster for the South Africans, but ended in a trium\ih. Tho wicket was perfection itself, but the batsmen seemed quite bclnless against tho splendid bowling of Gilligan and Tate. It was an utter rout, and what followed made it more i..comprehensible. Scarcely ever can there have been a greater contrast in i single day’s cricket. Tlie explanation of the first innings lies in the fact that the South Africans for the first timo in their tour, met with a really fast- wicket and were all late in timing the tall. Taylor and Commaille started the second .innings with as 7.m eh confidence as if the side had rondo 300 instead of 30. It was only natural towards the end of a hot day that the Englishmen should tire in the field, and during the last hour Catterall and Blanckenberg scored at a fast rate. Both should have been out before the close of play, but their free batting delighted everybody, the crowd dispersing full of enthusiasm f..‘ rthe South Africans’ pluck. It was a remarkable day’s play, and if there should be a succession of hard true wickets I think the South Africans will prove a far better side than hitherto regarded.

LONDON, June 17. South Africa in the second innings have lost six wickets for 284.

Blanckenberg, e Chapman, b Gilligan 56 Deane, run out 5 Catterall. not out 56 LONDON, June 17. Catterall, c Hobbs b Tate 120 Nupen, l.b.vv., b Tate 5 Ward, b Gilligan 19 Peglen, c Hobbs, b Gilligan 6 Parker, not out 2 Extras 29 Total 390 Bowling: iGlligan. 5 for 83; Tate, 4 for 103; Parkin, 0 for 38; Txilner, 0 for 40 ; Fender, 0 for 56; Woolley, 0 for 41.