FIRST TEST

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 29 December 1924, Page 5

FIRST TEST

" WON BY AUSTRALIA P,V 193 BUN'S (By Bleotrlo TeiegrapTi.—Topyrlghto (Australian and N.Z. Gable Aflaociaticsb ' SYDNEY; 'Dec. 27. The final phase of the first, test match was entered upon at the Cricket Ground to-day in fine, bright, weather. In the seven days’ play- varied conditions, from sweltering heat, to cold rain, and from calm to gale, with a dust storm thrown in, had been experienced. Collins, undoubtedly, was fortunate to win Die toss, thus allowing Australia to have first strike. Taken all round the cricket, has been of a high standard in all respects, batting, bowling, and fielding, with the Englishmen perhaps giving a more polished exhibition. The feature of the game has been the determined' stand made by the tails of both teams and the number of new records established both on tho field and in relation to attendance. The crowd all through has taken a keen interest in every stroke. Plenty of advice arid comment came from the hill but nothing objectionable. Woolley and Freeman to-day continued their overnight partnership (which had produced 86), the lattef showing he possesses a variety of scoring strokes not altogether expected from hirm Woolley showed more certainty in dealing with Mailey than any of the others and showed confidence and skill in dealing with the other howlers. He reached his century with a cut to the boundary arid in 120 minutes; Both he and Freeman carried on forcefully, sending both Mailey and Gregory to the boundary frequently. The hundred for the partnership took 60 minutes. On passing the previous highest score for the match Woolley, was warmly applauded. Four hundred appeared for 359 minutes’ batting, then four runs later Woolley snicked a ball from Gregory, to Mailey at. third slip. Tie had batted 146 minutes and hit one six- and fourteen fours. The ninth wicket yielded 128. Sti’udwick did not. last long, leaving Australia victorious by 193 runs. Freeman batted 88 minutes and hit nine fours. ’ The innings lasted 374 minutes. v ENGLAND—2nd Innings. Woolley, c Mailey, b Gregory 123 Freeman, not out 69 Sti ndwickF b' Hendry 2 Extras ' 8 Total 411 Bowling—Gregory, 2 for 115; Kelleway, 2 for 60; Mailey, 3 for .179; A. Richardson, 0 for 13; Hendry, 3 for ,36.' Fall of wickets—l for 110. 2 for 127, 3 for 195, 4 for 212. 5 for 263, 6 for 269, 7 for 270, 8 for 276, 9 for 404, 10 for 411. . LONDON, Dec; 27. The Observer, in a leading article headed "Undefeated Losers” says the Englishmen apparently knew they were beaten on the tenth wicket, but not before they gave an exhibition of indomitable cricket, which will be appreciated by none more than their opponents. CAPTAIN'S VIEWS , SYDNEY, This Day. Gilligan states that ho is confident regarding the remaining tests, as he has no doubt, the Englishmen had the greater share of bad luck throughout'the match. He added that the English batting did not coiiie up to expectations, but he was unable to account for their failure. He was well satisfied with the bowling and more satisfied with their fielding. * Collins said Die Australian superiority was not so great, and it- looks as if there must- be a tightening up, especially in the fielding, if Australia is to retain the ashes. ENGLISH COMMENT LONDON, Dec. 28 Having taken for granted that Australia would win the first, test the newspapers have been discussing the remedies. The Daily Express editorially says; "The lesson is we cannot win by batting alone. Gilligan will'hardly venture again' to take the field minus Douglas, KilnCr or Tyldesley. The doubt held befdrc sailing concerfiing the /adequacy of the team’s bowling is. unshaken.' ' ' ' The Daily Herald emphasises the need for including Douglas and Kilner, Who are also good batsmen. SHEFFIELD SHIELD MATCH POSTPONED SYDNEY, Dec. 28. The Cricket. Association agreed to a postponement of' the 'Sheffield Shield match against Victoria to a date to be fixed. CANTERBURY V. AUCKLAND (United Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, This Day The Plunket Shield cricket match between Canterbury and Auckland has commenced; 1 ■ ' ' Canterbury in the first innings scored 214 and in the second innings have lost two for 76..' Auckland in the first innings made 88 (Read six for 38.) CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. At 2.30 p.m.' Canterbury /had scored 153 for .six wickets, AUCKLAND DEFEATS SOUTII- ’• LAND INVERCARGILL, This Day lAn Auckland eleven scored 280 and four for 98 and defeated Southland, 21b and 116, by six wickets. • WATMEA CRICKET ASSOCIATION The following players have been selected to play against Wellington East, at. Bright water on 2nd and 3rd January, play commencing at 10 o’clock each day: W. Max (captain), R. S. Haycock, K. Lines, R. Eyles, P. Hall, It. C. Eden. M. R. Eden, Austin Baigent, N. and V.,.lTawkcs, R. Davies. Emergency It. Griffith. Any player unable to play will please notify Do IV. H. Pearless.