OPENING MATCH

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 4 May 1934, Page 5

OPENING MATCH

AUSTRALIA’S EASY WIN BRADMAN COMPLETES DOUBLE CENTURY GRIMMETT AND O'REILLY DOMINATE (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Received 4th May, 9.0 a.m.) LONDON, 3rd May. Australia defeated Worcester by an innings and 297 runs. Bradman (112) and McCabe (19) carried on the Australian’s innings in warm, sultry weather. Jackson and Perks made the new ball swing in the heavy atmosphere following light overnight rain. McCabe early mistimed two balls from Perks, but Bradman was quickly into his stride, beautifully glancing Jackson to fine leg. McCabe had added only one run when he failed to get hold of a fast outswinger from Perks, and was easily caught at backward point. It was a poor stroke and quite unlike McCabe. Bromley early survived a confident appeal for a catch at the wicket in the next over. At lunch the score was. 378 for seven wickets. Bradman showed a particular fondness for Brook’s slows, and occasionally indulged in a hurst of hitting. He lifted him lor two successive boundaries, then punishing Jackson, altogether adding twenty-one runs in five minutes. Pressmen struggled to find new adjectives to describe to-day’s innings, which was chanceless. He hit twenty-seven foul’s. With Bradman and Bromley together the rate of scoring was high, Bradman showing a particular fondness for the slow howlers. He reached 150 in 172 minutes, and then indulged in another burst of hitting. The total of 300 appeared after 220 minutes'. Repeated bowling changes were unavailing against Bradman’s exuberance. The pair added 100 in an hour Bromley hitting lustily. Eventually lie was caught at mid-on after having made an excellent first appearance. He hit five fours. With Oldfield in Bradman continued his hectic progress, lifting the ball repeatedly, but always safely. With a crashing four to leg Bradman reached 200 in 210 minutes. Then, lashing out with complete recklessness, he was clean bowled in the same over, terminating a brilliant, chanceless innings in which he hit twenty-seven fours. R was even more impressive than Ins corresponding innings of 1930. He obviously gave his wicket away. The game seemed tame after Bradman s departure. , Five thousand were present alter lunch. Oldfield batted crisply. The 400 occupied only 285 minutes. Oldfield s 50 took 90 minutes. He then went after the runs and was splendidly caught low down. He hit eight fours. Wall and O’Reilly indulged in some big hitting, adding 40 in 15 minutes before the innings, which lasted 350 minutes, was closed. The fielding was keen, but the bowling was demoralised. Worcester opened their second knock at 3.50 o’clock. The batting was almost purely defensive. Ebeling took i\ fine catch in the slips to dismiss Walters. Gibbons’s single run look 45 minutes. Pataudi made several fine shots but after his dismissal O’Reilly and Grimmett completely dominated the situation and Australia gained an easy victory with five minutes and a day to spare. .. The crowd was so amused at the tailenderS’’ discomfiture that every run was applauded. Scores: —

WORCESTER First innings AUSTRALIA First Innings Woodfull, c Perks, b Martin 48 Ponsford, c Nicliol, b Jackson 13 Bradman, b Howarth 206 Kippax, b Jackson 0 McCabe, c Brook, b Perks 40 Bromley, c Brook, b Howarth 45 Oldfield, c Martin, b Howarth 67 Grinimett, c Brook, b Howarth ... 7 Ebeling, b Perks Wall, lbw, b Brook 24 O’Reilly, not out 25 Extras

Total bU4 Bowling: Perks took two wickets for 83 runs, Jackson two for 95, Martin one for 41. Brook on e for 114, Howarth four for 135. WORCESTER Second Innings Walters, c Ebeling, b Wall 5 Gibbons, c Bromley, b O’Reilly ...... 1 Pataudi, lbw, b Grimmett 47 Nichol, c Ponsford, b O’Reilly ... 1 Martin, c Bromley, b O’Reilly ... 20 Bull ; b O’Reilly \ Quaife, not out h 5 Howarth, st Oldfield, b Grimmett 14 Brook, c Ebeling, b Grimmett 2 Jackson, b Grinimett 4 Perks, c and b Grimmett 3 Extras 4 Total 25 Bowling: Wall took one wicket for 9 runs, libeling none for 15, Grimmett five for 27, O’Reilly four for 25, Bromley none for 15. The Australians in 1930 started their match play against Worcestershire, and, having dismissed the county team for 131, they made 199 for one wicket. On the last tour the Australians went on to win their match by an innings and 165 runs. Bradman started his amazing run of records in England with a score of 236 against Worcester, and now ne is again under way from the jump.

COMMENT ON MATCH

CHIEF FEATURES OF GAME LONDON, 2nd May. Warner in the “Daily Telegraph’’ commenting on the first day s play, says: “Bradman soon had complete mastery. He late cut superbly, his hooking was as certain as ever, and his balance was perfect. Woodfull’s bat was as broad as ever and Grimmett was the bowler we know—clever, persevering, flighting and spinning. O’Reilly made the ball turn, beating Pataudi with a beautiful leg break. He seemed to bend lower than I remember iir Australia, and possibly obtains his flighting from the occasional lowering of his body. Oldfield looked as great as ever. Ho stood back for the first two of Ebeling’s overs. Walters played some lovely strokes, his easy, wristy - style being attractive.” Pollick in the “Daily Express sftys:

“If Bradman can bat like this in the first match without practice, heaven help our bowlers.” The “Daily Mail” says: “Bradman’s daring footwork, power, placing and intuitive awareness of the field have made him the batting marvel of today.”

TO RESTRAIN BARRACKERS

MELBOURNE CLUB’S STEPS CABLE TO' MARYLEBONE (Received 4th May, 9.0 a.m ) LONDON, 3rd May. Acknowledging the Melbourne Cricket Club s long cable announcing steps to restrain barrackers there, Lord Hailsham replied: “Marylebone is very glad to hear of the steps taken to check undue barracking by snectators in Melbourne The committee welcomes the cable and hopes that the steps will prove effective.” “