THE ENGLISH ELEVEN V. THE VICTORIAN ELEVEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 6280, 3 January 1882, Page 3

THE ENGLISH ELEVEN V. THE VICTORIAN ELEVEN.

Tirr. cricket match between Shaw - :; English Eleven and an Eleven of Victoria, was commenced on December IG, on the Melbourne ground, and thus, for the first time in the history of cricket, a purely Victorian team play the best professional talent of the mother country on equal terms. The Victorian skipper won the toss, and wisely secured the first use of the wicket for his men. This was no mean advantage to gain, as the wicket prepared was as flat and smooth as a billiard-table, and all that the batsmen could desire. As Shaw and his men stepped into the arena, thev were greeted with a loud and cordial cheer, and the two first representatives of Victoria, MacDonnell and Groube, were encouraged by a similar demonstration. Boyle had thus sent in a hard hilter, and a man of stubborn defence. Shaw, directing his men from the slips, sent Pilling to the wickets, and entrusted the attack in the first instance to Feate, the premier bowler of his team, from the north end. MacDonnell faced the bowler, and signalised the opening of the contest by driving the first ball to the fence for 4. Midwinter was entrusted with the ball at the other eud. and justified the confidence placed in him by sending in several maidens in succession. The two batsmen made a stand ior about half an hour, MacDonnell getting 2'e and singles every other over, whilst Groube got a single occasionally. The former played rather loosely at first, and gave two chanees ofT Midwinter, both of which were missed. He took a warning from his narrow escapes, and settled down to work in a manner worthy of his reputation. Twenty runs had been telegraphed, and the horizon of 30 was in view when the partnership was dissolved. Groube, unfortunately, stepped forward to drive Peate, and missing', failed to recover his ground before Pilling had the bails down. He had thus to retire with only three runs to his credit. His place was. filled by Horan, who was still more unfortunate. The stumps were drawn at (j o'clock, when the score stood at 249 for the loss of eight wickets. Edwards and Allan being ir>t out with C-i and 2 respectively. Edward's performance was the feature of the day, for he played like a veteran and never gave a chance. The fielding of the Englishmen was not perfection. In the first part of the innings they made several mistakes, but latterly they took more oare and woke up to the fact that they were on their mettle. Peate and Emmett were the most successful bowlers, getting two wickets each : and Shaw, although he secured but o:\c-, did good service at one" stage of the g:i::ie in keeping the runs down. Pilling maintained his reputation as an excellent wicket-keeper, but lie does not stand so close to the wickets as Blackham, and consequently misses chances which the other would seize. On Saturday there were scarcely 3000 persons on the ground when the game was resumed shortly after noon, but the attendance steadily increased as the day advanced, and it was officially announced that 10,257 peopls paid for admission to the ground and grandstand. In addition, the pavilions aud reserves were thronged to the extent of between three and four thousand, which brought up the attendance to a very satisfactory limit, though there is reason to believe that the enclosure and its nicely appointed surroundings would have presented a better filled appearance but for the unpromising state of the elements during the forenoon. His Excellency the Governor aud suite were present, and occupied the reserved section in the centre of the stand. The rapid dismissal of such recognised batsmen as Uiyctt, Barlow, Midwinter, Sclby, and Shrewsbury for ."50 runs was a matter of surprise, and at one time nothing short of a one innings defeat seemed imminent. The wicket, however, gradually im proved under the sun's influence, "thus enabling a portion of the tail end of the team to make a much better show than was anticipated. Bates came to the rescue with a nicely played innings of 42, in the compilation of which he exhibited brilliant cricket. Scotton and Shaw made the stand of the innings, increasing the score from 94 to 138, at a time that runs were greatly needed. Both players obtained their runs in good style, and were successful in bringing about a change of bowling at each end. Being 105 runs to the bad, the Englishmen had to follow their innings, which they did. under improved circumstances as regards the pitch, a further application of the huge stone roller having rendered this perfectly true and fast. The ardour of the Biitishers nevertheless received a sail shock when they saw their premier bat fall a victim to Palmer for the second time in succession ; and shortly after Ulyett's retirement a, thunderstorm came on, necessitating a cessation of hostilities for about twenty minutes. The fielding of the Victorians was very grand, and in favourable contrast to the display made by their opponents on the opening day. Blackham was conspicuously brilliant behind the sticks, while Oroubc especially distinguished himself in the outfield, both by the extent of ground he covered and his admirable return. He certainly misjudged a difficult catch at deep square-leg from Emmett, and thi=, together with a chance given to Allen by B:irlow off the last ball of the day, were the only indulgences allowed the English team during their tenure of the wickets. Boyle was as effective as ever in his own particular spot, and Edwards at mid-oil' frequently e'ieitcd applause for his eilicient fielding. Homier aud MacDonnell are also deserving of mention for their usefulness and individual display of smartness in the field. Palmer and..■ Allan bowled uncommonly well all through. The game resulted in a victory for the English team by 18 runs.