MACLAREN'S TEAM IN AUSTRALIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11878, 1 February 1902, Page 5

MACLAREN'S TEAM IN AUSTRALIA.

MATCH AGAINST NEW SOUTH WALES.. . FINE DISPLAY BY COLONIAL BATSMEN. FIVE WICKETS DOWN FOR 337. By Telegraph.—Press Association—Copyright-. (Received January . 31, 8.13 p.m.) Sydney, January 31. Ideal cricket weather and a light cool breeze prevailed to-day for the match between Maclaren's team and New South Wales. The attendance was fair. New South Wales, winning the toss, batted, and with the exception of Poidevin gave a sound display of consistent scoring. Robson, Blythe, and Barnes stood out of the English team, which was lamentably deficient in bowling. Up to the tea adjournment six men were tried, the .changes being worked frequently. Hopkins ici the first half-hour gave promise of a dashing innings. Both he and C. Gregory scored freely, half-a-century appearing in twentyseven minutes. McGahey and Jessop deposed Gunn and Braund, and this had the effect of stemming the runs. The _ Essex man's " stuff" seemed simple, yet it was treated with great respect, seven overs going for a couple of runs. Hopkins just registered 40 when he sent one hard to Jones in the slips. One for 73. Trumper followed. The fielding was excellent, Jessop being specially brilliant. After luncheon play was quiet. A century was recorded for 94 minutes' work. Trumper played brilliantly, repeatedly sending McGahey's off " stuff" to the boundary. Braund relieved MoGahey, and his second ball was fatal to Trumper, who was leg-before. Two for 117. Right up to the tea adjournment play was slow. Poidevin only scored a single when Gregory was bowled by Braund. He bad batted for two hours. Three for 124. S. Gregory came to see Poidevin retire before a fine ball from Gunn without increasing his total. Four for 124. Duff followed, and the change to Jessop and Hayward suited the batsmen, runs coming with greater frequency. After 17 had been made off Hayward, Jones relieved him without 'affecting the ability of the batsmen to score. After tea Braund and Gunn resumed bowling, the former being almost unplayable, Duff playing him with his pads chiefly. The second century was compiled in 200 minutes. Duff was playing cautiously, and Gregory, passing his total, reached 50, the veteran playing with much of his old brilliancy. The partnership at this stage was responsible for 100. Gregory continued to hit all round the wicket, Duff getting his 50 for 100 minutes. Jessop then bowled him with a good one. The partnership put on 127. Five for 251. Noble filled the vacancy, and commenced vigorously, raising double figures in four strokes. Gregory played with great freedom, batting beautifully. At 283 Gunn took Jessop s place, Noble getting 11 off his first three balls. The third century was completed in four hours 20 minutes. Gunn being expensive, Jones was tried. Gregory received a great ovation on reaching the century in two hours and a-half. Noble notched 50 a moment later for 40 minutes' work. Stumps were then drawn. The scores are as follows: — NEW SOUTH WALES.—First Innings. C. Gregory, b Braund ... ... ... 45 Hopkins, c Jones, b Jessop ... ... 40 Trumper, lbw, b Braund • ... ... 35 Poidevin, b Gunn ... ... ... 1 S. Gregory, not out ... ... ... 106 Duff, b Jessop ... ... ... 50 Noble, not out ... ... ... ... 52 Extras ... ... :■ .... .... ... ... . 8 T Total for five wickets ... ... ... 337

THE UMPIRING. (Received January 31, 11.2 p.m.) Sydney, January 31. Some surprise was manifested when it was found that Mr. C. Banner man was umpire for the Englishmen in place of Mr. Crockett, whom Maclaren selected for the tour. It appears that some of the English team are dissatisfied with several recent decisions, and a change was made. A letter has been written to Mr. Crockett, and has been already signed by members of the New South Wales section engaged in the test matches, and will be signed by representatives of other States when they arrive here justifying the individual decision to which exception has been taken, and expressing the hope that in future'matches he will be found umpiring. A good deal of feeling is manifested m connection with the affair, and it is proposed, if not in the Sydney test match, then in Melbourne, to appoint Mr. Crockett umpire for the Australians.