FOURTH TEST MATCH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18943, 14 February 1925, Page 9

FOURTH TEST MATCH.

ENGLAND WINS THE TOSS. TWO WICKETS FOR 282 RUNS. SUTCLIFFE 141 NOT OUT. By Telegraph—Press Association—-Copyright. (Received 11.35 p.m.) A. and N.Z. MELBOURNE. Feb. 13. Ideal weather prevailed for the opening day's play in the fourth test cricket match, Australia v. England, to-day. The wicket was in perfect condition. I here was an attendance of 12,000 spectators in the afternoon. 'lhe luck of tho English captain, Gilligan, changed, and ho won tho toss. He sent Hobbs and Sutcliffe in to commence England's first innings. Gregory and Kelleway opened the attack. Sutcliffe was lucky at tho beginning, an uppish stroke off Kelleway nearly costing him his wicket. He marked his escape by following up with three beautiful late cuts. Hobbs, early in his innings, was struck on the hand by a rising bali. When Sutcliffe had made 12 runs he swung one from Gregory high to leg, but Ponsford dropped an easy catch. The batsman was severe on sluggish ones from Gregory, but Kellewav's deliveries he treated with respect. Missed Catches Prove Costly. The masterly batsman, Hobbs, created a sensation by making a faulty cut. The ball, however, went just out of Kelleway's reach. Gregory was unlucky in not securing both wickets. Half an hour yielded 23 runs. The concessions to the batsmen gave them heart, and they plugged along, scoring mostly off singles. At 59 a double change was made in the bowling, Ryder and A. Richardson taking the ball. After luncheon Hobbs reached his 56. Gregory bowled again. He followed one through, but dropped a fast catch. Both Hobbs and Gregory were bewildered, and the crowd was disappointed. The first century appeared on the board after 104 minutes' play. Taylor, in outfield, and Andrews, at cover, were safe, but the Australians were paying for their dropped catches when the first-wicket partnership passed the century. This is the fourth time this has happened in the series. Hobbs is Smartly Stumped. The scoring now became faster, and Sutcliffe reached his half-century. Ryder's second over, after luncheon brought Hobbs' downfall. Tbe batsman played forward and Oldfield had the bails off like lightning. Hobbs had played a brilliant, innings for his 66, his batting being characterised by perfect timing. His score included five fours. I—66 —126. Hearne was the newcomer. His grand display against Victoria made him the cynosure of all eyes. He opened carefully and Mailey spread his field out in anticipation of a catch. Sutcliffe passed Hobbs' total, and Hearne reached 20 in 47 minutes. Sutcliffe found it difficult to get out. of the seventies. At the tea adjournment the score was 185, Hearne being 32. Sutcliffe Loses Hearne. When play was resumed, Sutcliffe opened out briskly, and swung into the nineties, adopting aggressive tactics toward Ryder. When he reached his century, after having been 200 minutes at the wickets in the glaring sun, Sutcliffu was loudly cheered. A quiet period followed. Then Sutcliffe got going again, using his customary square cut. Again play slackened, and the crowd awaited something sensational. It duly occurred in A. Richardson's next over. Hearne drove one straight to Bardslev at mid-on. The retiring batsman had given a sound exhibition, though he was inclined to be cramped. 2—44—232. At this time, A. Richardson's average was one wicket for 14. The next man, .Woolley, tho Kentish left-hander, was a long time breaking his duck. He showed no inclination to touch A. Richardson's soft stuff, and took 25 minutes to make 3. Mailey's Bowling Relished. Oldfield's wicket-keeping was a special feature. Mailey went on at 247, and Woolley spectacularly drove him to the pickets. Interest had lapsed, and there was a complete absence of barracking, but the crowd signified its approval, when Woolley drove Mailey twice to the fence, (lie over costing 14. Collins took the ball at 274. When stumps were drawn, Sutcliffe was still unconquered, after a masterly and confident display. Following are the details of the scores ENG LA N I). —F ii s t Inn i n gs. Hobbs, st Oldfield, b Ryder .. ..66 Sutcliffe, not out Ml Hearne, c Bardslev, bA. Richardson . 44 Wooley, not out 26 Extras • * • • 5 Total for two wickets .. . 282