NINE BOWLERS TRIED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19892, 10 March 1928, Page 13

NINE BOWLERS TRIED.

SOME ENTERPRISING BATTING VISITORS' CAPTAIN IN FORM. AUCKLAND'S SMART FIELDING. .. » No doubt there were many disappointed people when it became known Australia had won the toss and elected to bat. The big majority of enthusiasts were hoping the home team would bat yesterday afternoon and that the redoubtable visitors would be seen in action on the general half-holiday of the city. However, Richardson, the captain of the Australian team, has his side to consider before the question of match attendances, more particularly as several members of his team are .on their trial for the test matches against England later in the year. So there was nothing to cavil at in his decision to bat on "the good wicket. Ponsford and Woodfull, the Victorian pair who have made history in big cricket on the other side of the Tasman, were the opening batsmen; and the manner in which they started off suggested a big partnership and a score of subproportions. However, the batsmen quietened down a good deal after the first 20 minutes or so and the scoring became a trifle slow. The partnership idealised 86 before Ponsford lost his wicket. He lifted a ball from Anthony and Bowley held a brilliant catch at mid-off. This was the first ball either batsman had raised from the ground. Ponsford made most, of his runs in front of the wicket. His driving on both sidss had plenty of power behind it, while anything at all short, was promptly pulled to the boundary. Ponsford's strong point is his ability to "get right over the ball before making his stroke. Jackson's Good Innings. Woodfull was more patient than his partner, although he scored more rapidly than his batting would lead one to believe. He watched every ball right on to his bat and scored several singles with back shots. His leg-gliding was very neat and he also scored in the direction of third man. K.ippax commenced in enterprising manner and just as he appeared set for a big score he turned to hit a short ball to leg. It was a mis-hit, however, and Rowntree ran in front of the wickets to accept an easy catch. Jackson, one ol the colts of the team, gave a very free exhibition. Hi 3 best stroke was a drive past cover, this being executed with perfect timing. He was well beaten by the ball that bowled him. He went out to drive it, but the break got past his bat. Richardson and Alexander were responsible for a nice partnership. They scored at a- rate of just under two runs a minute. Unfortunately for Auckland, both men gave chances when in the twenties. Richardson should have been stumped off Player, but the ball lodged in the top of one of Rowntree's pads and the Australian skipper was thereby able to regain his crease, Richardson's driving was the feature of his batting. He made some beautiful snots past cover to the boundary, while he also turned the ball sweetly past square leg on many occasions. Up till yesterday the Australian captain had not been able to reproduce his best form, and now he has made a start he should finish up the tour with a fine average. Alexander Impresses. Alexander, another of the youthful members of the team, gave an impressive display. He employed a variety of strokes on both sides of the wicket, his timing being particularly good. • His one fault was in feeling for the off ball a little. He snicked a few toward the slips, and actually gave a low chance to La.iigridge, . otf Player. He had hard luck at the finish in missing his century, as the catch behind which disposed of him was a masterpiece. Oldfield and Grimniett, both capable of making a lot of runs, were partnered when stumps were drawn, and it will be interesting to see how many they add this morning. From the point of view of boundary shots, Richardson easily led the way. He sent the ball to the pickets on 15 occasions, whereas Woodfull hit three fours, Alexander eight, Jackson five and Ponsford four. •

The Auckland bowling was well tested, and it proved there was not really a firstclass trundler on the side. At no time, however, was the bowling actually collared, and several times it was made to look really good. Player was particularly unlucky, and should have had three wickets. Altogether nine bowlers were given a turn at the crease. Auckland's fielding was very good, Bowley being brilliant at mid-off. His was the finest fielding seen at Eden Park for a long time past. Some of the fieldsmen returned the frail very wildly to the wickets, whether it was to the end of the bowler or wicketkeeper. On one occasion Player lost a certain chance of running Richardson out by returning the ball to the wrong end after he had effected a brilliant piece of fielding. In spite of the fact that he had not been well during the past few days, Rowntree kept wickets in good style. A Taw extras were recorded, but they were practically all on the leg side. His stumping of Richardson and catching of Alexander were smart pieces of work. There should be an interesting dav's crTcliet at Eden Park to day, as the majority of the Aucklanders are capable of making runs. They will have an uphill fight, however.