FIRST DAY'S PLAY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21859, 23 July 1934, Page 9

FIRST DAY'S PLAY

BOWES', CHEAP WICKETS COLLAPSE OF ENGLAND CRICKET WRITERS' VIEWS NOT DUE TO THE PITCH By Telegraph—Picas Association—Copyright LONDON, .Tuly 20 On tlio first day of the fourth tost pricket match Howes, by taking three wickets for no runs in 10 balls in a sensational last 10 minutes, brought a different aspect over the game, which until that point had distinctly favoured Australia. England's collapse was in no way due to the wicket, which was true and easy. Howes may be regarded as a joke in Australia, but unquestionably he is useful on English wickets, from which 'his great height enables him to extract a "nip." The Australian bowling certainly was not better than in previous tests. Cliipperfield. whose sojourn in hospital does not seem to have affected his knack of "giant-killing,", obtained two most valuable wickets. His bowling performances in test matches is astonishing considering his lack of experience, Cliipperfield spun the ball much more than Grimmett. O'Reilly was* full of life as usual and bowled splendidly. Wall seems to be tiring.

'The fielding was crisp. Bradman and Darling electrified the crowd by magnificent stopping and throwing. Oldfield had a grand day; he claimed four wickets and did not allow a bye.

Jack Hobbs expresses the opinion that England's collapse was due to good steady bowling and first-class fielding. C. B. Fry says O'Reilly ranks with the greatest of Australian bowlers. Anaemic batting completely explains England's inexcusably sorry show, says tho Sketch. The batsmen got themselves out to bowling which was merely of good length. The Daily Mail says the honours of tho first day undoubtedly were Australia's.

D. R. Jardine says England looks dangerously like losing the match, barring rain to aid the bowlers or a fighting recovery in the second innings. P. F. Warner, in the Daily Telegraph, says that Bowes offset England s batting failure. The sudden swing of the pendulum gave England fresh hope at that stage.