BEFORE THE GAME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21883, 20 August 1934, Page 9

BEFORE THE GAME

EECALL OF WOOLLEY DELIGHT IN ENGLAND INTENSE PUBLIC INTEREST EARLY QUEUE AT GATE By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received August 19, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON. August 1R The general impression is that the final test cricket match will last five days. D. R. Jardine stated yesterday that lie thought the wicket would last for a week, and Wyatt, the English captain, should be able to keep up a continuous fast attack, which would give England an advantage. The selectors announced yesterday that Hendren has so severely bruised his arm that it would prevent him playing. Mr. Harold Bnshby. the Australian manager, stater! that though treatment had improved Wall's thigh there was no chance that he would be able to play. Bromlej', following the extraction of some teeth, showed renewed symptoms of appendicitis and was taken to Sir Douglas Shields' hospital for observation. He had a good night. The question of an operation has not been decided. The dramatic recall of F. E. Woolley, the hero of the Oval test of 19] 2, is everywhere hailed with delight, and it is generally felt that although he played his first test before some of the Australians were born he is just the dashing type of batsman to knock bowlers off their length. Woolley celebrated the invitation by scoring 100 out of 1-10 in 63 minutes against Northampton at Dover. He hit three sixes and 15 fours. The eritics are unanimous that much depends on the toss. The wicket was covered and guarded throughout last night. Exceptional public interest is being taken in the match and advance bookings for seats have been exceptionally heavy. Four people formed the queue at the Oval at six o'clock last evening, and there were more than 80 waiting at midnight. Most of these were professional "queuers." The Australians, with the exception of Grimmett and Wall, practised at the Oval yesterday in sultry weather. Bradman batted freely.

The drought left the Oval rough and bare, and it presented a hideous appearance yesterday owning to huge canvas screens erected to block "pirate" photographers operating from outside. The ground was plastered with notices offering a reward of £1 per head for the detection of "pirate" cameramen inside the ground, from a firip which purchased the exclusive photographic rights. Later the screens, which blocked the view from houses adjacent to the Oval, were removed as the result of the tenants' protests, and assurances that they would not permit cinematographers to operate from the balconies. Soon after the start of play to-day the umpires had to signal to the film operators to switch off a glaring searchlight which was affecting the batsmen's eyes.

WINNING POSITION VISITORS' FINE START PREVIOUS SCORING RECORDS Australia's magnificent start in the final test match has already placed the side in a winning position and it would seem that only a miracle can save England. Australia still has some fine batsmen to follow, and seems, under good conditions, well on the way the break its own record for the highest total in an innings. In 1930 at Lord's the Australians compiled 729 for six wickets. England's highest total is 636 made at Sydney in 1928-29. In the first place honours for Australia's position can be given to Bradman, whose chanceless display was better than that of Ponsford's, who gave four chances, one early in his innings. Bradman has again proved what a wonderful batsman he is. In the last test he scored 304 without giving a chance and he follows on with another great innings for 244. At the same time great credit must go to Ponsford for his batting and he, too, has shown a return to the form which made him an outstanding figure some seasons ago. The two batsmen have shattered all previous partnership records. Their fourth wicket partnership in the last test was the previous best for any wicket until they added 453 for the second wicket on Saturday. The Australians this time were lucky with the toss and took full advantage of the position. In spite of frequent bowling changes the scoring rate could not be kept down and the total of 475 for a day's play is a record for the test series.

The English selectors again pinned their faith on the fast bowlers, but they held no terrors for the batsmen. Following are the previous record partnerships in test matches between England and Australia:— First wicket. —England: 323, J. B. Hobbs and W. Rhodes, 1911-12, Melbourne. Australia: 180, W. Bardsley and S. E. Gregory, 1909, Oval. Second wicket.—England: 188, H. Sutcliffe and W. 11. Hammond, 193233, Sydney. Australia: 235, C. G. Macartney and W. M. Woodfull, 1926, Leeds. Third wicket.—England: 262, W. R. Hammond and D. R. Jardine, 1928-29, Adelaide. Australia: 229, D, G. Bradman and A. F. Kippax, 1930, Leeds. Fourth wicket.—England: 151, C. B. Fry and F. S. Jackson, 1905, Oval. Australia: 243, D. G. Bradman and A. A. Jackson, 1930, Oval. Fifth wicket.—England: 192, L. C. Braund and R. E. Foster, 1903-01, Sydney. Australia: 183, D. G. Bradman and A. Fairfax, 1928-29, Melbourne. Sixth wicket. —England: 170, H. Sutcliffe and R. E. S. Wyatt, 1930, Oval. Australia: 187, W. W. Armstrong and C.jKelleway, 1920-21, Sydney. Seventh wicket.—England, 143, J. Vino and F. E. Woolley, 1911-12, Sydney. Australia: 165, C'. Hill and H. Trumblc, 1897-98, Melbourne. Eighth wicket.—England: 124, E. Hendren and H. Larwood, 1928-*29, Brisbane. Australia: 243, H. Hill and R. J. Hartigan, 1907-08, Adelaide. Ninth wicket.—England: 151, W. W. Read and W. H. Scotton, 1884, Oval. Australia: 154, J. McC. Blackham S. E. Gregory, 1891-95, Sydney. Tenth wicket.—England: 130, R. E. Foster and *W. Rhodes, 1903-04, Sydney. Australia: 127, J. M. Taylor and A. A. Mailey, 1924-25, Sydney.