DOUBTFUL WICKET

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22618, 5 January 1937, Page 10

DOUBTFUL WICKET

A COSTLY CHANCE batsmen show confidence RIGG MAKES IMPRESSION (By J. B. Hobbs— Copyright in all countries. Reproduction in whole or in part forbidden.) (Received January t, 9.«U» p.m.) MELBOURNE, Jan. 1 All Melbourne, or. rather, all Australia. was wondering How the wicket was going to play to-day. I was one of those intensely curious. Another huge crowd assembled. I thought that with all Saturday's rain and the absence of sun yesterday the wicket would not have a chance to dry, but a persistent wind did the trick. Also the extra 10 minutes' rolling allowed oa Sundaj helped. The first ball pot- up. but no others rose above the batsmen's thighs. Ihe blows they received were due chiefly to their refusal to take the risk of putting the bat to the ball. Fleetwood-Smith went quickly, ne\cr shaping like getting runs. Ward was badly missed at second slip by Sims off the second ball of \ oce s second over. This lost England half an hour, the bowlers having to waste some good deliveries on Ward that might have captured better batsmen. Ward stayed while 38 runs were scored. Rigg meanwhile had started playing ■the ball in the middle of the bat. He and Brown stayed until the luncheon adjournment. Wicket Improves The only time England looked like getting a wicket during that period was when Brown edgod a rising ball between first and second slip. The wicket gradually improved at the interval. Although it was on the slow side it looked quite good. I then saw little prospect of dismissing Australia for a small score. Tho batsmen started after the adjournment with confidence. Only 12, however, were added before Brown was caught through hooking \ oce straight into Barnett's hands at square-leg. The Australian batsmen cannot resist the hook shot. Rigg executed an elegant cover-drive early that would have been an easy four, but for tho slow outfield and smart chasing by Robins. I am told that Rigg is not usually a good starter, but he got away well enough to-day and looks a fine player. I particularly like the free use of his arms and wrists. He was dismissed under tho new leg-before rule by Sims when 47. I was sorry to see him miss the half-century, but must .say that Sims earned tho wicket because in the previous over he had completely beaten the batsman with a "googly" that went for three byes. Brilliant Fielding England's fielding at this stage was brilliant, Robins and Worthington putting in much good work. The running between the wickets of Fingleton and Bradman was smart and the play sparkled. Voce, bowling with all his heart, was eager to dismiss Bradman. England sensed that with another couple of wickets it would be in the running again. A vivid flash of lightning caused a murmur from the crowd, which hoisted umbrellas or covered its heads with papers as rain fell. Twice the players started to leave the field, but got only half-way before being recalled.' Five minutes later they had to retire for nearly a quarter of an hour. For the first time in a test match this season we caught a glimpse of "the real Bradman." In Voce's first over after the resumption he hooked and late-cut a boundary and sent three past extra cover. He hit two off a no-ball, scoring 13 off the over. Bradman hit Allen's first ball for three, adding 16 off nine balls when tho players again had to scamper to the pavilion. The bowlers then had to contend with a wet ball. Voce Bowls Well

Conditions favoured Australia again to-day. It appears destined to win this game for every turn of the weather seems to its advantage. England had the advantage in the first two tests, so it cannot complain. Rain came to-day just as the game began to get really interesting. Conditions were all against the fielding side and Bradman took full advantage of the wet ball. Bradman and Rigg provided the highlights, the former playing in something like his best form, although he did not show his off-drive.

Rigg I have already praised, and he should easily secure a place in the remaining teste. Voce again bowled well, beating the bat many times. Sims looked particularly good for one spell when he kept dropping them right 011 the spot. At the close of play the weather was still very unsettled. Whichever way 1 look at it I am impressed that England is in a bad way and only a miracle can save it. I think now the "writing was on the wall" from the moment Bradman spun the coin on Friday morning. During the last 50 minutes to-day the ball was like a _bit of soap, the bowlers having to use a towel before nearly every dolivery. The attendance was 87,708, the gate takings being £7405 3s 2d. This is a new world's record, surprisingly beating the New Year's Day figures.