CRICKET HISTORY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22619, 6 January 1937, Page 8

CRICKET HISTORY

Interest in the third test cricket match, which took a record crowd to the Melbourne ground yesterday, was shared by many millions, and it was sustained throughout the day bv the magnificent partnership of Bradman and Fingleton, which was not broken until close to the end of play. At "stumps" Bradman had brought his overnight score of 5(3 to 218, and never had he been more strongly supported by the good wishes of the cricket world. One reason was that in the first two matches of his captaincy fortune had not favoured his team or himself. Then in this one he had taken the risk of declaring in the hope of cheaply disposing of the Englishmen on a bad wicket. His tactics succeeded. Then he put in the "tail" first, and it gave an added sense of satisfaction when he personally rose to the opportunity presented by a much-improved pitch, vindicated his judgment, and proved that he retains his wonderful skill as a batsman. Long will the memory of his innings and of the sixth-wicket partnership brighten cricket annals. The longer he played the sounder became his display. But with all his confidence and fast scoring against keen bowling and fielding, lie exercised patience and caution which proclaim the quality of leadership that had been doubted. The Australians are now in what appears to be an impregnable position, and the contest for the ashes remains alive. Because England won the first two matches, the presumed victory for Australia in Melbourne has much greater importance than a win in the second would have had. Yet with the contest undecided one team or the other has to anticipate a stern fight at Adelaide. With reasonable weather luck, Australia will set out upon it with renewed confidence.