CAUTIOUS METHODS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22928, 5 January 1938, Page 15

CAUTIOUS METHODS

FINE PEKFOKMANCE COLT SHOWS CONFIDENCE NINTH-WICKET PARTNERSHIP Tho* Otago batsmen had a great uphill fight, and performed very creditably. Facing a deficit of 198 runs, the batsmen of necessity had to adopt cautious methods, and practically all the visiting side showed ability on defence, as well as a greater range of scoring shots than they produced in the first innings. The Otago captain again carried the side, and, when lie was dismissed for 138, the score was 245 for seven wickets. Uttley'H display yesterday was a better all-round one than that in the first innings. He faced all the bowlers with the greatest confidence, his defence being excellent, while he revealed more scoring shots, especially on the off side. His driving was splendidly timed, and he cut prettily and surely.

It was another groat effort as captain, and he thoroughly deserved the rounds of applause that greeted his second century in the match. In his score of 138, Uttlcy hit 14 fours, and became more aggressive after reaching tho seventies.

A most pleasing feature was that on this occasion the Otago tailenders did not slump, and after their display in the first innings quite surprised by their solidity nnd scoring strokes. With tho dismissal of (Jttley, the majority of spectators expected a quick ending to tho innings, but a fine display bv the colt, Fraser, who was considerably aided by Groves, paved the way to the .three hundred mark.

Fraser, started much more confidently on this occasion, and was unbeaten with 5(3 to his credit. Using his feet freely, he 'delighted the spectators with 'his all-round strokes, particularly a well-timed and placed drive. His success in his first Plunket Shield match augurs well for, his future, as he showed yesterday that lie has undoubted talent as a batsman. His fielding has also been excellent, and he should not be long if he maintains this form in gaining higher honours. One of the features of his innings was the manner in v which he went right through with his shots. I* ive fours were included in his score. Invaluable' Innings ' In spite of the fact that he scored only 12, Groves played an invaluable innings for 55 minutes, in which he held the bowlers in check while Fraser did the scoring. Groves showed sound defence and iilso neat scoring strokes. He and Fraser added 57 for the ninth wicket. . Of the earlier batsmen, Knight again succumbed to 'being clean bowled in each innings. Robertson never appeared comfortable for his 16, while Ghettleburgh was seen in a new role when he adopted defensive measures. He is usually an • aggressive batsman. - ; ( , V; Howden again batted nicely for 22, •hitf free - driving bringing-, hinvjinost of his funs.* Elnies looked likely to hold up the attack when he went out to Carson and was bowled. 5 The Auckland bowling Avas well tested, but never looked dangerous. The side badlv missed H. G. Vivian, who would have lent the variety to the attack which is obviously needed. With Vivian not available owing to an injury, Auckland has not a lefthand trundler of the required standard to replace him. Cowie, under the fast conditions, bdwled with more pace and was always very steady. Several batsmen, however, eliminated the weakness of the first'innings in flicking at the dangerous off ball. Cowie's steadiness can be •judged frqm the fact that he sent (Jown 27 'overs, maidens, for 64 runs and three, wickets. Matheson was also steady, but did not meet with his usual success. There were seven maidens in his 23 overs and he took one wicket for G7 runs. Success ol Burke ..." The slow- bowler, Burke, bowled with a better length than in the first innings and he fully earned his success in taking three wickets for 91 runs off 21 overs, one maiden. His figures tfould have been much better had chances been accepted off 1 him. Jackman, the wicketkeeper, missed three stumping opportunities, while the bowler himself missed one and would have got another catch had he been quicker off tli-a mark.

Carson proved a useful change and took two wickets for 38 in eight overs. Ho bowled with good pace and has taken five wickets in the match. Weir, who took one wicket for 18 runs, might have been used more, while Postles' four overs for 30 runs proved expensive. Sale, who has been unwell throughout the match, did no't bowl in the second innings. _ _ _ Jackman gave a- disappointing exhibition behind the wickets. He missed easv stumping chances and also had difficulty in taking Cowie's deliveries. It.will not be surprising if D. B. r,amonds replaces him for the Canterbury match. Auckland's. fielding again revealed weaknesses in returns to the Auckland has played _itself into a fine winning position and should have little difficulty in making the necessarv runs. Both Postles and Whitelaw were batting confidently ; when stumps •were drawn. Dunning, Silver, Chettleburgh and Groves were all given a turn with the ball. Whitelaw survived an appeal for leg-before in Dunning s third over. * , . .. The match will be resumed at 11 o'clock this morning.