DULL CRICKET

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23092, 18 July 1938, Page 9

DULL CRICKET

AUSTRALIAN PLAYERS MATCH AT NOTTINGHAM VISITORS FARE BADUY RAIN INTERRUPTS PLAY By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received July 17, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, July 19

The match between the Australian, cricketers and Nottinghamshire was commenced to-day in cold and showery weather, the play being interrupted by rain. The attendance was less than 3000. The visitors, who won the toss and batted first, made 243 and the county replied with four runs for one wicket. It was a sepulchral day's cricket, relieved at intervals by occasional exciting events. It was impossible to generate enthusiasm with damp, black clouds hanging over the ground all day. There was a series of stoppages owing to poor light. Voce Overcomes Handicap

Voce, who was not fit, was unable to bowl at top speed or for prolonged spells. His success in the circumstances was a tribute to his skill and versatility. It was while Voce and Jepson were absent from the bowling crease that Australia, which was always fighting for runs, assumed command long enough to avoid disaster. Harris, bowling off-spinners with clever changes of length and flight, proved successful, but the form of most of the batsmen was so poor that tho visitors must be thankful they did not have to face the county's full strength. An aggressive display by O'Reilly got Australia out of serious trouble. Bradman and Barnes wero the only other batsmen who had eyes capable of penetrating the gloom and of sighting the ball.

Barnes Bats Impressively Bradman was his cool and masterful self and seemed likely to save the side unaided, but when he went out Barnes carried the heavy responsibility. Barnes' assurance was in contrast to the uncertain display of Badcock, whose test place he threatens. The combination of the weather and the public indifference appeared to depress the Australians. Details of the scores are as follows :~«s AUSTRALIA—First Innings Brown, c Marshall, b Voce . . , . 4 Badcock, c Wheat, b Jepson . » • 6 Bradman, lbw, b Jepson .« . * 56 Hassett, lbw, b Voce .. . . V* 2 Barnes, lbw, b Harris . . .»" * 58 Chipperfield, b Jepson . . > „ , 4 Barnett, b Harris » . 3 Waite, c Wheat, b Harris . • » . 25 Ward, not out .. .. .. . * . . 29 O'Reilly, Ibw t b Voce 33 Fleetwood-Smith, c Jepson, b Harris .. .. . . .. m S Extras « »« t i • . 15 Total » . . . 243 Bowling: Voce took three wickets for 72 runs, Jepson three for 38, Harris four for 60, Gunn none for 38, Marshall none for 20. NOTTS —First Innings Keeton, b Waite * „ .« « » " 8 Harris, not out . . .. » • kM -* H 1 Total for one wicket • a * * 4