CRICKET.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1263, 14 May 1896, Page 26

CRICKET.

London, May 8. When Mr Stoddart left for Australia last year he was unable to accept Lord Sheffield's invitation to play against the All- tin gland Eleven, owing to tho absence of throo of his team. A heated correspondence has since boon carried on between Mr Stoddart and Lord Sheffield ; and tho latter has now closed the gates of his famous park against all the members of Mr Stoddard's team. London, May 9. Tho Australian team now in England practised at Lords on Friday, as the Mitcham wickets are inferior. Their play has much improved. Graham is improving in health. London, May 10.

The following is the team .selected by Lord Shellield to play against tho team of Australian cricketers, tin match beginning on Wednesday : —Graco, Fry, Jackson, Davidson, A. Hearne, Pougher, Mold, Ranjitsiughi, Guun, Shrewsbury and Lilley.

London, May 11

The Australian cricketers began the oponing match of their tour at Shellield Park today, when they were opposed by tho eleven chosen by Lord Sheffield. There was splendid weathor and a largo attendance. Among the spectators was tho Prince of Wales, to whom Mr 11. Trott, captain of tho visitors, was presented. The wicket was not of the best, being rather lively. Trolt won the toss and decided to bat.

Donnan and Darling were first to go to the wickets, opposed to the bowling of Pougher and Mold. Both the batsmen played with confidence, and scored freely. Darling gave the spectators a brilliant display of cutting and hard clean driving, but lie gave a hard return fo Pougher early in the innings, which was not accepted. With 31 on tho board Jackson relieved Pougher. Tho Englishmen tried frequent changes of bowling. Donnan had a lucky innings, being frequently beaten by balls which, however, were oil' the wicket.

Darling played excellent and stylish cricket, but gave two chances. His scoru included eleven l's.

Iredale was howled oil' his pad*. Giffeli played steadily, hut Hill showed dashing form. When the slumps wore drawn for tho day, the position of the gamo was : Donnan, b Fry... ... ... ... ... 32 Darling, c Lilley, b .Mold (17 Giffeii,c Lilley, b Jackson ... 38 Iredale, b Grace 11 11. Trott, not out 43 Gregory, b Grace (» Hill, not out 30 Extras U Total for five wickets 211 During the afternoon 15,000 people were present at Shellield Park. CliniKTCliuitCH, May 9. At a meeting of the New Zealand Cricket Council to consider the twins offered by the virion- associations in tho Colony lor a visit of the Australian team next season, it wa-i resolved that alloniative offers he male fo the Australian Klovon—(I), for Xls ' for livj matches based on guarantees from llawke's Bay, Wellington, Canterbury and Southland, and takings of New Zealand match ; or (2) seven matches on the terms offered by tho different associations, with a minimum guarantee of .£l5O for the New Zealand match.