CRICKET.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1290, 19 November 1896, Page 28

CRICKET.

FIXTURES. SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP. November 21 and 28.—N0. 1 wicket, Miffland v. Phoenix j No. 2 Avicket, Wellington v; Rivals. THE RECEPTION OF THE AUSTRALIANS. The public reception of the Australian cricket team took place on Thursday morning in the City Council Chamber, which was crowded with cricketers and others. Among those present were the Hon W. C. Walker (Minister of Education), Sir Robert Stout, M.H.R., Mr 11. D. Bell, M.H.R. (president of the Cricket Association), members of the City Council and officers of the Cricket Association. Mr C. R. Smith, secretary of the New Zealand Cricket Council, was also present. His Worship the Mayor (Mr G. Fisher) presided, and welcomed the team on behalf of the city. They had, he said, worthily and. Well maintained the credit of Australia in the Old Country in the manly sport of cricket. When the team avus in England it hadmettlie best teams England had ever put into the field, and for it to come out as well as it had done was a thing for the colonies to be proud of.

The Hon W. C. Walker welcomed the visitors on behalf of the Government and the Premier, who was unable to be present, and said that he hoped the next team that went Home would include New. Zealanders. Mr H. D. 801 l thanked the team for coming out of its way to play matches in NeAV Zealand, and hoped that New Zealand cricketers would profit by the A-isit. Mr C. R. Smith, who also spoke, referred to the Nbav Zealand match, and said that cricketers throughout the C-:lony appreciated the conduct of the Wellington Association with regard to the match. When he was in Auckland it Avas decided to abandon the New Zealand match, as it could not be played in Wellington owing to want of time. The Australian team would have liked to have met a New Zealand team, and cricketers generally Avere also anxious to ha\ r e the match played. Mr Hyams,Avho was in Auckland at the time, took the matter up, and wired to the Wellington Association, Avho voluntarily gave up their claim to the match, although they were entitled to it. Personally he thanked the local Association for their action.

The Mayor then proposed the toast of “The Australian Team,” Avhich Avas drunk amid applause, and Avas responded to in a happy speech by Mr H. Trott and also by Mr Musgrove, manager of the team. The health of the Mayor was then proposed by Mr Trott and drunk by the team, who also sang “ For he’s a jolly good fellow.” The proceedings then terminated. AUSTRALIA v. WELLINGTON. THE AUSTRALIANS MAKE 147 IN THEIR FIRST INNINGS. A BOWLER’S WICKET. On Thursday afternoon the fourth match between a representative Australian Eleven and a Wellington team was commenced on the Basin Reserve. The provious teams — the first, second and sixth Australian Elevens —were opposed to local teams of 22 men, but on Thursday only IS were put in the field to uphold the honour of Wellington.

The first Australian Eleven defeated our representatives by nine wickets. This was in 1878, and the second eleven did even better, for they inflicted a one innings defeat on the Wellingtonians. In ISS6 the sixth Australian Eleven had very much the best of a drawn game with our men. It was in this match that the big stand was made by Jonesand Palmer, when 202 runs were put on before Palmer was got rid of. Tho team with us now is said to be the strongest that has ever left Australia to visit England. Consequently g-reat importance was attached to the match which was played with our representatives. There were nearly 3000 people on the Basin Reserve to witness the match, and great interest was evinced in the game. Tho batting of the team, of course, was closely watched, for the visit of the eleven is taken as a great lesson in the grand old game. The Australians went first to the wickets, and, although they did not succeed in compiling a very large score, it was quite sufficient to show our local men that they have a lot yet to learn. Darling’s display, though marred by several chances —which were not taken advantage of —was a fine one of forceful hitting, combined with good all-round play. Of Jredale the public did not see enough and the same remark applies to Gregory, for after what the public had heard of this pair’s prowess, they'would have liked them to have made a stand. The bowling of our players was exceedingly good, though the wicket favoured them

somewhat. Upharn especially did well, and he came out with a good average, which would have been much better if tho chances given by Darling off his bowling had been taken. Holdship also did well with the ball, and obtained most wickets, in which, he was assisted by the field. Smith only got one wicket, but it was a good one, disposing of Giffen with a. regular trimmer. Ashbolt, although not as successful as he ought to have been, was very difficult to play, and was expedited with one wicket. Niven wars in good form behind the wickets, only two byes being recorded against him. The fielding of the Vv ellington team, taken as a whole, was wretched. Some of the fieldsmen evidently thought their feet were their hands, for they showed a great tendency

to stop the ball with their pedal extremities. The batting of the team so far has been decidedly AVeak. But this is accounted for by the state of the AvickOt, frhich was very much Cut Up AVlren they went in to bati and AVlien McKibbin and Trumble got boAvlihg on it they were simply unplayable. Ashbolt, Gore, Burton and Williams have all been disposed of for the small score of 13, which is not. a very promising outlook if the game is to be made at all interesting. The fielding of the visitors —what little they had to do Avas first-class. The weather onThursday was not favourable for cricket. There was a varying light, and a cold southerly Avind bleAv in the afternoon. Messrs J. Phillips (Australia) and A. Ashbolt (Wellington) were the umpires, and Messrs G. F. Harris and E. Liddle were the scorers. THE PLAY. Australia’s first innings. Iloldship Avon the toss from Trott and elected to send the visitors in to bat. Iredale and Darling Avere Australia s first representatives, and Avere greeted with loud applause as they went to the wickets. Ashbolt opened to Iredale, who sent his first ball for a single. Run-steal-ing commenced as Darling sent oi e a few yards from the Avicket, and away the batsmen Avent. Iredale got another single off Ashbolt. Upham then commenced bowling against the southerly wind, and sent doAvn a maiden to Iredale. A single by Darling off Ashbolt, and Iredale finished the ever without scoring. Darling lifted UplianZs first ball high up to short leg, and Waters and R. Gore started to get under it, but each stopped to allow the other to catch it, with the result that neither caught it and Darling scored a single. This mistake proved to bo a costly one. Runs came slowly, singles being the order. Upham Avas bowling well, and sent down another maiden to Darling. The monotony Avas broken by Darliug driving Ashbolt to the boundary

for 4, and bringing 10 up after 20 minutes’ play. Another maiden from Upham,and Darling cut Ashbolt nicely for a couple. Darling sent one from Ashbolt to square-leg, and it looked an easy catch for Holdswortb, but that player started too late to meet the ball, and Darling again had a life. The spectators appeared to be downhearted at a man being let off twice, but their hopes rose when Iredale sent one back to Ashbolt, which was held, and the crowd applauded, but again they were disappointed, for it was a bump-ball. Upham, who liad bowled three consecutive maidens, was now opened out on by Iredale, and the Sydney batsman sent him to the leg’ boundary for four. Darling treated Ashbolt with respect, and the bowler elicited some applause for fielding a hot one from the batsman. Darling brought 20 up by a single off Upham. The wicket was now beginning to cut up, and tho batsmen were kept busy patting down the lumps. Off Aslibolt’s second ball of his ninth over Levers smartly caught Iredale at point. 2G —I—ll.1 —11. This was indeed a fine catch, for the ball kept low and tho big man was just able to reach it, though in his effort he fell full length on the ground. He was warmly applauded. The mighty Giffen caine next, and let the public know that he had arrived by sending Ashbolt to the boundary for 4, which made 30 appear on the board. Off Ashbolt’s next over Giffen had a life, for he sent one out to Ross Gore, but that player dropped it, and the crowd shouted “ Oh !” After scoring a single off each bowler Giffen again drove Ashbolt to the boundary for another 4, followed by a single, and Darling followed suit with another. Ashbolt’s next over was a maiden to Giffen his first. J. Smith then took the bowling from Upham, and at his fourth ball Darling went out to him and drove him hard, but Holdship fielded it splendidly and saved a score, and tho over ended as a maiden. Forty was brought up by a sweet cut by Darling off Ashbolt for a couple. Giffen was the first to score off Smith by sending him full to the fence for 4. Tho ball broke a piece off the fence,

which was iihmediateiy captured by a small boy, to be kept probably fis a memento of d-eotge Giffen’s prowess. Two singles by Darling off Ashbolt brought that batsman’s score to 20, and immediately after he drove Smith splendidly for a single, and Giffen brought 50 up amid a round of applause by a big hit for four oil the same bowler. Darling again had a life, for he sent one from Ashbolt in Joe Smith’s direction, but he failed to hold it and a single resulted. Giffen then hit Ashbolt almost to the boundary, but through the fine fielding of Hickson only one run resulted. The batsmen now opened out and Darling lifted Ashbolt over the fence for 5, and G-iffen drove him for a single* followed by another big hit for 5 by Darling off the saiiie bowler. This was an expensive eve*-, as 13 resulted from it. Benbow then relieved Ashbolt, and off his third ball Darling scored 1. A bye resulted off the first ball of Smith’s next over —the first extra so far in the match. With the second ball, however, Smith beat Giffen, and the South Australian champion retired with 23 to his credit. 69—2—23. He was loudly applauded on retiring to the privilion, but the crowd would have very much liked to have seen more of him. Clem Hill followed, and sent his second ball from Smith for a couple and brought 70 up, and then drove him again for a single. Here an enterprising photo caused much laughter by asking Umpire Ashbolt to step out of the way while he took a picture of the batsmen. Mr Ashbolt, however, declined, and the photographer probably spoilt a .plate, and a few minutes afterwards nearly had his camera spoilt by Darling, who hit a ball to leg, which just passed over the top of the apparatus. Darling brought 80 up by getting a single off Benbow. That bowler, however, almost beat him a few seconds later, the ball just passing over the top of the wicket. Darling had revenge by hitting Smith to the boundary. Holdship took Smith’s place, bowling from the northern end, and his second ball Darling

sent to the out-field to Holdsworth, and again that player was not equal to the occasion, and again the crowd said “ Oh ! ” and a disgusted barracker cried, ' f Taik ’im orf !” Hill brought 90 up by sending Benbow for 2, and Darling brought his score to over 50 by hitting the same bowler over tho fence for 5. The century soon after appeared, amid applause, when Hill cut Benbow to the boundary. Darling hit one from Holdship over the ropes for 5. The batsmen were now certainly opening out, for Hill put Holdship away for a single, which was increased to 3 by careless throwing in. Off Benbow’s last over 12 had resulted, and Upham replaced him. Clem Hill brought 110 up by a single off Holdship. Upham’s next over to Darling was a good one. The batsman was not at a ll comfortable, and the last ball of the over beat liim, as ho was clean bowled. 111—3 —59. Tlie retiring batsman, although giving several chances, played good cricket, his driving being especially good. He -was warmly applauded on returning to the pavilion, and the applause was continued as Sid Gregory came out and joined Hill. Holdship sent down a maiden to Hill and Upham opened to Gregory, three runs resulting from the over. During Holdship’s next over Hill should have been thrown out by the bowler, but he failed to seize his advantage. Tho board showed 120 after Hill had prettily snicked Upham for 4. The second bye against Niven was shortly after recorded, and it was a very smartly run one. Off Holdship’s last ball Hill stepped out and missed it, but the ball keeping low Niven missed a chance of whipping the bails off. Play now began to drag a little, runs coming very slowly. At 126 the little Sydney batsman sent a soft one back to Holdship, which was accepted with thanks. 126 —4—4. H. Trott, the captain, partnered Hill, who greeted him by sending Upham’s second ball for a couple. Trott opened his account by a single off Holdship, and Hill caused 130 to appear by sending- one from the Wellington skipper to the boundary for 4, but tho next ball Levers

brought off another catch, and the young South Australian was sent back to the pavilion with 32 to his credit, obtained by a fine display of batting, without giving a chance. 1335 —32. Hugh Trumble joined his captain, and sent one to squareleg for a single. Off the first ball of Holdship’s next over, Trott skied one to squareleg and Waters brought off a magnificent catch, for which he was deservedly applauded. Trott had only scored one, the board showing 134 —6 —l. The spectators seemed pleased, as it was fully expected that the visitors tfere not going to be so easily dis : posed of. Eady filled the breach cafised by his skipper’s dismissal, and opened his account with a 4 off Holdship. Trunible brought 140 up by a couple off Upham, and then sent him to leg for a single. Williams, however, covered himself with glory by catching Trumble almost on the boundary from a big hit off Holdship. 146—7—7. Jones came next, but he was not at all at home with Upham, for after playing four balls in an undecided manner the fifth one found his way to Lis wiqket, and the Broken Hill man retired with a blob opposite his name. 146 —B—o.8 —0. McKibbin took Jones’ place. Eady now had a life, though it was from an extremely hot one to Hickson, who found it too warm to hold. In Upham’s next over, however, the big man was bowled off his body. 147 —9 —7. Johns was the last man, and finished Upham’s over. The fourth ball from Holdship sufficed for McKibbin, for he lunged out and sent the ball to Holdswortli, who retrieved his previous mistakes and held it, to the unbounded delight of the crowd, and the innings closed for 147.

Wellington's first iNniNGS

The visitors took the field at 5.30, and were greeted with G. Burton and E. Ashbolt Wero the first two batsmen to represent Wellington. McKibbin opened to Ashbolt, who snicked him to leg for one. Trumble opened from the northern end to Ashbolt, and sent down a maiden. A maiden from McKibbin, another from Trumble, and then McKibbin scattered Burton’s stumps with a yorker. 1 —1 —0. C. Gore filled the breach, and off the first ball from McKibbin two byes were run. Then Gore got a couple and Ashbolt a single off Trumble, but two balls later that bowler clean bowled G0re.222.6 —2. Williams was next, but after running a bye was clean bowled by McKibbin. 37—0. The Wellington captain, Holdship, came next, and Ashbolt got a lucky single off Trumble, but in the next over he was given out l.b.w. to McKibbin. 8 —4 — 3. The bowlers were doing excellent work, but, of course, were favoured very much by the wicket. Warren came next. Holdship got a single off Trumble, and Warren brought 10 up by getting that bowler away for 2, followed by a hit for a similar number. Six o’clock having arrived, stumps were drawn for the day. THE MATCH ON FRIDAY. The weather was excellent on Friday for the continuation of the # Australian-Welling-ton match. There worn not many people on the ground when play was resumed, but they increased in numbers as the day wore on, and about 4 30, when the crowd was greatest, there wero between 1500 and 1700 people present. After _ the poor display on the previous evening, it was thought that the Wellington team would do much better, especially as the wicket had improved and played much faster. Holdship, though, disheartened the public, as after adding two runs to his score he was bowled off his pads by Jones. A different complexion was put on the game when Levers joined Warren, and the pair, after playing cautiously, opened out, and took the score to 50 before being separated. Warren batted with a lot of confidence, and played good cricket for his 23, while Levers also showed good form in compiling his score of 15 runs. Holds worth -was top scorer with 30 to his credit. Tucker played very patiently for his 10 runs, and was at the wickets for a considerable time without scoring. Waters also got into double figures. _ _ oomo soreness was felt over the decision of Mr Phillips in giving Niven out, and the crowd showed their disapproval in a marked manner. It was a very close thing, but the umpire, of course, is the best man to judge. Iredale and Darling opened the second innings of the Australians. Darling made things pretty lively, and soon rattled up 37 before being disposed of by a remarkable catch by Ross Gore ; but as a matter ef fact both Holdship and Holdsworth missed him before 10 went up on the board. Eady was the other Australian to be disposed of. Ashbolt got both the wickets. THE PI-AY. Wellington’s first innings. The Wellington team continued their inninns, Boldship and Warren, the not out men of the previous day, commencing batting at 2.15. Jones started bowling from the northern end to Warren, and sent down a maiden. Holdship was the first to score, cutting the fourth ball he received from McKibbin for a couple. Warren sneaked a single off Jones’ third ball of the next over, but with the last ball Holdship was bowled off his pads. 16 —-5 —3. Levers filled the vacancy. Warren brought 20 up by driving McKibbin for a couple. The fast bowler, however, was not easy to play, and sent down a maiden to Levers. A smartly run bye off McKibbin’s first ball and then Levers got well hold of one from that bowler and drove him for 2. Warren brought his score to 10 by getting Jones away for a couple, and followed it up by glancing one to leg for 3. The big Wellington batsman brought 30 up by cutting the fast bowler for 3. The same batsman got a couple off McKibbin’s next over. Both batsmen were play ing very carefullj, and had made things look a little brighter for the Wellington men. Giffen took Jones’ place at bowling, and Warren greeted him by hitting his first ball to leg for a couple, and driving the next one for a single. Levers also got Giffen to leg for a couple, which brought him 1 into double figures. Warren was applauded for getting Giffen away to leg for 3, which brought 40 up. Runs were now coming more I freely, and after three singles had been got off i McKibbin, Levers got a round of applause for { hitting the same bowler to the leg boundary 1 for 4—the first boundary hit so far on the i Wellington side. Tho fourth ball of Giffen &

next over, however, bowled the big man, and he retired with a carefully-compiled 15 to his credit. TL he partnership had realised 34runsand the board showed 50 —6—15, and Boss Gore joined Warren. Gore started his account by getting a couple off the last ball of Giffen’s over. The last ball of McKibbin’s next over, a splendid leg break, was enough for Warren, and he retired. 52 —7 —23. Warren had made a very useful stand, and his runs were badly wanted. K. Tucker took his club mate’s place at the V/ickets, but he only arrived to see Ross Gbrh beateii vVith the first ball of Giffen’s next over. 52 —B—2.8 —2. Howard came next. A maiden from Giffen, and Howard opened his score with a single off McKibbin. Johns appealed for a catch off the last ball of tbi3 over, but it was not allowed. Howard was sent back to the pavilion by the first bail of Giffen’s next over. 569 —1. Giffen’s average now read three wickets for 11 runs. Holdsworth came next, and signalled his arrival by getting 2 off Giffen. Tucker, who had seen two men out, now made his first score by getting McKibbin away for 3 and bringing 60 up. The same batsman scored another couple by a very late cut off Giffen. Play was painfully slow, and applause was roused by Tucker getting McKibbin' away for 2, Darling just saving the ball from crossing the boundary. Seventy was brought up by Holdsworth hitting Giffen full to the fence for 4. The next ball from Giffen produced 3 byes. McKibbin, Who had been bowling from the beginning of the play, was then replaced by Trumble. Off the third ball from Trumble there was a most decided appeal from the field for a catch by the wicketkeeper, and Tucker returned to the pavilion with 10 to his credit. 76 —10 —10. Tucker had played carefully for his runs, and the partnership between him and Holdsworth realised 20 runs. Hickson followed, and shortly afterwards Holdsworth got into double figures by driving Trumble for 2, and the next ball he skied, but it fell clear of the field, and 2 runs were scored, which brought the total to over 80. Hickson started by getting a single off Giffen, and Holdsworth followed his example. Hickson, who was batting with a lot of confidence, cut Trumble prettily for a couple, and the next ball he sent to leg for a single. Loud applause followed a drive for 4 off Trumble by Holdsworth, and 90 appeared. Holdsworth then let out to the same bowler, and 3 resulted, which brought his soore to over 20. A couple by the same batsman off Giffen, and his score was level with Warren’s. The first ball of Trumble’s next over was disastrous for Hickson, and the young batsman was bowled. While the retiring batsman was at the wickets with Holdsworth 20 runs were added. Benbow replaced Hickson, but the last ball of Trumble’s over knocked his middle stump clean out of the ground, and Clayton, the country representative, stepped in. Holdsworth welcomed him by hitting the first ball of Giffen’s next over to ihe boundary for 4, and the century appeared amid applause. Clayton’s first ball from Trumble resulted in a lucky single. Holdsworth got Trumble to the boundary for 4, and then drove him again for 3, which brought his score to 30. Shortly afterwards be did not get properly hold of one from Giffen, and he was caught at cover point by Jones. 106—13 —30. Holdsworth opened very streakily, but gained confidence as lie went on, and laid the wood on to anything loose that came along which was very seldom. Waters was the next batsman. Clayton brought 110 up by hitting one from Giffen to leg for a couple, and then poked one up which went over Giffen’s head, and Hill, in attempting to reach it, ran into Waters, and Clayton was saved. Three runs were smartly got by the batsmen for a snick to leg by Waters off Trumble. Another single by Waters off Giffen. and then Clayton was given out l.b.w. to Giffen. 114—14 —3. Upham was next, and he opened with a single off Giffen. Just afterwards Upham ran out to one from that bowler and missed, but Johns failed to stump him. Upham had evidently come in to “ hit or miss,” for he stepped out to Trumble and hit him for a couple, and in the next over he drove the same bowler splendidly for a single. The following over from Giffen, however, he sent a very hot one back to the bowler, which was held, and Niven joined Waters, with the board showing 120—15 —4. Waters put one from Giffen to short-leg, and a smartly run single followed. Waters drove Giffen, and in attempting a run Niven was thrown out after scoring one. The crowd, however, did not agree with Mr Phillips’ decision, and some groaning was heard. 123 —16 —1. Smith, the last man, then came in, and Waters brought himself into double figures by driving Trumble for a single. Giffen, however, clean bowled him with the last ball of his next over, ! and the innings closed at 4.40 for 124 runs, or J 23 behind the Australians —a very respectable 1 score considering the bad opening of the team. Smith was not out, and never received a ball. AUSTRALIA’S SECOND INNINGS. After an interval, during which the pitch was rolled, the Wellington men took the field, and, at 5.15, Iredale and Darling went to the wickets. Ashbolt opened to Iredale, and a single resulted off the first ball. Darling drove his fifth ball, and the boundary was saved by the fine fielding of Howard. The next ball was also driven by the left-hander for a single. Upham bowled from the southern end, and off his fifth ball Darling scored 2. The fielding of the local men was a great, improvement on the first day and runs were difficult to get. A lucky snick by Darling off Upham produced a single, and a few moments later Holdship was applauded for smartly fielding a hot one from Iredale. Darling smacked one from Ashbolt high up to the boundary, and Holdsworth made a big effort to reach it with one hand, but failed. The next ball Darling played very for he put it clean over the ropes for 5. The same batsman caused 20 to appear by a fine drive for 2 off Upham, and tho next ball he cut to tho boundary for 4. Ashbolt’s next over was a good one, and a maiden resulted. Runs came but slowly, and only 1 was scored off Upham’s over —a fine drive by Iredale. A hit by Darling for a couple brought 30 up, followed by one to leg for another brace, and then he lifted one clean over the ropes for 5. Benbow took up the bowling in place of Upham, and Iredale sent 40 up by driving the new bowler for 1. Darling followed by sending him ior a couple and then snicked him to leg for a single. Darling’s innings, which had been a lively one, was brought to a close by Ross Gore bringing off a remarkable catch in the deep field. Darling hit a ball from Ashbolt high up and Gore went to meet it and got too far under it, hut, half turning round, just managed to catch it. He was warmly applauded, as also was Darling on returning to the pavilion. 43—1—37. E ady was the incoming batsman. Iredale hit Ashbolt for a single, and tho first ball of Benbow’s next over ho sent to the boundary for 4. Eady started his score by a single off Ashbolt.

Upham then went on again, and Eady Brought 50 up by cutting him for a single. A wicket would probably have been obtained at this juncture if R. Gore had not fumbled the ball. Off the second ball of Ashbolt’s over Niven brought off a smart catch behind the wickets, which disposed of Ead3 T . 50 —2 —2. Hill came next, and finished tho over. Upham sent down a maiden to Iredale, and then Hill got a single off Ashbolt’s next over and one off Upham, which was the result of loose fielding. Iredale got the fame bowler away for a couple, and then sent one up through the siibs fof a similar number; Stumps were then drawn. THE MATCH ON SATURDAY. The weather was very threatening on Saturday morning for the last day’s pla3 r of the Australian-Wellington match, bnt the rain held off, and after 4 o’clock the sun came out. A very disagreeable strong wind blew across the ground, which aia fidt tend to make matters pleasant for the players. Fourteen Wellington wickets were down when 6 o’clock arrived, and the match was declared a draw, greatly in favour of the Australians. There were not many people present when play was commenced in the morning, but about 3.30 there must have been quite 3000 people on the reserve. The takings for the three days amounted to .£245 odd. THE FLAT. AUSTRALIA’S SECOND INNINGS. Iredale and Hill resumed batting at 11.45, Ashbolt opening to Hill, who pulled his fifth ball to leg for 4 and brought 60 up, and 70 was brought up by the means of singles. The fielding of the Wellington team at this stage was not of the best, Hickson being especially off. When the score had reached 76 Iredale was badly missed by Niven at the wickets. The monotony of the game was relieved by Hill cutting Upham to. the boundary, and then driving him for a single, which brought his score to over twenty. Ashbolt was then taken off and Holdship went on to bowl from the northen end, and Iredale hit his second ball for one, and a similar number was obtained off a big hit by Hill off the. next ball. Iredale sent one up in the direction of Warren in the out-field, but the fieldsman stumbled in trying to reach it,, and a run resulted. Both bowlers were doing good .work and runs were kept down. bmith relieved Upham, bowling against the .wind, and Hill drove the second ball from him for a single. Iredale sent the last ball of the over high up to Warren, who was unable to reach it, and 3 were scored. Benbow went on in place of Holdship. The first ball of Smith’s next over —a full-pitched one —Hill sent full to the fence, and the century was hoisted, amid applause. Fifty runs had been scored in threequarters of an hour. With the next ball, however, Hill was caught by Upham off Smith. 101—3—30. Hill got his runs by careful play. Sid Gregory came next and finished the over. Off the last ball, however, there was a decided appeal for leg before, but Mr Ashbolt decided against the bowler. Another maiden to Benbow and Smith was driven hard for a couple by Iredale. With the next ball, however, he met his fate, and skied one to Holdship, which was taken full advantage of. 104—4—33. Iredale’s innings was a very patient one and his runs were obtained by first-class batsmanship. Giffen filled the vacancy, accompanied by Hill to run for him, as he is suffering from sciatica. The second ball from Benbow the champion cut for. a single. Giffen then caused a laugh by taking his place at the wicket, quite forgetting that Hill had run for him and was at the ocher crease. Gregory put in a claim for his rights, which were duly acknowledged and ho was allowed to bat. Giffen brought 110 up by a single off Smith. Gregory had a life in Smith’s next over, he sending one back to tho bowler which was not held. Upham then went on again. When 119 was reached the time was 1 o’clock, and the luncheon adjournment took place. On play being resumed, shortly after 2 o’clock, a quickly-run bye brought 120 up. A singlo to Giffen off Upham and then Gregory was caught in the slips by Benbow off Upham. 121—5—9 showed on the board as tho Australian captain joined Giffen. Trott opened his account by a single off Smith, and Giffen also drove that bowler for one. A fast one from Upham was Jsnicked to leg by Giffen, but Clem Hill was in the way and the ball struck him, a run thus being saved. In Smith’s next over Trott was missed in the field by Tucker —the catch was a. hard one. though. Applause gretted a fine drive by Giffen off Smith for 4. Giffen again hit the same bowler high up to the boundary, and a chance was missed by Warren. Smith certainly had hard luck in the field, both Trott and Giffen being missed off him. Trott had another life in Upham’s next over. He skiedone in the outfield. and Howard failed to get to it. Gore should have been the player to have taken this catch. In Smith’s next over Trott brought 150 up by bitting that bowler to the boundary. The next ball he was missed by Hickson, who made a very lame attempt to reach the ball. Two balls later, however, Smith’s luck changed, and Upham caught Trott in the slips. 152—6- —14. Trumble partnered Giffen. The game .became very slow, only 7 runs being scored in 20 minutes, until Giffen opened out on one from Smith, j on the leg side, which he sent clean over i:?io ropes for 5. At 167, Waters relieved Smith, | and Giffen hit his second ball to leg for a single, and Trumble also drove his last ball for a single. Trumble brought the score to ]7O by snicking Upham to leg for a couple. Ashbolt took the bowling from Upham, and Giffen sent liis third ball for a single, and Trumble drove him hard for 2. In Waters’ next over Giffen tried to cut a long hop, and the bowler effected an easy catch. 175—7—38. Giffen’s display was brilliant at times, and now and again he gave the crowd a sample of his hitting powers. Johns came next, but off the last ball of Waters’ over—a fullpitched one —Tucker caught him on the boundary. 175 —S—o. Jones was the next man, and sent Ashbolt’s second ball to the boundary for 4, but the next ball he was missed by Holdship. Trumble drove Waters for a couple, and brought his score to double figures. Runs were coming more freely and Jones brought the total to over 190 by hitting one from Upham clean over the ropes for 5, and Trumble sent the same bowler’s fifth ball to the leg boundary for 4. Upham had relieved Waters, and 10 runs from one over was the result of the change. The second century was brought up by .Tones obtaining a single off Ashbolt. Off Upham’s next over Smith effected an easy catch at forward short-leg, and Trumble retired with his score at 19. 201 —9—19. McKibbin was the last man, and he and Jones made things merry for a short while, when Upham clean bowled Jones with a beauty. The total was 206, and Jones had 19 opposite his name.

Wellington’s second innings. At 3.55 Wellington commenced its second innings, C. Gore and Burton being the first two to represent Wellington. Graham fielded in place of Giffen. Trott opened to Burton, and a run was scored off the over. Jones, the fast bowler, opened against the wind, and the crowd smiled at his lightning deliveries. After a couple of singles, Trott bowled Burton. Williams took Burton s place. When 10 was up, Williams had a life, fox' he snicked one into the slips, but it was not held by Eady. Williams was applauded for cutting one from Trott nicely for three, and Gore also got the same bowler through the slips for a similar number, which brought 20 up. In Trott’s next over, Gorowas prettily caught at the wicket;: by Johns. 23—2—7. Holdship (who came in) in trying to hit a leg break from Trott sent it up in the slips, and Trumble took an easy catch. Williams drove the fast bowler hard to the boundary for 4. Warren got a couple off Trott, but he was then caught by Trumble at short slip. 35 —4—6. Leversjdid not last long, for after a few overs Trott sent down a leg break, and the batsman stepped in front of his wicket to hit the ball, but ho missed and it stuck between his pads, and in moving his lege the ball spun into the wickets and he was cut. 37 5 0. Ross Gore filled the vacancy, but after scoring four, was stumped. 41 —6 —4. Ken Tucker, who joined Williams, brought 50 up, and made things look better for Wellington. Williams sent one back to Jones, which was held. 61—7—19. Williams had received a lot of Jones’ bowling, and his score was a serviceable one. The Rival’s representative, Howard, took Williams’ place, and in Lrott s next over he was very nearly thrown out. Tucker now fell a victim to Trott, for in trying to cut one from the bowler he was caught at point by McKibbin. 63 —S 13. Holdsworth, top scorer last innings, now came in, but was bowled by a beauty from lrott. Hickson filled tlie breach, and gave Johns a chance, but it was not got hold of. Howard, however, succumbed to Trott’s log-break, and retired with 4 to his credit. 66 10 —4. Benbow came in, but was not at home to Trott’s deliveries. Jones seemed to bo unplayable, and very few runs were being scored off him. Hickson, however, managed to get one away for a single, as also did Benbow. Hickson brought 70 up, and tho fast bowler was relieved by Trumble. Hickson had a life, for he tipped a curly one from Trott, and it struck the wicketkeeper’s hands and glanced off to Trumble, who did not hold it. Hickson brought 80 up by driving the tall bowler for a couple. He drove the same bowler for one and brought his score to double figures, and after a spell of slow play caused 90 to appear by a fine drive off Trott for 4. McKibbin took the bowling from Trott, and with his first ball bowled Hickson. 91—11—16. Hickson had played excellently for his runs, and shaped remarkably well. Clayton was the next man, and started his score with a liitj to the fenco off McKibbin. Two balls late 1 - he sent one up in the slips, but it was not taken, and 4 resulted ; the next ball the same batsman smacked to the fence for another 4, and brought 100 up, which was greeted with applause. Benbow broug'ht himself into double figures by driving Trumble for 2. At 10/ McKibbin got one past Clayton, and he with a quickly-compiled 13. 107 —12 13 \v atera came next, and two balls later McKibbin bowled him with a shooter. RU Jo 9 Ashbolt then came in and., after Benbow had got a single off Trumble, Ashbolt was bov/led with a bailer by that bowler. B.x o’clock arrived and the maids was drawn. The following are the scores Australia. —First Innings. F. Iredale, 11114111, c Levers, b Ashbolt 11 J. Darling, 111142111111211115511141411 2551, b Upham ... ... ••• 59 G. Giffen, 41141141411, b J. Smith ... 23 C. Hill, 211121431111411124, c Levers, b Holdship ... ... ... ••• 62 S. Gregory, 1111, c and b Holdship ... 4 11. Trott,‘l, c Waters, b Holdship ... 1 H. Trumble, 11212, c Williams, b Holdship 1 C. Eady, 421. b Upham ... ... ••• 7 E. Jones, b Upham ... ••• ■ ■ 9 T. McKibbin, c Holdsworth, b Holdship 0 A. E. Johns, not out... ... ... 0 Byes, 11 ; log b3 T e, 1 ... ... 3 Total 147 BOWLING ANALYSIS. Balls. Mdns. Runs. Wkts. Ashbolt ... ... 90 1 46 1 Upham 132 9 30 3 Smith 42 1 20 1 Benbow ... ... 30 0 20 0 Holdship... ... 76 3 28 5

Wellington. —First Innings

F. L. Ashbolt, 111, 1.b.w., b McKibbin ... 3 G. Burton, b McKibbin 0 C. Gore, 2, b Trumble _ ... ••• ••• 2 A. Williams, b McKibbin ... ... 0 A. R. Holdship, 12, b Jones ... v - J F. Warren, 22112232113111, b McKibbin 23 W. C. S. Levers, 1232214, b Giffen ... 15 K. Gore, 2, b Giffen 2 K. Tucker, 32221, c Johns, b Trumble ... 10 A. Howard, 1, b Giffen 1 F. Holdsworth, 2111221143243, o Jones, b Giffen ... ... ••• 60 W. R. Hickson, 121, b Trumble ... ... 4 C. A. Benbow, b Trumble ... ... ... 0 F. Clayton, 12, 1.b.w., b Giffen ... ... 3 Y. Waters, 131.11111, b Giffen 10 E. Upham, 12!, c and b Giffen 4 R. 0. Niven, 1, run out 1 J. Smith, not out 0 Byes, 21332 ; leg-byes, 11 13 Total ... ... ••• ••• ••• 124 BOWLING ANALYSIS. Balls. Mdns. Runs. Wkts. McKibbin ... 108 6 28 4 Trumble ... ... 114 6 36 4 Jones ... ... 24 2 9 1 Giffen ... ... 138 8 38 7 Australia. —Second Innings. F. Iredale. 11111114222111111121132, c Holdship, b Smith 33 J. Darling, 21211452411225121, cR. Gore, b Ashbolt ... ... ••• ••• 67 C Eady, 11, c Niven, b Ashbolt 2 C. Hill, 1141111111141111114, e Upham, b Smith ... ••• ••• 60 S. Gregory, 111111111, c Benbow, b Upham ... ••• ••• ••• 6 G. Giffen, 1211111112114141111521111, c and b Waters 68 H. Trott, 11112242, c Upham, b Smith ... .14 H. Trumble, 1111122211411, c Smith, b Upham ... ... ••• ••• ••• 10 A. Johns, c Tucker, b Waters 0 F. Jones, 41111.1511111, b Upham ... 19 T. McKibbin, 11, not out 2 Bye, 1 ; leg-byes, 11 6 Total 206 First innings ... ... ••• ••• 147 Grand total ... ... ••• ••• 353 BOWLING ANALYSIS. Balls. Mdns. Runs. Wkts. Ashbolt ... 126 3 54 2 Upham ... 174 5 71 3 Benbow ... 36 2 11 0 Holdship ... 24 1 6 0 Smith 90 1 '53 3 Waters... ... 24 1 8 Wellington.—Second Innings. G. Burton, 111, b Trott ... ... ••• 3 C. Gore, 11113, c Johns, b Trott 7 A. Williams, 14113144, c and b Jones ... 19 A. R. Holdship, c Trumble, b Trott ... 0 F. Warren, 42, e Trumble, b Trott ... 6 W. C. S. Levers, b Trott 0 R. Gore, 22, st Johns, b Trott ... ... 4 K. Tucker, 4441, e McKibbin, b Trott ... 13 A. Howard, 1111, b Trott ... ... ... 4 F. Holdsworth. b Trott ... ... 0 W. Hickson, 11L2112L114, b McKibbin ... 16 C. Benbow, 112221111, not out 12 F. Clayton, 4441, b McKibbin 13 V. Waters, b McKibbin 0 F. Ashbolt, b Trumble ... ... ... 0 Dyes 2, leg-byes, 21123 H Total for 14 wickets ... ... ... 108 First innings ... ... ... ••• 124 Grand total ... ••• ••• 232 BOWLING ANALYSIS. Balls. Mdns. Runs. Wkts. Trott ... ... 120 3 54 9 Jones 93 6 20 1 Trumble ... 57 4 10 1 McKibbin ... 30 3 13 6 THE NEW ZEALAND MATCH. The following team has been selected to represent New Zealand in the match against Australia : Wellington.—A. Williams, R. C. Niven, E. F. Upham, A. R. Holdship. Canterbury.—H. DeMaus, W. Pearce, A. Ridley. Dunedin. —J- Baker, A. Clarke, A. Downes. Auckland. —R. Neill, D. Hay, L. A. Cuff, I. Mills. Invercargill.—W. Robertson. MEETING OF THE COUNCIL. Christchurch, November 17. A meeting of the committee of the New Zealand Cricket Council was held to-night. Mr Wanklyn moved that minute regarding the substitution of the New Zealand match for tho Canterbury match should be expunged. He said he was strongly opposed to the alteration, and, moreover, he considered that tho meeting at which the decision had been arrived ar had not been properly called. Mr Wilding (chairman) said the Canterbury Association had voluntarily offered to forego

its match, and the Council could only accept the offer. He explained the circumstances that had led to the calling of the meeting. The minutes were then confirmed, Mr VVanklyn dissenting. The Secretary stated he had received word from the selectors that Mr Wilding had been, chosen as first emergency for the New Zealand team. He also received a telegram from, the Otago Association that Mr Downes would be unable to play. Mr Wilding said that as it was the wish of the selectors that Mr Fisher, of Dunedin, should be in the team, he had waived any claims of his own in favour of Mr Fisher, who was being communicated with to ascertain whether lie would be able to play. After discussion it was resolved to adhere to the original dates (November 2dth, 27th and 28th). The financial arrangements for the match were considered, and it was decided to- allow the Canterbury Association 75 per cent, of the profits. MODERN CRICKET. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —That practice makes perfect was clearly demonstrated by the advent of the redoubtable Australians, plainly showing how far wo are behind the times in playing up-to-date English cricket, and how manifestly obvious the necessity for importing the services of a thoroughly good professional coach or two, to bring out the latent talent possessed by our rising colts and to demolish the antiquated blemishes acquired by the older men. We do not practice fielding sufficiently, either, for see what perfect combination the visitors displayed in the field, and the distributing of it. The wicket - keeper standing back at times from the wicket, when the terrible Jones was sending down his catapult deliveries, and the former allowing the ball to glance off his glove, directing it into the sLips after the batsman had snicked it, requesting it to be held, which was instantly done, as the slips were ever on the alert, and their movements like clock-work, whilst the whole field were acting in concert, watching the return of the ball whenever it was sent into the field, and backing up. That's what our men should study, and the perfect style and timing of the hits, for most of our dons were lamentably slow when batting against Trott’s and McKibbin’s puzzling and astonishing “ breaks/’ and in negotiating Jones’ lightning deliveries, demonstrating without doubt that the game is yet in its infancy here, find we have a vast amount to learn to raise ourselves above mediocrity by proper tuition. —I am, &c., VIDI 1 15th November, 1896. From Messrs George Robertson and Co., Melbourne, we have to acknowledge receipt of the “ Australian Cricket Annual ” for 1890. This work, which is edited by “Not Out,” the well-known cricket scribe in the Sydney Referee, is a stout little volume of some 200 pages, crammed full of useful and interesting facts and figures concerning the fine old game of cricket. Reviews are given of the cricket season in the various colonies, with detailed descriptions, full scores and analysis of firstclass matches. Mr C. T. B. Turner writes on English and Australian cricketMr Cockroft gives an account of the New South Wales team, together with scores and records; Mr Briscoe chats pleasantly about umpires; Mr E. J. Gregory sets forth liis idea of a “model scoring-board; ” and there area number of other articles, the book closing with lists of the birthdays of celebrated cricketers, chief cricket organisations, fixtures for 1890-97, and the full laws of the game. A capital littlo production this, one upon which both editor and publishers are to be congratulated. Every cricketer should possess a copy. Mr W. C. S. Levers, secretary of the Wellington Cricket Association, has received a telegram from the Auckland Association asking that a match should be arranged with the Wellington representatives, to be played on December 2nd, .‘3rd and •It}:.. The -Midland-College No. 1 and KarorjPhoenix heats for the Third-class Championship will be continued next Saturday. The above heats were not completed on the dates set down for their play. Dunedin, November 15. The following fifteen have been selected to represent Otago against the Australian cricketers : —Baker, Clayton, Clarke, Downes, Fisher, Gunthorpe, Hope, Johnston, Li ggins, Kinvig, Parker, Spraggon, Rains, Rattray, Wells.

In deciding fe> play only fifteen Men-, tire Otago Association do not do so because they think they have any chance of winning, but simply to give the public an opportunity of seeing the Australians bat under better conditions than would be the case with eighteen in the field.

Sydney, November 17. At a meeting of the Cricket Association of New South Wales, the committee appointed to consider the letter of the Marylebone Club with reference to the “follow on” rule reported in favour of the retention of the rule as at present existing, so far as it relates to ifche number of runs rendering a “ follow on ” compulsory, but recommended that the rule be so altered that the option of following on be left with the side which has obtained the larger number of runs in the first innings. The committee was of opinion that it was not invited to express its views regarding the rules for closing the innings, inasmuch as a modification of that rule was only suggested in the event of the “ follow on ” rule being abolished. After discussion, the report of the committee was adopted. SENIOR CUP AVERAGES. [By “ *001.”] The following are the leading averages for Senior Cup batting and bowling:—

BATTING. rn bp 4> r4 m bD 4 4 O .3 xn Name. "3 M VH 44 o 44 o G 'C a a .3 d d P3 r—I c3 CJ to d 4-< 6 £ m O m O o O > £ EH V—1 a EH < "Webb ... ... 2 1 61* 61 66 66 Roberts ... 1 - 22 22 22 22 C. Gore ... 3 - 45 45 66 22 Levers ... 3 - 32 48 59 19-G Burton ... 2 - 33 33 38 19 Hoidsbip ... 3 - 24 43 53 17'6 Hickson ... 3 - 35 35 48 16 Lash ... ... '3 _ 28 34 39 13 D. Niven ... 1 _ 13 13 13 13 Buck ... ... 3 1 15 17 24 12 Fuller ... 3 - 21 26 33 11 Naughton ... 1 - 11 11 11 11 Askbolt ... 3 - 16 23 32 10-6 *Not out. BOWLING. Name. Balls. Mdns. Rns. Wkt. Avr. Topp 28 0 6 2 3 Askbolt 204 7 56 11 5 Smith 285 12 87 14 6-2 Warren 42 1 13 2 6-5 XJpham ... 342 28 55 8 6-8 Waters ... 90 2 30 4 7‘5 Howard ... 102 6 26 3 8-6 Hryden ... 311 18 105 12 8'7 Holdship 96 0 35 4 8-7 Benbow ... 272 5 99 10 99 Millward 276 9 126 12 10-5