MODERATE SCORING BY NEW ZEALAND PLAYERS

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11435, 3 February 1923, Page 7

MODERATE SCORING BY NEW ZEALAND PLAYERS

ALL WICKETS DOWN FOR 166 M.C.C. LOSE THREE WICKETS FOR 180 CHAPMAN’S 1000 RUNS FOR TOUR Conditions were almost ideal for the commencement of the final test between the M.C.C. team and New Zealand on the Basin Reserve yesterday. The wicket was as perfect as the skilled hands of Mr A. Brewer could make it, and the outfield was fairly ta6t. Collins won the toss, and elected to bat, but disaster came early, and three of New Zealand’s best batsmen—Colling, Blunt, and Dacre —were out for 5 runs between them. A partnership between Shepherd and Lambert made things look brighter, and the latter made merry while compiling his 23, which included tlie only six of the day. Shepherd, who reached 41, gave an aggressive display, and played forcing shots all round the wicket. Garrard also registered a nice It), but the partnership of the innings was that between Brice and Bernau, who put on 57 runs. Bernau, who was top-scorer, played a brilliant, innings for 61, and Brice was content to keep his end up, but his 10 was a valuable knock. Calthorpe, who seems to be improving with the hall, secured six wickets for 53 runs. Titchmarsh and Wilson opened the M.C.C. innings, and the scoring was exceptionally slow. Wilson, who made 19, took 86 minutes to get his runs, and Titchmarsh took 93 minutes for 40. The partnership between Chapman and Wilkinson was more lively, and the former scored at the rate of a run a minute. At the end of the day he was unbeaten for 69, and during the afternoon completed his 1000 runs for the tour. When stumps were drawn, the Englishmen had three wickets down for 180, with Lowry and Chapman batting. Bernau was the best of the New Zealand attack, and brought off a double feat by securing three wicket* for 38. The attendance was 2900, which is very good for a working day.