AT the WICKETS

New Zealand Times, Volume LIV, Issue 12651, 11 January 1927, Page 10

AT the WICKETS

The friendly game between Wellington and Auckland produced quite a lot of good cricket, mainly in batting certainly, but at the same time some of the young bowlers displayed promise. The match also served in whetting the keenness of enthusiasts in the forthcoming fixture in Auckland, which will decide the destination of the Plunket Shield for another season. Auckland were unable to take their absolutely full strength on tour, hut the reserves did their job nobly,’ and the two matches in the soutli were won. WELLINGTON LOOKS STRONGER Judging by the recent game here, the Aucklanders do not look quite as strong as the locals, hut, cricket being a funny game, one is always ready for the unexpected to turn up. Even with Alcott in the side the howling looks too weak to cope with the strong Wellington batting. Thus the holders are going north as favourites for the big event. Given fine weather there is likely to he a surfeit of runs, and the Auckland public will see some class batting. * * * One thing has' been shown in the local matches, and that is that good fielding will always cause the spectators to react favourably. Any good work always has been noticed, and applause given to those deserving it. The Slacker or the muffer will soon find that he is not wanted, and spectators generally are not slow in voicing disapproval. -• • * ■ Generally speaking, none of the Auckland batsmen looked to be on top of the bowling. Perhaps it was the wicket, which seemed to be a trifle sporty at times. The Basin Reserve is far different from Eden Park, as the ball never rises much on the northern ground. * * • • AUCKLAND’S BATSMEN Dacre gave a taste of his quality in each innings, although he dia not get very far. He is getting into his best form, and will be a tough nut to crack on Eden Park. Wellington have had good cause in the past to remember him on his own paddock. • * * * The spectators were disappointed on Friday when Bowley went so cheaply, blit he gave them more of a displayon Monday in getting 66. Still, he was lucky in getting so far as he did, for he gave an easy chance of stumping off. Mitchell quite early. He is a solid type of player who can force the ball, but he played in Wellington as if he were a little under his usual form. • '• * • Mills went cheaply in each innings, hut h® is »' solid customer who will give the bowlers trouble in Auckland. ••» » • Cooper hatted brightly in each innings, and if looks go for anything he will he a great asset in another season or so. He bowls a leg-break too, and he should be a useful allrounder with added experience. • -* , « * Matheson gives promise of developing into a really first-class player. He played two good innings here for 63 and 46 hot out, which is not a bad beginning for a youth of 18 years. He also howls a rather, good mediumpaced bally and is a jolly good field. • ■*l/ #' » Postles.">whty came in as a substitute, plsiyhd : -a first-class innings on the first" day? 1 when runs were badly wanted. He 'aided in a, partnership of over one hundred for the eighth wicket. Y • • « * THEY CAN ALL GET RUNS AVellington showed again what a strong batting side they are. Everybody on the side is capable of getting runs, and they are too much for the ordinary New Zealand howler. The average runs per wicket in the three games they have played sa far is very high, and is quite unusual for New Zealand. • • * #

McGirr 76, got a chance at the bqwlers with their edge a hit worn, and trounced them “good and hearty.” He made some splendid drives and square-cuts. Mac has been a bit off with the hat, but he should be confident for the next match. • • • »

James, 74, further demonstrated that nothing suceeds like success. He was a little lucky at the beginning, hut once he settled down he played very well indeed. He is not vet quite certain against the slow bowling.

Orr, in getting 68, played very abfr, and showed the shots of a class batsman. One shot square to the off from a half volley and another fast short leg were real beauties. Kortlaog, in scoring 52. played splendidly, and some of his shots past mid-on were quite in his old form. He also managed the rising ball verv well. FINE SHOTS *BY LOWRY Lowry made 36 in splendid style, although Player seemed to cause bin a little trouble. His driving alii hooking were of a tyfie we very sel« dom see from local batsmen. One short-arm hook for six was a great shot, Collins was moving along in good style, and was watching the ball well, but in going for a rising ball he hit a shade too soon and sent it up to cover. With a little more practice he would soon be back in his best form. Lambert was going great guns when lie was sent to the right-about bv a brilliant catch by Wilson. The catch was one right out of the box. .* • • * Holhngs got a chance against tired bowlers on Saturday, and got a good start, which he maintained yesterday. He gave a very good displav of free cricket, and is developing very fast. CENTURY PARTNERSHIPS There were, two partnerships of over, the hundred' Postles and* Matheson put on 126 for the 1 eighth wicket for Auckland, and McGirr and Jame* made 134 for the sixth wicket for Wellington. The latter score was made in 83 minutes. A great feature of the Jamcs-McGirr partnership was the smart running between the wickets. It showed what two plajers can do when so minded. • • • • The bowling of Auckland was weak* and could not stand the strain. Player w r as the best, although he was unsuccessful. •*• . • Massey bowled the best of the locals, and his figures, four for 53, were well earned. He made everybody play him, and he is bearing out his early promises. * « V • Hollings and Mitchell both sho* promise, and should be really valuable with further experience and confidence. McGirr cannot be said to have bowled well. In fact, his bowling on the Basin this year has been very podr, and not what one would expect from a bowler of his reputation. * * * * BOWLERS HARD-WORKED Collins is experienced enough in cricket to know that a captain should not have his pace bowlers chasing boundaries at long-leg when fielding, and throwing their arms out* in returning the ball. Bowlers cannot be expected to do their own job and all the donkey work in the field as well. Thi* had feature was seen in both innings of Auckland, when Massey and McGirr were fielding at sauare-leg. • • • • The wicket did not play so truly aa some others have done lately. The ball showed a decided tentienejr to get up very high at times, and It would have been a paradise for a real fast bowler. • t • « A DIFFERENCE OF 5s The Cricket Council, according to Press reports, does not seem to nave covered itself with glory in its dealings with the South Australian Cricket Association. Reading the Australian papers, it appears that the South Australians had made headway in their arrangements for the tour on the assumption that the players were being allowed 15s per day. Since then the New Zealand Council lias announced that it is not prepared to pay more than 10s. Of course. negotiations have been dropped with the South Australians, and an invitation has been issued to the Board of Control to send an Australian team across.

EXIT MR SMITH The action of the Australian Board of Control in turning Mr Sydney Smith out of office as secretary must make that gentleman feel that misfortunes never come singly. Before the last Australian tour lie was everything that was good, but of late he has suffered some shameful rebuffs. Clubs, associations, and now the Board of Control all have vied with each,other in heaping humiliation upon him.