CRICKET.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18752, 4 January 1923, Page 2

CRICKET.

Br Slip. SECOND TEST MATCH. January 5, (I, and 8. —At Christchurch. INTEHPEOVINCIAL FIXTURES. Otago v. Auckland.—January 6,6, and 8, at Carisbrook. Otago t. Canterbury—January 28, 27, and 29, at Carisbrook. Otago v. Wellington.—February 17. 19, and 20, at Carisbrook. THE ENGLISH TEAM. January 12, 13, and IS, at Carisbrook. COUNTRY WEEK. To be played in between the Auckland and English matches on January 9, 10, and 11. The following will represent South Otago during Country Week in Dunedin: Stewart, Hellyer (Milburn), Gregory (Milton), Murray, Hadouff (I/ovell’a Flat), Soolan, Norman (Clutha), Ross (Freezer), Parker, Harrison (Owaka), Edwards (Waiwera), Watkins, Hanna (Clinton). During the post two weeks we have had a feast of newspaper reports of mat dies played in various parts of the dominion, particularly Wellington and Christchurch, where the English amateurs and Plunket Shield representatives have been hard at it, and scores of large dimensions have' been registered, particularly in the AucklandWellingtou Plunket Shield contest, in which 1554 runs were scored in the four days which the match took to reach finality. This is a record not only for a Plunket Shield contest but ,for any first-class contest in the dominion. Vory_ keen interest was manifested in Dunedin throughout this match, and the final result—a win for Wellington by a little over 100 runs—was well received locally. The contest between the Englishmen and Canterbury was also closely followed by enthusiasts, and after the fine effort of Blunt and Worker, the collapse of the rest of the Canterbury batsmen came as a big surprise. With such a beginning it was hoped Canterbury would be able to make a draw of it, but the feeble efforts of other members of the eleven —nine batsmen contributing 42 runs—left them hopelessly beaten by eight wickets. The first test match at Wellington has caused intense disappointment. It was confidently hoped/ that our representatives would at least extend our visitors, if not actually secure a win. As on so many former occasions when, opposed to oversea teams, our representatives have failed lamentably, and it seems almost useless to buoy our hopes by promising better results in the two teste vet to be played. We were evidently out-batted, out-fielded, and out-bowled by a better side in the match just concluded at Wellington. A. C. MacLaren’s 200 (not out) is spoken of by northern scribes as a masterly effort, and when it is mentioned that ho is 52 years of ago it will, I am sure, be readijy conceded by southern admirers of this onetime great English batsman that his psrforrriance was indeed a wonderful one. No doubt wo will have all sorts of suggestions and advice as to how our standard of cricket can be improved by those taking stock of passing events, and it is to be hoped that Mr MacLaron will not be allowed to leave the dominion without being asked to give expression to_ his views on this point. We have previously received heaps of kindly advice from well-wishers as to the mode or method in which our game might be raised to a level more in keeping with that of Australia and the Old Coup try, and this was accepted with genuine gratitude, and earnest efforts made to make good, but we do not progress, remaining at about the same standard as wo have for long years past. We are given credit for being useful and enthusiastic adepts at the game, but a long lemove from greatness as it is understood in Australia and England. Mr MacLaron, - with his long and brilliant career and experience may be able to help us, and there is not a shadow - of doubt that if he is approached he will bo delighted to tender such advice as he thinks will assist n® in bettering our position among the giants of the cricket world. He will no doubt have a good deal to say in regard to our wickets as a big factor in making or marring our advancement. It has been mentioned above that northerners have been having a feast of highclass cricket, but we in Otago are in for a good time also, for the match against Auckland for the Plunket. Shield will commence here to-morrow. It is safe ‘to assume thafj Auckland will not be at full strength, as several of her representatives will bo chosen to represent the dominion /in the second test at Christchurch, which will commence to-morrow also. Otago also will be without the’services of at least one’or two of our leading players, who are also likely to find a place in the second test eleven. Very keen interest is centreing in the game, and it is likely that the attendances will be large. Carisbrook, where the match is to be played, is a picture, and Groundsman A. Ross is putting a great deal qf work into the wicket, which should be the best provided for many years past. The fielding area is closely shaven, and even of surface, and it should be a delight to field on such a ground. Just at present it is very' fast, ana batsmen will get full value for their strokes. A new scoring board has been erected, easily observable from all parts of the ground. All that is required is a continuance of the fine weather tjiat we are at present enjoying to ensure ideal conditions. There is some' doubt locally as to whether the matches to be played here against Auckland. Canterbury and Wellington are Plunket Shield contests, but on this point there need be no misgivings, for a reference to the following will eliminate all doubt: —The Plunket Shield is being competed for by the major associations under new conditions this season, the amended rules providing that the trophy shall be held by the team winning the greatest number of matches in a competition for same. Hitherto a team defeating the holders was. entitled to possession of the shield, but it is now necessary for each major association to play the other three associations before the winner is The four associations eligible for the competition are Dtago, Canterbury, Wellington, and Auckland, the present holders. In the event of an equal number of wins, the competition is to be decided on the rules governing the Sheffield Shield competition in Australia. These provide that when there is a tie the matter is decided bn averages, as follow: — ihe total runs scored by each team in each match are added together, and the grand total divided by the total number ci wickets lost, thus giving the average runs per wicket scored by a team. The number of wickets lost by their opponents in scoring the runs is then ascertained in order to obtain the average per wicket against each team. The lower average is then subtracted from tho higher, and the team with the highest net average per wicket is declared the winner. In the event of the closure of an innings being applied, or if a batsman is unable to bat through injury or illness during aify match, only the actual wickets that fall are counted. A Southland critic makes tho following statement in reference to the Otago-South-land match, which was plaved at Invercargill during the Christmas holidays:—“ Thei display of cricket was disappointing, the scoring being slow and the batting generally of an unattractive natui-3. The feature of the day was the superb bowling of Dun M’Beatli, who captured eight wickets for 24 runs and perlormed the rare feat of doing the “hat trick” in a representative match. M’Bcath, who is an ex-Southland, Canterbury, and New Zealand representative, is probably tho best bowler in New Zealand at present, and it is hard to understand why be has been left out of tho New Zealand team.” I am quite in accord with the writer’s opinion as to M’Beath’s ability ai a bowler, but at the present moment, seeing that wo are playing Auckjand on tho same dates as the second test, I do not think there are maiiv Otngo supporters anxious to see him included in the Now Zealand eleven. My information is, notwithstanding the weakness of Southland’s batting, that M’Beatli’s bowling was of a very high order. A member of the Otago team who visited Invercargill forwards the following notes: — Members of tho Otngo team that journeyed to Invercargill at Christmas time are loud in their praises of tho hospitality of tho Southland boys. The trip was the pleasantest on record, and every member of tho team is unanimous that it was a Christmas well spent. A motor trip to Riverton on the Sundav was the crowning effort of their hosts. Mr Alf. Driscoll, a member of the Southland 1 Cricket Association, was tho promoter of this outing, and tho arrangements and entertaining left nothing to lie desired. It is to be hoped that the local association will not forget this little appreciation when Southland next come to Dunedin. Hughi© Duncan played two good innings. Tho wicket, was not perfect, and Duncan suffered numerous knocks and blows, which necessitated his retirement for a part of the game. A. Galland captained the side well, and also kept wickets Conrafli’s first innings knock of 47 was invaluable to his side. Dan M‘Heath is a wonder as a bowler. His “ hat trick ” was a treat to witness. The Southlandors were paralysed by his deadly length and accuracy of pitch. Tho .Otago hoys were satisfied with the umpiring at Invercargill, Alee. Xlandford,

ex-English professional, still knows the game from A to Z, and backwards, and gave his decisions very smartly and impartially. Jack’Doig is thinking o£ retiring from representative cricket this season. Jock has played over 100 interprovincial games, and can still keep a length with the best of them. E. Kavanagh is undoubtedly the best all-rounder .in Southland, and should ho retain his form will probably find a place in the next South Island team. Manager W. A. Rowland had no very arduous duties to perform, but was a distinct and popular success in his managerial debut.