FIGHT FOR THE ASHES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19760, 10 April 1926, Page 11

FIGHT FOR THE ASHES

PROSPECTS OF AUSTRALIANS. BARDSLEY’S FAITH IN PONSFORD. (Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright ) LONDON, April 8. (Received April 9, at 6.5 p.nn) Kelleway, cabling to the Daily Express from Naples, after describing the voyage, adds: "Enthusiasts met the train at the trans-Continental station where .speeches were made. The trend of these showed that few thought it w«s Australia’s strongest side, but as Australians they stood behind them, win or lose.” Bardsley, in a third article, disagrees with Tate’s view that Ponsfcrd is unlikely to succeed on English wickets. His faults, Bardsley adds, are merely those of inexperience which England’s slower wickets will provide an opportunity of correcting. There is one doubt how he will accommodate, himself to a swinging ball which is a trial to all young, batsmen on their first visit. All the same, he is confident that Ponsford will return a greater batsman than ever. Richardson can punch the ball with the ferocity of Bonnor or Massie, but when required he can adopt defensive tactics. His good-length spin bowling will be most valuable in England. —A. and N.Z. Cable. PRICES FOR THE TESTS. EXPENSIVE STAND SEATS. LONDON, April 8. (Received April 9, at 10.30 p.m.) The prices being paid for the test matches in England are in striking contrast with those in Australia. Lancashire is reserving no seats at Old Trafiord apart from the members ’pavilion. Forty thousand se£ts will be sold to the first comers, 7s 6d being charged on the pavilion side and 2s 6d on the popular side. There is room for between 20,000 and 25,000 at Lords after the Marylebone members have been satisfied. The public will pay 3s for admission and an extra 5s for the stand. Thirty-five thousand seats are available. At the Oval the admission charge is 3s, with 12s in one stand and 4s 6d in the other. The entrance at Nottingham is 2s 6d, and an additional 8s a day secures seats in a covered stand, or 5s extra in an uncovered stand.—A. and N.Z. Cable.