A GREAT PARTNERSHIP

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23081, 6 January 1937, Page 7

A GREAT PARTNERSHIP

SIXTH WICKET TEST RECORD By J. B. Hobbs (■Copyright in all countries. Repro duction in whole or in pari forbidden.) MELBOURNE, Jan. 5. (Received Jan. 5, at 11 p.m.) This Australian team lacks the punch of old elevens against'which I have played. With the game in the state they had it when play was resumed they would have rubbed it in hard. Still, the partnership of Bradman and Fingleton made them safe. They consolidated what was already an impregnable position The only chance England had before lunch, seeing that there had been no further rain, was taking quick cheap wickets. These they failed to get. The wicket was in excellent condition, easy paced with the ball coming through at a nice height with no kickers. It must have been a welcome relief to the batsmen after some of their recent experiences. As soon as a new ball could be taken Voce and Allen came on, but could make no impression Indeed, at this period no bowler looked deadly, though Verity bowled a perfect length and kept the batsmen quiet. Seven overs for seven runs was pretty good, considering Bradman was there. Bradman was always ready for a bad ball. He made some spanking shots with his favourite hook, but these were cleverly blocked and didn’t bring him one four. Those he got were to fine leg with late cuts. Bradman gave nothing like a chance, and in his first hundred didn’t make one offdrive. It was a fortunate stroke that earned him his century just after lunch because it was edged off Voce at a catchable height, just where second slip would have been. Bradman having put one or two past third slip early Voce moved the slip field and had a first and third only. Even the greatest batsman wants a bit of luck. I shouldn’t say his first hundred was characteristic of the old Don. It lacked sparkle, being rather a fighting knock. Fingleton’s I can describe best as a Charlie Kelleway innings. It was, of course, of immense value to his side and in keeping with most of the batting we have seen in this test series—dull. He took 158 minutes over his first 50, and at lunch-time had advanced his score by only 18. Facing Verity when 53, Fingleton played forward a bit harder than usual and lifted the ball just wide of the bowler. He played forward to the next ball with exaggerated care, and then he missed after adding three. It was one of the few occasions he went all out for a stroke. Trying to drive a wide ball from Verity, he edged it high and wide to Hammond’s right hand at first slip. Perhaps it is hardly fair to call it a catch.

I admired England’s men for sticking to their work as they did and still fighting as if on level terms. Lion-hearted is the word for it. Bradman and Fingleton beat the best test record for the sixth wicket, and soon after, with Sims on, runs were coming more freely. They made 200 in 226 minutes. It isn’t often we see an opening batsman in with a player like Bradman for the sixth wicket. Work must be at a standstill in Melbourne, for there was another huge crowd to-day, though there was less of the holiday element, The great partnership was warmly applauded, but with none of the hysteria which marked the falling of England’s wickets on Saturday. The crowd deservedly gave Fingleton three cheers on reaching his century. He went from 94 to 98 with his best stroke so far, a cover drive off Robins. The two batsmen never let up the whole time. Even after they had achieved a 300 partnership they still took no chances. Their concentration was remarkable. Anyone coming on the ground late in the afternoon and not knowing the score would have thought a great fight for a first innings lead was in progress. Just after tea, when in one over Verity twice beat Bradman, he still didn’t depart from the even tenor of his way.

England’s fielding was very good, and Robins saved many runs. What made me admire them more was that, apart from the batsmen staying there, they had such a heartbreaking wicket on which to bowl. Rain had taken absolutely all the life out of it. I dont’ see what Allen could have done to improve the situation. It would have needed more than a human captain to have dislodged this pair to-day. I can’t imagine anyone bowling a better length than Verity. He was almost on the same spot with every delivery, except when sending down a faster ball which he had to pitch shorter.

As far as I am concerned, the tension is relieved. I had written this down as a victory for Australia a long time ago. The running between the wickets was excellently judged. On previous occasions during this tour, when Australians were stealing runs, there always appeared to be a danger of one of them getting out, but that wasn’t the case to-day. Allen tried a few overs at half-speed, with Ames standing up to the wicket, but this was unavailing, and it was left to Sims to get Fingleton caught at the wicket. The batsmen were very tired, but got pleasure out of it. The sun shone pleasantly all day. ENGLISH PRESS COMMENT LONDON, Jan. 4. “ Australia undoubtedly is in a winning position unless there is a miraculous change in'the weather,” says Mr Carson, in the Evening News, commenting on the test match. He adds; “Bradman is still there, moie like the real Don, playing a captain’s innings. His allround brilliance made it difficult for the bowlers to deliver a safe ball.” THE WEATHER PROSPECTS MELBOURNE, Jan. 5. (Received Jan. 6, at 1.45 a.m.) The weather in Melbourne tonight is mild, and the meteorologist expects the weather to continue fine for the next two days. COMMENTS ON BRADMAN’S PLAY LONDON, Jan. 5. (Received Jan. 6, at 1.45 a.m.) “ Don pays off old scores ” is the snappiest of the evening posters, all of which feature his double century and Australian records. SHEFFIELD SHIELD MATCH SYDNEY, Jan. 5. (Received Jan. 5, at 11 p.m.) In the Sheffield Shield match against Queensland, New South Wales, in the second innings, scored 342 (R. Robinson 143, Marks 59, J. Lush 30; Amos three for 90, Cook two for 61, Wyeth two for 39. Oxenham two for 27). Queensland won by 87 runs.