THE ENGLISH CRICKETERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1323, 7 April 1877, Page 17

THE ENGLISH CRICKETERS.

The great event of the week has undoubtedly been the defeat of the All-England Eleven by a combined eleven of "Victoria and New Sooth Wales. The match extended over four days, and resulted in a victory for the Colonials by 45 runs. The display of cricket on both sides waj splendid. Bannerman's batting was the theme of general admiration, and it was, without doubt, the finest innings ever played in the Colonies, and against all the best of the Eng lish bowling talent. It was a matter of regret that his split finger should have so abruptly terminated his innings. In reality, the Colonials only lost nine wickets in the first innings. Whilst New South Wales earned of! the palm for tne batting, Victoria was to the fore with the bowling. Kendall, a compositor in the Argus, was the most successful in this department of the game, and secured seven wickets in the second innings for 55 runs. He has been awarded the Australasian Cup for the best average. This defeat is unprecedented, an English eleven never having before been beaten out of their own country by an eleven, and that not th 9 strongest that the colonies could produce. At one period of the game there was the curious spectacle of two lefthaaded batsmen and two left handed bowlers Emmett and Lilly whi+e being together at the wickets, with Kendall and Hodges bowling to them. Another match is being arranged for Easter. People try to find excuses for the defeat of the Englishmen, and insinuate all sorts of things, but there is no reason to suppose that they were not beaten fairly. Anyone who witnessed the progress of the match all through could scarcely come to any other conclusion. It is true that they have not adhered to cold water as a beverage, but they have always done their best in the field. Armitage, one of the team, got into a little difficulty the othe- night, and got run in by the police. He was, however, soon bailed out, and next morning was let off with a small fine of five shillings. A sum amounting to about LIOO has been raised for Bannerman in t\is Colony, and a subscription is being raised in Sydney.