CRICKET.

Otago Witness, Issue 1581, 4 March 1882, Page 20

CRICKET.

MURDOCH'S SCORE.

The following is from tho report in the Australasian of the Intercolonial match :—

"It is, however, a long lane that has no turning, and at last, after haying been at the wickets for nine hours, during which he had given an exhibition of batting quite equal to, if not better than, any ever before seen, the genial skipper of the last Australian Eleven had to depart, caught at fino short-leg by Blackham off a head ball from Horan, who had just been put on vice Baker. Those who had the pleasure of witnessing Murdoch's magnificent performance will not easily forget it. Such an innings may never again bo seen in these parts, and it is not too much to say that all Australian;! ought to feel proud of Murdoch's wonderfully good scientific display. He seemed almost as fresh at the finish as at the start, and never lost his coolness, his patience, and his impregnable defence. Batsmen, as a rule, are apt to hit out somewhat recklessly when they are fortunate enough to reach the century ; but it can be said of Murdoch that his first hundred, hissecond hundred, and his third hundred were obtained by masterly cricket. He gave two chances— one on the first day to Turner off Palmev at 117, and one to-day at 210 to Cooper at point off Baker. So pleased wore the New South Welshmen with Murdoch's great achievement that in vory quick time after his departure from the wickets about 150 sovereigns were collected with which to present the champion with a fitting testimonial in recognition of his prowess. What has been saia of Murdoch in this report might, tudcr ordinary circumstances, be considered fulsome praise ; but as the present civevim star cos nee extrasvdin;uy. so, ton. should be tho pruiso awarded; and all that lias Ueou said hardly conveys the

writer's deep appreciation of Murdoch's artistic, graceful, and elegant and truly brilliant display. It is not alone for his sterling cricket that Murdoch is to be commended. It is due to his sound advice, his coolness, and his judgment that Jones and Garrett made their fine scores of 109 and 75 (not out) respectively. Jones, when he came in, was inclined to step out to Cooper, and had it not been for Murdoch's emphatic instruction to stay at home, the colt would assuredly have lost his wicket early in the game. A similar remark will apply to Garrett, who never played a steadier game. Thanks to Murdoch, he curbed his propensity to hit, and showed strong defence, and though , he gave the chances already mentioned, his contribution so far, of 75 (not out), may be set down as the outcome of very fair cricket. The state of the board when Murdoch retired was something worth noticing in the chapter of cricket curiosities — namely, 6—326 — 321 — 572. Cheer after cheer went up as the figures came into full view, and some minutes elapsed before the great enthusiasm subsided."

MORE TALL SCORING.

In a match Richmond v. St. Kilda, played in Melbourne on February 18th, the former team amassed a score of 647 for the loss of eight wickets. S. Morris was bowled for 280, the highest score ever made in Victoria, obtained by sterling cricket. Smart scorea 118 and Lear 97.