NOTES BY LONG SLIP.

Otago Witness, Issue 2674, 14 June 1905, Page 58

NOTES BY LONG SLIP.

The latest issue of Cricket contains "some

The latest issue of uricket contains some notes about A. Cotter, the Australian fast powler," with the opinions of seme of his fcrifcios. An extract: "It will be a vast disappointment to all of us if Cotter does not turn ovub to be something quite out c-f jfche common; if he proves to tie a star among bowlers he will have a triumphant progress which F. R- Spefforth or C. T. B. Turner might envy. In a few weeks, perhaps "in a few days, we shall all have made up our minds as to his abilities." The formation, of the Australian Board bf "Control is -causing, much trouble in Tic- ' Ipria, owing to vested interests being affected. The strong Melbourne Cricket Dlub naturally (says a Sydney writer) docs - Hot appreciate having its power taken from at, and there is talk of ii seceding from the "Victorian Cricket Association. South - Melbourne and Richmond are also said in have decided on the same procedure. The Association only needs to be firm, and all fine troubles v will be .surmotrated, for the bfficials have the best end of the stick. The Australians, according to the MornSng Leader, appear to Lave had a narrow fescape from missing their boat to England bom America, their on the Canadian Pacific being late. ~ They had a two-mile drive aoioss New York, but reached the vessel with 20 minutes to spare. Mi'AC Noble, who was interviewed before leaving for -England, was eloquent on every theme except cricket; and wild horses could toot induce him to discuss the team^or its torospects. He declared witih great emphasis that no meinbsr of the combination would be allowed to comment on any match in pay English newspaper during the tour, no ' Snatter what printed criticisms might he Indulged in by prominent Englishmen. A. J. Hopkins is reported to have made pome comments. Those who know how droll Hopkins can be will be amused by his seeming seriousness in comparing the pace of Cotter and Turner: He thought the present team would challenge comparison ■with any combination Australia has ever Bent. He had great hopes of the- destructive power of Cotter, who was faster than "Charlie" Turner. Trumper bad an average for the Australian season approaching three figures. He was undoubtedly the meet graceful and punishing bat who had ever visited English shoras. Then he discussed the question of a representative England eleven, and was . of opinion that a team in the following order of going in would be hard to beat: — Hayward, A. O. ' Maclaren, Tyldesley, O B. Fry, Hon. F. -— -». Jackson, K. -S. Ranjitsinhji, G. L. Jessop, Hirst, Gunn (J.), Lilley, and Rhodes, assuming those men were still at tip-lop form. B. J. Bosanquet, added the Australian, had a sensational reputation in Australia, but he did not know whom he

could replace. The Australian match against Oxford recalla the great feat performed by H. H. Massie in 1882 (says "Shortslip"). There were many who thought ."Mass" would be a failure on* English wickets. When the -Bows of his great score was received, quite a sensation was caused. He scored 206 oufc of a total of 265 put cm while he was at the ■wickets, and made his second hundred while his companions obtained 12. In fche second venture the brilliant "off-driver" obtained 46 not out, or 252 for once out. E have usad the words "off-driver." What a driver to the off Massie was ! I have been at the other end, and have seen many pf his brilliant strokes and innings, and I have seen a man fielding close to the boundary, knocked down by his terrific drives. Twice I was in with him when he got six fours in succession, and I have looked on in amazement at his wonderful strokes. ' The pitch of a ball was little to him. He made his stroke like greased lightning while the ball was in the flight after it had left the ground, and to fairly-well pitched up deliveries too. It was an extraordinary stroke, and I have seen but one man approach H. H. M. in the making of It. and he is Victor Trumper. Massie was different from other great hitters, inasmuch as he seldom lifted the ball and never hit it out of the ground. His strokes were mostly low, skimming ones, "daisycutters." How that b"af of his used to swing! .And what a peculiar hit he had over third man's head. Some used to think it was a fluke, but it was done too frequently for that. I fancy I can see him now with his left toe pointing heavenwards at an angle of 45deg. But his pose was quickly gone. How supple were those wrists of his, and how wiry was he all round t In those days we had no professional training. After 15 minutes at the nets I would rub him down, and he would do the same to me. Bowlers of the clubs would drop the ball and take a place in the field when he was about to have his knock at the wickets for practice for intercolonial matches, and those who did bowl at him were mighty quick in seeking the Iriendly protection of the adioining net after having deliverea tK« ball and before Massie

had time to drive it straight back. I remember stepping with Mr Phil. Sheridan one of the hard Hitter's off drives. The wicket was just in front of the present secretary's office, and the ball dropped at the end of the grand stand. I forget now what distance we made it, but it was at great hit. The following are the batting and bowling averages of the Australians at the termination of the match against M.C.C. and Ground;—