CRICKET.

Otago Witness, Issue 3698, 27 January 1925, Page 26

CRICKET.

THIRD TEST MATCH. ADELAIDE, January 19.

For tho third day’s play iii the 'lest match tho weather was beautifully line and the pitch and outneld were in perfect order, 'lhe attendance was large. At the start Gilligan announced that he was able to bat to-day, and that Freeman would bat even if ho had to play one-handed. Tate has had a special boot made, and will be able to bowl in Australia’s next innings. Tate (14) and Chapman (6), Saturday's not out players, opened briskly to-day, the bowling having no terrors for them. They added 59 runs for the third wicket. Chapman displayed an equal liking for Gregory and for Mai ley, getting two fours off each with beautiful drives. Tate square cut like a champion and pulled with great brilliancy. Hobbs and Sutcliffe, when they became partnered, set out to wear down the bowling. Only one run came from five overs sent down by Maiiey and Kelleway, the latter bowling three successive maidens. They took fit) minutes making ten runs, vhiio Sutcliffe had eight on the board for 45 minutes’ batting. After lunch the scoring became slightly brisker, llobbs being the quicker of the two. Arthur Richardson bowled four overs off which no riuis were scored. When the batsmen did add runs, however, they did it by masterly between-wicket running, which characterised the partnership till its dissolution, which came through Sutcliffe snicking one from Ryder to Oldfield. The pair added 90 to the score. The pitch was now showing signs of wear, the batsmen picking off pieces. In the afternoon the crowd numbered 12,000, and rain began to threaten. The spectators, recognising that tho Englishmen were engaged m an uphill fight, refrained from barracking at the slow scoring. "Woolley, with a single off Ryder, made his first run in the first innings of any match in the present series of tests. After tea came the brightest play of the day. Woolley was soon out to a beautiful catch by Andrews at cover. Hendren, starting slowly, played briskly when he got his eye in, and hit out entertainingly, getting fours off all the bowlers irrespectively with cover shots and driving and pulling. His partnership with Hobbs put on 50 in 49 minutes. Hobbs, though slower, was almost equally entertaining, making strokes with pleasing" certainty and crispness. lie had bad luck to have skimps drawn when he was 99. It was a wonderful fighting innings at a time when runs were very badly wanted. Hendren batted vivaciously and confidently, steering the ball between the fieldsmen with wonderful accuracy.

The fielding, especially that of Andrews at cover, -was good. The only chance missed was one that came to Gregory from Hobbs, when tho latter was eight—a very expensive one. The bowling was good, especially that of Maiiey, who had the batsmen thinking throughout. Tho attendance was Officially given as 18,000. The takings were £lßsl. January 20.

England’s first innings ended for 365, a much better elFort than seemed possible at first. This was mainly duo to the great batting of Hobbs (119) and Hendren (92). Play commenced in a brisk north-west breeze, clouds of dust from the mounds interfering with the batsmen. The attenddance at the start was- 8000. The wicket did not spoil the work of the fast medium bowlers, and a small patch at each end helped the slow and left-arm men. This is Hobbs's third century in three matches and the second lime he has accomplished such a feat, tho previous one being in the 1911-12 series. It is his ninth test century and his 110th century in first-class cricket. He was patience personified, occupying the crease 294 minutes and hitting seven boundaries. Ilis partnership with Ilendren added 117, and this is the fourth century partnership that Hobbs has been associated with in the present series. Hcmdren’s was a most, attractive innings. He hit out freely at anything loose, and made his rung in 193 minutes. There were eight boundaries among his hits. Hendren exploited every known shot and was particularly strong on tho pull and glide. Kilner succumbed early. Gilligan’s nine Were the result of powerful driving. Freeman contented himself with blocking so as to allow Ilendren to get runs. Maiiey was the best of the bowlers, flighting and. breaking well. Arthur Richardson took two wickets for 11 runs to-day. He bowled splendidly. Gregory, however, Was disappointing, losing pace and tiring quickly. The Australian fielding to-day was splendid. Tate, equipped with a special boot, is able to bowl as well as ever, but Gilligan is limping slightly. He is able to field but not to bowl. Freeman fielded with his Wrist tightly bandaged. Woolley’s Sydney Jeg injury is handicapping him again. Australia recommenced much better than in tho first innings. The wind chopped round to the south-west and black clouds came up, hinting rain. The batsmen chased runs in expectation of a wet wicket tomorrow' and tho Englishmen had plenty of work stopping hard drives and pulls whioh were the favourite scoring strokes. Gilligan rested Tato as often as possible, relv ing mainly on Freeman, Woolley, and Ki lner, who all bowled well. Ho was unable to bowl himself owing to his leg being still painful. Fours were of frequent occurrence mainly as the result of drives, log pulls, and cover shots. lUchardson was trapped by Woolley into giving Kilner at silly point a donkey-drop catch. Collins was beaten ends up by Freeman when ho had made 26. Taylor and Ryder, by brilliant, hard hitting, added 63 in 47 minutes before tho former was bowled for 34. He gavo a hard-hitting exhibition, including live fours. Ryder and Taylor dealt with the bowling unmercifully practically every stroke being a run getter, and tho score mounted rapidly. When Ponsford joined Ryder the scoring went merrily on, tho partnership netting 85 in 51 minutes. The attendance was 12,000 .and the takings £llOO. January 21. This has lieen a day of sensational, calamitous, inspiring play. It was sensational from a spectator’s point of view by reason of the unexpected change that caine over the game. . It was calamitous to Australia when the side lost seven wickets for 39 tuns, and i> was inspiring to the English men, since each wicket falling gave them a better chance of winning. After the match had .seemed hopelessly lost to them

yesterday’s threat of rain was amply fuifilled overnight by heavy downpours and showers.

The weather cleared during tho morning, but tho pitch was soft and the outfield heavy. After an inspection at noon it was announced that play would commence at 12.45 p.m. Curator Wright declared that the wicket would tear the inside out of the ball, and so it proved, Australia being all out in 67 minutes.

The left-arm men Kilner and Woolley bowled unchanged, swinging well and breaking right across. They nad the Australians bamboozled all the time. Their averages to-day were: Kilner, four wickets, 14 runs, 65 balls, four maidens; Woolley three wickets, 25 runs, 70 balls. _ f The wonderful reversal of Australia’s form showed fully the danger of covering wickets, which is fast developing purely fine-weather batsmen, who are dismissed easily on a pitch damaged by rain. It was melancholy to watch great batsmen —Ponsford, Ryder, Vic Richardson, and Andrews tied in knots facing slow left-arm bowling, but they were hopelessly at sea, never knowiiig anything about the bowling. Their downfall in the first over from Kilner, Ponsford swinging the seventh ball to Hendren. Woolley, at tho south end, caught Ryder off his own first delivery. Tate caught Richardson at extra cover oft the last ball of the over In Kilner’s third over Aft draws snicked the ball to Whysall at second slip. Gregory was the fifth victim in six overs, when he pulled Woo-llev to Hendren at deep square leg. Five wickets had fallen in 23 minutes for nine runs. Kelleway was the only batsman to play confidently, but no otno could stay w r ith him. The innings to-day lasted 67 minutes. The pitch improved after a heavy roller had been used, and became aii ) easy batsmen’s wicket for the Englishmen s second strike. Hobbs and Sutcliffe set out on the task of making 375, and chased runs, which came in even time, Collins suffering to the extent of three fours being hit off him in two overs. The rain cleared, and England's hopes soared. The partnership was carried on brilliantly, but a setback came when Hobbs was dismissed shortly after the tea resumption for 27. The total was 63. Hopes of victory sank lower wnen Woolley, who was batting brilliantly, was bowled by Kelleway. Hendren got Ins leg in front to the same trundler for four, and three wickets were down for 96. Sutcliffe stayed in, getting 42 in 40 minutes, shnting on by means of singles. He then gave three chances, two of being caught by Collins and Ryder, while Oldfield missed stumping him. Whysall joined Sutcliffe and played out time. England has a possible chance of victory, but it depends mainly upon a big partnership of this pair. January 22.

The third test match was at a particularly interesting stago when play commenced to-day, England wanting 242 to win. Tho wicket was slow and easy, favouring the batsmen. The attendance wa s 5000 at the start. . Rain was threatening when Sutcliffe and Whysall iesumed. The latter faced Gregory. He batted attractively, while Sutcliffe played slowly and had added only three to his overnight score when he was caught by Ponsford at mid-off off Maiiey. Chapman came in and played brilliant cricket, while Whysall was dogged, and a great partnership added 89 runs. Chapman hit out forcefully, sending Maiiey and Richardson to the on for six each He also hit eight fours. Tate was in for 17 minutes for his 21, on-hitting Maiiey for four., six, and four off successive balls. Whysall played a valuable confident innings, and went out with 75 to his credit to a brilliant catch by Gregory off his own bowling. _ , , ... The dismissal of Tato left England with three wickets with which to get 96 runs, and the excitement grew intense, ©very stroke being applauded. Kilner and Gilligan played slow defensive cricket, picking only the loose balls to hit at. Gradually they added 33. Then Kilner went out for a valuable innings of 24, leaving the last two wickets to get 63. Gilligan reduced the deficit by four, when immediately after afternoon tea heavy ram fell and play was adjourned. The Australian ground fielding was very poor, numerous runs being given away through misfielding. Vic. Richardson and Collins were the main culprits. The bowling was good, though Kelleway was giving away runs. At a critical stage he sent down six no-balls.

Play was resumed at 18 minutes past 5, the wicket being greasy and the ball cutting through. Gilligan and Freeman, batting with confidence, stayed together till stumps were drawn with the score 348 for eight wickets, ■ leaving 27 to get to win. They added 36 runs with strokes to every part of the field. Collins tried constant bowling changes, using Kelleway, Maiiey, Gregory, Richardson, and himself all unavailingly. Tremendous excitement prevailed among the spectators, now grown to 90C0, every stroke being greeted with thunderous applause. The weather conditions threaten rain overnight. Scores:— AUSTRALIA. First innings Second Innings. Collins, b Freeman 26 A. Riohardson, o Kilner, b Woolley ... 14 Taylor, b Freeman - 34 Ryder, c and b Woolley 88 Ponsford, c Hendren, b Kilneir 43 V. Richardson, c Tate, b Woolley ... 0 Andrews, c Whysall, b Kilnor ... ... 1 Gregory, c Hendren, b Woolley ... ... 2 Oldfield, b Kilner Kelleway, not out ... ... 22 Maiiey, c Sutcliffe, b Kilner ... ... ... 5 Extras *- Total -• 250 Bowling Analysis.—Tale, no wickets for 17; Kilner, four for 61; Freeman, two for 94; Woolley, four for 77. ENGLAND. First Innings. Whysall, b Gregory Tate, c Andrews, b Maiiey 27 Strudwick, o Gregory, b Kelleway ... 1 Chapman, b Gregory ••• ... 26 Hobbs, c Gregory b Maiiey ... _ ... 119 Sutcliffe, c Oldfield, b Ryder ... Woolley, o Andrews, b Maiiey Hendren, o Taylor, b Gregory - _ 92 Kilner, lbw, b A. Richardson 6 Gilligan, o Collins, b Richardson ... 9 Freeman, not out _ ... Extras ~ ~ Total •» - 366 Bowling Analysis:—Gregory, three wickets for 111; Kelleway, one for 24; Maiiey, three for 133; Arthur Richarcbon,

two for 42; Ryder, one for 15; Collins, none for 19. Second Innings. Hobbs, c Coffins, b Richardson .. .. 27 Suttliffe, c Ponsford, b Maiiey .. .. 59 Woolley, b Kelleway 21 Hendren, lbw, b Kelleway 4 Whysall, c and b Gregory 75 Tate, b Maiiey 21 Chapman, c Ryder, b Kelleway .. .. 58 Kilner, c V. Richardson, b A. RichardGilligan, c V. Richardson, b Gregory 31 Freeman, c Oldfield, b Maiiey .. .. 24 Strudwick, not out 2 Extras .. .. .. 17

Total ..363 Bowling Analysis.—Gregory, two wickets for 71; Collins, none for 19; Kelleway, three for 57; Ryder, none for 11; A. Richardson, two for 62; Maiiey, three for 126.

ADELAIDE, January 23. Australia won the third test match, retaining the ashes after 20 minutes’ play this morning Admission was free, and 15,000 people rolled up to see the final phase of the exciting match. The. weather was fine and the wicket easy.

Gilligan and Freeman had a wonderful reception, and batted confidently. The start was sensational. Gregory’s second hall was a wide to leg, resulting in four byes. The score went steadily to 357. Then Gilligan popped one from Gregory back to Vic. Richardson at mid-off when only 18 runs were required. He was accorded a tremendous ovation as be loft the field.

Strudwick lasted out the over, and Freeman brought victory closer with a beautiful cover drive for four. Strudwick got two, and only 11 were wanted to tie with Australia and 12 to achieve a win, but Maiiey with the second ball of the over had Freeman caught behind the wicket, and the,match ended amidst tremendous enthusiasm, Maiiey being carried off the field. It was the closest finish ever witnessed on the Adelaide Oval. RESULTS OF TEST MATCHES. The results of tho test matches between Australia and England are shown below:—

Of. tho 59 matches played in Australia the home team has won 34 and England has won 23, while two games have been drawn. Forty-seven matches have been played in England, with the following resultsl7 wins for England, 11 wins for Australia, and 19 drawn games. “A GREAT MATCH.” LONDON, January 22. Tho Daily Mail says: "It has been a great match, well played to the last, full of interest and spirit. One of it* best phases was the wonderfully good feeling Bhown toward the Englishmen by the vast concourse of spectators. The whole country has been

genuinely sympathetic towards our players in an unfortunate run of mishaps.” “ENGLAND THE BETTER BOWLING SIDE.” FREMANTLE, January 23. Tho one-time “demon” bowler Spofforth has arrived on a visit to Australia. Commenting on the test matches, he said that, though England was the better bowling side, Australia was better with regard to batting and nerve. Ho had always considered tho Australians better when it came to the question of nerve. Up till now they had .had more luck. Spofforth thought the winning of the toss in a test match was worth at least ICO runs. Parkin should have been included in the learn. He was the best bowler in England, and the man most likely to stop the Australians from getting set. CRICKETERS AT VARIANCE. L<sfc*i)ON, January 20. Lord Hawke created a sensation at a meeting by his reference to Parkin’s newspaper criticism of Gilligan. He declared: ‘‘lf Parkin had been a Yorkshire professional and tho committee held my views he’d never play on another Yorkshire ground. ’ ’—(Cheers.) A Voice: He shouldn’t be allowed to play for Lancashire again. Lord Hawke: It is a pity a newspaper should ask a cricketer to write a criticism of Gilligan. Everyone in Yorkshire is heart and soul with Gilligan, and sympathises with his losses and bad luck. A more popular skipper never went to Australia. For a man calling himself a cricketer to attack Gilligan is beneath contempt. Pray God no professional will ever captain England.” Lord Hawke, referring to the Australians’ proposal to draw stumps at 6 o’clock when they were in England in 1926 said that permission had only boen given for this in the test matches because he, the Hon. F. S. Jackson, and others w'ere unable to attend the Marylebone meeting to consider the matter. If the committee had adjudicated on tho question he was not sure whether 6 o’clock closing would have been permitted even for the test. The Australians might be told to go elsewhere. These matters, together with the eight ball over, must be considered by Marylebone. It was really time a definite stand was taken against these revolutionary ideas.” “AUSTRALIANS EASILY OUTPLAYED. SYDNEI, January 22. Tho Ilerald says:—“The wicket yesterday was at its worst when Australia batted, but vvas-.not by any means bad enough to account for the complete failure of the batsmen. Kelleway carried out his bat after he had made 22 out of 39 runs scored for the last seven wickets. He was the only one to show any capacity for handling the conditions. He watched the ball with scrupulous care, avoiding tne more dangerous ones whenever possible. He looked for his runs by waiting for a short one to pull and over-tossed ones to hit. The making of 22 runs in the circumstances carried as much pleasure to the batsman as many innings of three or four times the size made under favourable conditions. “The conditions of the play suited to a nicety the left-handed bowlers of the English team, Woolley and Kilner. In these two the team has the finest exponents of left-hand bowling on a rain-spoilt pitch. It was a fine performance for them to finish off so summarily the Australian innings, and one full of homely significance and suggestiveness. The wicket did not suit the Australian ‘bosie’ bowler, since, although it allowed plenty of break, this was counterbalanced by the slow rise from the pitch. It was an opportunity to show what the home bowlers would bo like on a rain-spoilt pitch, but it resulted in an impressive demonstration of the paucity of slow lefthand and medium-paced right-handers. The quality of our bowling on the whole day’s play saw the Australian side easily outplayed, even after making every allowance for having the worst of the wicket. The honours of the day undoubtedly belong to the Englishmen.” PARKIN TAKES ADVICE. LONDON, January 21. Parkin, who was present at the luncheon to the All Blacks, when interviewed, said that after careful consideration he had decided not to reply to Lord Hawke. It is learned that his cricketing friends have been advising him on the subject. ENGLISHMEN IN SOUTH AFRICA. CAPETOWN, January 21. The Country Districts Eleven in their first innings against the Englishmen made 113. Geary took six wickets for 40 runs. Tho Englishmen in their first innings made 251 (Tyldesley 92, Jameson 64). Buys took five wickets for 77 runs. The Country Districts in their second innings made 132 (Neethling 64). Kennedy took four wickets for 31 runs, and Geary four for 41. LORD HAWKE’S VIEWS. LONDON, January 20. Lord Hawke, speaking at the annual meeting of the Yorkshire Cricket Club, announced that the team’s little difference with Middlesex had been settled. Two or three persons in the past two years had unwarrantably attacked the Yorkshire team’s sportsmanship. He thought in some directions cricket needed speeding up. The tea interval, which often proved a good change bowler, ought never to exceed 10 minutes. January 21. Sir Edwin Stockton, president of the Lancashire Club, interviewed regarding Lord Hawke’s criticism of Parkin, said the whole thing was to be regretted. It was not in tho interests of sport. Tho Star expresses the opinion that Lord Hawke has forgotten that the war is over, and that England is not under martial law. A professional is not a slave, and lie has tho right to express his opinions. Parkin is freo to disouss matches in which he is not playing, the public being interested in what such a great player thinks. Jessop declares the time is coming when a professional will captain the English team. There is nothing derogatory in serving under a man liko Hobbs. Fender says ho cannot soe why the death of cricket should be presumed to follow a professional captaincy. January 22. Tho Evening Standard states that it is not surprised at tho English professionals in Australia protesting against Lord Hawke’s remarks, and soys it must be remembered that Lord Hawke’s recollection goes back to the times when nine gentlemen employed two professionals “ter what was then regarded a* the tiresome and laborious busi-

ness of bowling the other side out.” The newspaper expresses doubt whether Lord Hawke’s speech has done much harm. It considers that on the contrary it ha* probably hastened the day when a professional will lead the English team. Lord Hawke, interviewed before leaving on a holiday visit to India, refused to reply to the criticisms of his remarks regarding professionals. He said, “I don’t worry about it at all, and shall say nothing in reply.” WARWICK ARMSTRONG SEVERELY SCORNFUL. ADELAIDE, January 23. Commenting on Lord Hawke’s cabled remarks, Warwick Armstrong said: “It is just the sort of thing I would expect Lord Hawke to say,” adding that ho thought it about time Lord Ilawke got out of English cricket. lie might have done much good for the game, but ho had outlived his'Usefulness. A man more in touch with cricket matters was wanted. TIIE EIGHT BALL OVER. SYDNEY, Janifary 23. Air Smith, secretary of the Cricket Board of Control, referring to Lord Hawke’s cabled comments, expressed doubt whether some of the remarks attributed to Lord Ilawke were made by him. Regarding 6 o’clock closing, Mr Smith declared that tho Australian Board of Control never asked the M.C.C. to agree to 6 o’clock in the test matches. The request was made only in reference to county matches. As regards the eight ball over it is hard to understand what Lord Hawke meant, as the board had never asked for its adoption in England. The Australians were quite prepared to play the six ball over in England. A recent conference in Melbourne, at which the English captain and manager were present. discussed the eight ball over, but Mr Smith did not disclose the views expressed by the Englishmen on the subject, whioh will be dealt with by Marylebone after the team return to England. A letter from the Board of Control- is now en route to England dealing with the discussion in Melbourne. Lord Hawke’s attack on professionals has drawn forth considerable resentful comment in cricket circles. SYDNEY, January 24. The Herald, commenting on the cricket, says: It has been a wonderful match throughout, worthy of being classed among the greatest in the history of test cricket. The contest was waged with commendable spirit and determination on both sides, and was characterised mainly by the surprising changes in the fortunes of the game, by some memorable performances with bat and ball, by the plucky uphill fight of the Englishmen, and by the extraordinary interest ir aroused. The intervention of rain gave England a chance whioh was availed of to a surprising degree. Australia was clearly outplayed after the rain. The English fielding was better than the Australians’; so, too, was the batting. On the side of leadership and tactics the advantage was with Australia ; and so was the general fortune, apart from that of actual play. The honours of the game are very evenly divided. The margin of victory represents the difference fairly accurately, excep*. that it should have been the other way round. Though the English team was not actually successful, it deserved success. ENGLISHMEN’S CONSISTENT BATTING. LONDON, January 24* S. F. Barnes, writing in the Daily Ohroncle, says: “The shower on Thursday afternoon, though it made the wicket easier, moved fatal, as the delay prevented runs being got. Possibly, in a Similar case in this country, play would have been continued to a finish on Thursday. However, it is no good seeking excuses. Our tremendous recovery was distinctly creditable. Though the Australians thrice had the first use of a perfect wicket, England in two matches scored sufficient to win an ordinary match. The difficulty has been that Australia scored with extraordinary freedom.” The newspapers provide a cnorus of appreciation of the magnificent sportim* spirit of tho Australian crowds, and the splendid soorlsmanship of tho teams. They rejoice that England’s prowess has been regained. P. F. Warner, in the Morning Post, says: “I am terribly disappointed, but think we are quite as good as tho Australians. We thought at the outset that our batting was quite good, but it has not been consistent, and in that connection we must heartily congratulate the Australians. Our position which has been retrieved justifies optimism for 1926. I wish Lancashire would do something to restrain Parkin in his writing. He is a nice man, and an amusing fellow but he occasionally loses that loyalty and generosity of spirit which should be a common bond between cricketers. I have no objection to a man like Hobbs captaining the side, and am convinced that Lord Hawke did not intend to attack profeflsionals.” Sir Arthur Bencroft, presiding at the annual meeting of the Hampshire Cricket Club, said that as an old he regretted the attacks on Gilliiran. No more Dooular cricketter ever left England, and tho.ro nevor had been a cheerier or more aDtimistio fellow to deal with. The general oninion of cricketers was that the attack on Gilligan was ill advised. Sir Arthur Bencroft said he believed that if Gilligan had won the toss England would have been three matches up instead of throe down. The lion. 11. L Tennyson was reappointed captain of the club. LONDON COMMENTS. LONDON, January 23. Commenting on the rocenfc test matches Lord Harris says: “Wo lost by pure bad luck. It was a magnificent effort. Ido not, think there is much between the team*. It is largely a matter of the toss. The weather was on our side.” Mr Jessop says: “It was a fine effort* but tho result was disappointing. By the fifth game we will, perhaps, get as near as possible to boating the Australians.” Mr Fender says: “England did remarkably well. I think it is a great pity that having got so near we did not have a bit of luck.” The Evening Standard says: “We lost the toss, then wo lost half our bowlers, then the batsmen were handicapped by minor injuries, and bo we lost the game and the rubber. How could we hope to float am the crest of a wave in tho thirteenth game since the laßt victory, Happily that ii Dost.”

THE CAPTAINCY QUESTION. LONDON, January 23. The Standard says: “We have a most profound admiration for Hobbs and others advancing in athletic years, but we want more men of the stamp of Sutcliffe, Tate, Chapman, and Freeman. We must discover more bowlers, because none are left in England who should have accompanied Gilligan. We hope to prove our supremacy against Australia here in 1926.’ rhe Standard’s London diarist writes: ‘Nobody, at least at present, wants to

depose Gilligan. as captain, but the day when a professional will lead England is brought appreciably nearer by the opinion ot Lord Forster.” The writer adds that Warner s and Jessop’s opinion easily outweighs Lord Hawke’s. “After all,” he Boys, “Sutcliffe led troops in the field; why not cricketers?” DISTINCTION OF STATUS. LONDON, January 24. The Observer, in aa editorial, says:— •Though England was defeated the taste of defeat is not bitter. We have seen two teams play hard, unyielding, and chivalrous cricket. The Englishmen have shown qualities which another day will make them victorious. Nobody has shown a heartier appreciation of this than the Australian spectator. We regret that any provocation has been evoked from Lord Hawke’s comments, which justly raised a storm of protest. So far from believing that it will be a bad day when a professional lends England, we believe that the distinction of status of profes sionals and amateurs preserved in the score sheets end elsewhere is obsolete, and ought to disappear. We did not discriminate between the me.i who fought for England, and we should not differentiate between the men playing for her. If cricket and democracy are divorced the great days of cricket will be finished.” THE PLUNKET SHIELD. AUCKLAND v. WELLINGTON. AUCKLAND, -January 23. - The Plunket Shield match, Wellington v. Auckland, was commenced this afternoon in meal weather. When stumps were drawn Wellington, w-ho won the toss and batted “. > mane 310 runs for the loss of six wickets. The wicket was fast and in good order. Features of the afternoon’s play Were the fine performances by the Wellington Captrnn, Collins, who compiled IM, not out, and Hiddleston, who fiade 91. The third wicket partnership between these two batsmen yielded 132 runs, carrying th 0 total from 44 to 176 frollins gave a very attractive display, tatting soundly throughout and scoring with a variety of strokes. He hardly gave a chance. Hiddleston played bright cricket, and after having a couple of very narrow escapes in the early part of his innmgs, he seemed well set for the century, when ho wa s caught at the wickets. tie Auckland fielding was patchy, and wi 6 !,' Ve!e sereral mistakes. ' Wellington’s first wicket fell before double figures were reached, hut after the i tie seoolKl wicket runs came steadily and frequent changes of bowlers had little eflect. However, only at one s ~§i? did the batsmen have the" mastery. Hiddleston and Baker were the opening batsmen, the former facing AUcott who sent down the first over. Hiddleston Opened lus account with a single through if 6 .]it s ’ an d Baker with one to line leg. Hiddleston gave a chance in the slips off the first hall of Player’s over, but it was missed However, two balls later Baker was clear! bowled by Player, 4—l—l. Badcock joined Hiddleston and notched a single t 0 leg off AUcott, though he failed to connect several times with the Grafton bowler’s leg deliveries, and did not seem comfortable. Rung came slowly, mainly in singles, and the total was only 17 for a half hour’s play. Badcock, who was putting power behind his strokes floored the first boundary of the day, and with Hiddleston getting into his stride the game livened up. At 11 Badcock lifted one from Allcott to mid-off, but Horspool did not aocept the chance and a little later Badcock increased his soore to 17 by sending All- - to the leg boundary. With the total at 34, Anthony relieved Player. Hiddleston brought his tally to 17‘ by notching three off the new bowler’s first over. His partner, however, was troubled by Alloott’s swerving deliveries, and when the total stood at 44 tho bowler’s persistency was rewarded, for he got Badcock’s wicket with a good ball. 44—2—19. Play had been in progress for just on an hour. Collins filled the vifeancy, and after a quiet start batted confidently. The scoring brightened up when Smith and Sneddon relieved Anthony and AUcott. Sini til’s first over produced six runs, and Hiddleston knocked nine off Sneddon, bringing his score to 42. Collins sent the first ball of Sneddon’s next over to the leg boundary and then got six through an overthrow, making tho total 89 and his own score 20. Hiddleston had a life when he out to a ball from Sneddon and missed it. However, the ball beat the wicket-keeper, and went to the boundary. The batsman had another close call in the same over, narrowly c-scaping being run out. Hiddleston brought the century up by driving Smith for two just after Collins had sent a full toss to the boundary. Alloott came on again in place of Smith, and with Sneddon at the other end the scoring slowed down. Hiddleston roadbed his half century after nearly two hours’ play. He welcomed Player’s return by getting boundaries off the first two balls and late cutting the fourth for two. Counting byes the over increased tho total by 15. For a time Collins had more than kept pace with hia partner, but the latter, who seemed to got most of tho bowling, forged ahead. Tlie pair proved themselves adepts at running botween the wicketa. At the luncheon adjournment the total was 141, and the partnership was unbroken. Runs came freely when play was resumed. and Hiddlaston, Mho was the more aggressive, raised his scoro to 80 in a few minutes, scoring all round the wicket. Ho then knocked eight off one over from Cooper, and when 174 was on the board he had made 90. He was going strong when he touched one from Cooper and was caught at the wicket by Garrard.— 176—3—91.

M'Girr joined his captain, and runs camel frceJy. Collins reached 50 by cutting Cooper tlirough tho slips for two, and then M'Girr swung Cooper to the log boundary. Collins brought 2(X) up by driving Alloott to the boundary. A new ball wa« produced, and M'Girr 6ave a chance in the slipe off Player, but ie opportunity waa lost. Cblhp* got

the over and increased the total by 15. Collins bit a six by lifting a full toss from AUcott to the hill. With Player and Smith bowling runs came slowly for a time, but the score continued to mount, and Collins got to the sixties with a boundary off Smith, and the total was then 232. Player had been keeping the batsmen quiet for a few overs, and he finally got M‘Girr leg before, —232—4—26. Banks, the newcomer, did not last long, for after notching three he stepped in front of a ball from AUcott which brake back, and he was out log before. —237—5—6. Collins was joined, by Bernau, and, continuing to bat freely, got 85 by knocking two boundaries in succession off Player. When Bernau was 14 a good chance of running him out wa3 fumbled. Collins reached his century with a single off Cooper, and in the same over Bernau skied one to mid-off, but Smith dropped the ball. AUcott was given another turn with the ball when the total wa3 3CC, while Anthony'replaced Cooper. Anthony had Bernau in difficulties, and rent down tho first maiden over for a long rime. When Bernau was 29 he was bowled by AUcott, and stumps were drawn for the day, Collins being 114 not out-. AUcott bowlod 22 overs, talcing two wickets for 70 runs. Scores:

WELLINGTON. First Innings. Hiddleston, c Garrard, b Cooper 91 Baker, b Player ... ... 1 Badcock, b Allcott ... ... 19 Collins, not out 114 M'Girr, lbw. b Player 26 Banks, lbw, b Smith ... ... ... 3 Bernau, b Allcott ... ... ... 29 Extras .. ... _ ... 27 Total (for six wickets) 310 Bowling Analysis.—Allcott, two wickets for 73 runs; Player, tw r o for 65; Anthony, none for 16; Smith, one for 56; Sneddon,' none for 23; Cooper, ono for 51. AUCKLAND, January 25. The Plunket Shield match, Wellington v. Auckland, was continued yesterday. The attendance in the afternoon was estimated at 3000. The visitors carried their previous day’s score from 310 for six wickets to 444, Collins contributing 172. The seventh wicket partnership between Collins and Prince (one of tho colls) yielded 95. Tho home team's fielding showed a decided improvement over that of the first day. Auckland opened their innings after the luncheon adjournment with Anthony and Horspool, who rose to the occasion and made a great stand, compiling 20i before they were separated. It was a splendid partnership. Anthony made 100 without giving a chance, while Horspool scored a valuable 89. Solid bowling and smart fielding kept the rate of scoring generally slow, but the pair defied the bowling and raised the second century after three and a-half hour’s sound, careful play. Runs were very hard to get in the last half hour, during which Anthony scored only four. Horspool was the first to go, but his partner followed him just afterwards. Auckland’s score was 221 for two wickets when stumps were drawn. Wellington’s fielding was in striking contrast with Auckland's display on the first day. It vas always crisp and often brilliant. Hiddleston, who was not tried until late in the afternoon, accounted for both wickets, bowling eight overs for 13 runs. Badcock bowled 23 overs for 69 runs, and did not seem to be at his best. The weather was fine but dull and threatening in the late afternoon, w r ith a strong wind all day. Tho conditions were against tho bowlers. Collins (114) was joined by Prince when Wellington resumed batting in the morning. Though both played soundly, Allcott and Player commanded respect,. Collins gave a chance in the slips when the total was 320, and it took him 40 minutes to add 11 to his previous day’s score. Cooper and Smith relieved the bowlers, and good fielding continued to keep the runs down, but both batsmen treated the spectators to some fine driving. In Smith’s third over both batsmen sent him to the boundary, and Prince reached 25 without giving a ohance after about an hour’s play. Dacre Mas then given a turn M'ith the ball. Collins took his score to 152 but cutting Dacre’s second ball to the boundary, and a little later brought 400 up by knocking 10 off ono over from Anthony. However, he was caught at square leg by Cooper off the first ball of Dacre’s next over. 4047 —172.

James, who filled the vacancy, had a life after notching a single, being missed in the slips off Dacre, but the bowler had the satisfaction of getting Prince off his next ball, the batsman being smartly caught in the slips by Postles after a sound display. 4098 —35.

Barclay joined James and opened confidently, getting a two and a boundary off Dacro. Player, at the -other end, had James troubled, and sent down a maiden, but Barclay then stepped out to Dacre and twice hit to the boundary, raising the total to 425. Allcott came on again and Barclay skied ono and was well caught by Cooper at square leg. 439—8—20. Doneghue, the last man, square cut Player to the boundary, but in the next over Alloott got James’s leg stump and the innings closed. 444—10—13.

Auckland Went in to bat after the luncheon adjournment, Anthony and Horspool facing the bowling of Badcock and Bernau. Neither took chances, and runs came slowly Bfernau proved tho more difficult, but both batsmen started to get on to Badcock, and Horspool knocked three boundaries off him in one over. Anthony brought tho half century up by scoring nine off Bernau in ono over. The latter was relieved by M'Girr at 62, and the scoring slowed down again. Anthony Mas making some fino slip shots, while Horspool scored mainly on the leg side. Collins took the ball from Badcock at 80, and was treated with caution, Horspool in particular appearing puzzled. Runs came steadily, and Horspool brought up the century with a boundary off a no-ball from Badcock, who hod come on again. Anthony scored more quickly than his partner, and at the tea adjournment, Mith the total at 123, he was and Horspool 55. On resumption Anthony scored more freely off M‘Girr and Badcock. Collins came on acain, and Horspool, who had previously been missing him, twice cut him to tho boundary, bringing up 160. Later, howover, ho badly lailod to connect. Badcock was relieved by Hiddleston when Anthony was 90 and Horspool 72, and, with Bernau at the other end, the batsmen had to work for their runs, but the total gradually crept uo. Horspool reached 89 with a boundary off Hiddleston, and. Anthony brought the second century up with a single. Anthony was 99 when the partnership was broken, Hiddleston bowling Horspool in the first over with the new ball. 201—1—89.

Sneddon joined Anthony, and the latter trot his century with a single oft' Bernau He was caught at the wickets by James off Hiddloston before ho increased his score. m-2- 100. Sneddon and Smith plavod out time, and stumps were drawn with the total at 221. Details WELLINGTON. First Innings. Hiddleston, o Garrad, b Cooper ... 91 Baker, b Player ' 1 Badcoek, b Alleott 19 M‘Girr, lbw, b Player ... ~. 26 Banks, lbw, b Smith ... 3 Bernau, b Alleott .. ... 29 Collins, c Cooper, b Dacre ... ... 172 Prince, c Postles, b Dacre ... ... ... 35 Barclay, o Cooper, b Alleott ... ... 20 James, b Alleott ... ... ... 13 Doneghue, not out 4 Extras ... ... ... ... ... 31 Total ... .. 444 Bowling Analysis.—Alleott, 4 wickets for 86 runs; Player, 2 for 93; Anthony, none for 32; Smith, 1 for 74: Sneddon, none for 23; Cooper, 1 for 65; Dacre, 2 for 39. AUCKLAND. First Innings. Horspool, b Hiddleston 89 Anthony, c James, b Hiddleston ... 100 Sneddon, not out 10 Smith, not out ... .. ... 5 Extras ... Total for two wickets 221 Bowling Analysis.—Hiddleston, 2 for 13 • Bernau, none for 35; Badcock, none for 69; M‘Girr, none for 48: Collins, none for 27; Barclay, none for 10. Rain fell to-day, and the prospects for to-morrow are not bright. FIRST GRADE MATCHES RESUMED. After an interval of some weeks first grade cricket was resumed on Saturday, when the matches between Grange and Carisbrook, on the North Ground, and Dunedin and Albion on the Oval were commenced. Carisbrook were dismissed cheaply in their first innings, while Knight, who opened with Conradi for the opposing side, scored 101. Grange now has eight wickets down for 325. Dunedin opened against Albion on a sodden wicket, and made 121. Albion has four wickets down for 193, and Blamires is not out for 92, though had he not been dropped for a simple catch by Cherry hi 3 score would have been only two. GRANGE v. CARISBROOK. Grange v. Carisbrook met on the North Ground before a fair number of spectators. Both teams were considerably weakened by the absence of members, Carisbrook feeling this handicap very sorely. Scores: CARISBROOK.—First Innings. 11. Duncan, c Chadwick, b Galland ... 24 Gourley, lbw, b Galland 9 Dickinson, c Milnes. b Galland ... 0 Bardsley, st Chadwick, b Galland ... 0 Douglas, c Conradi, b Galland 24 Beechey, run out 7 Giles, lbw, b M‘Gregor ... ... ... 2 Allan, b Galland _ .. 2 D. Duncan, not out ... ... ... 0 Proctor, b Galland ... ... 0 Worker, absent 0 Total _ ... ... 74 Bowling Analysis.—Galland, 86 runs, three maidens, seven wickets; Conrad i. 48 balls, 16 runs, one maiden: M'Gregor, 32 balls, 12 rims, ono wicket. GRANGE. —First Innings. Knight, lbw, b Bardsley - 101 Conradi, b H. Dim can ... 55 Chadwick, b Proctor _ ~ 30 Galland, c Douglas, b Proctor ... ... 87 M'Gregor, lbw, b Bardsley ....... ... 1 Jackson, c Dickinson, b Douglas 11 Sansom, st D. Duncan, b Douglas ... 4 Milnes, not out ... 20 Collett, b Douglas M 0 Brown, not out ........... 8 Total (for eight wickets) 325 Bowling Analysis.—Dickinson, 104 balls, 82 runs; Douglas, 80 balls, 57 runs, three wickets; Beechv, 24 balls, 27 runs; H Duncan, 40 balls, 39 runs, one wicket; Proctor, 64 balls, 49 runs, two wickets; Bardsley, 40 balls, 55 runs, two wickets: Allan, eight balls, eight runs. DUNEDIN v. ALBION This match was played on the Oval, and at the end of the day’s play Albion were in a strong position, having a lead of 72 runs on the first innings with six wickets in hand. Scores: — DUNEDIN.—First Innings. Cherry, lbw, b Blamires ... 0 Strang, c Caskio, b Blamires 15 Baker b Shepherd - 5 Torrance, b Shepherd 22 Casey, c Keast, b Shepherd ... ... ... ... 13 M “Cardie, not out .. .~ Hardie, b Shepherd 1 Anderson, c Blair, b Blamires ... ... 2 Dickel, c and b Blair .. ... 15 Punch, c Shepherd, b Blair ... Symonds, lbw, b Keast .. ~ ... 0 Extras Total ... ... ... 121 Bowling Analysis.—Blamires, balls, 1 maiden, 37 runs, 3 wickets; Shepherd 72 balls, 62 runs, 4 wickets; Blair, 16 balls, 6 runs, 2 wickets; Keast, 17 balls, 8 runs, 1 wicket ALBION.—First Innings. Keast, b Torrance 18 Blair c and b Torrance ... _ Shepherd, lbw, b Torrance 4 Siedeberg, b Torrance - 1 Blamires, not out ... ... .. 92 Barron, not out ... ... ... ~. ... ... ... 53 Total for four wickets 193 Bowling Analysis.—Toi ranee, 112 halls, 1 maiden, 62 runs 4 wickets; Casey, 64 balls, 1 maiden, 27 runs; Baker, 16 balls, 10 runs; Anderson, 46 balls, 25 runs; Dickol, 40 balls, 34 runs; M‘Gordie, 24 balls. 14 runs. GAMES IN CHRISTCHURCH. CHRISTCHURCH, January 25. In the fifth round of the Canterbury Cricket Association's championship, the points now aro as follow:—Sydenham, 10; West Christchurch, nine; Linwood, sir; St. Albans, five; East Christchurch, four; Biccarton, nil.

West Christchurch v. lticearton. —The former won on the first innings by 33 runs. West Christchurch's first innings totalled 342. lliccarton leplied with 309 (A. Cox ICG. Evans Cl). Bowling for West Christchurch Cocks took five wickets for (58 runs. St. Albans v. Linwood.—The former won by an innings and 105 ru is. St. Albans had made 354 for the Joss of eight wickets in the first innings. Linwood’s first innings yielded 171 (Ccndiiffe 27. Amiitage 2G, Head (38). Bowling for St. Albans Sandman took four wickets for 81 and Martin three for 10. Lin wood were all out in the second innings for 79 (Boon 19, Read 27). Bowling for St. Albans Sandman took seven wickets for 22. Sydenham v. East Christchurch.—The former won on the first innings. Sydenham had made 219 in their lirgt innings and East Christchurch coll&pscd for 65 (Bugg 19, Gregory 22). Bowling for Sydenham Cunningham took three wickets for 25, M‘Ewin three for 14, and M‘Beth two for 18. East Christchurch did much better in their second strike, knocking up 201 for the loss of only two wickets (Gregory not out 101, Elvy 09, Blank nor out 20). SHEFFIELD SHIELD MATCH. SYDNEY, January 24. The Sheffield Shield match, New South Wales v. Victoria, commenced in fine weather on a good wicket. New South Wales sent a second eleven to field, as the other players had not yet returned from Melbourne. New South Wales in their first innings made 093 for the loss of two wickets. Hock not out 187, Morgan 87, Kippax not out 93. The batting was surprisingly good, Itock, Morgan, and Kippax giving a wonderful display. The fielding was lamentable, all three batsmen having several lives.

IN AUSTRALIA. Where English Winner. By. played. team. 1877 Australia 45 runs Melbourne Lillywhite’s 1877 England 4 wickets Melbourne Lillywhite’s 1879 Australia 10 wickets Melbourne Lord Harris’s 1881 Drawn Melbourne Shaw’s 1882 Australia 5 wickets Sydney Shaw’8 1S82 Australia 6 wickets Sydney Shaw’B 1882 Drawn Melbourne Shaw’s 1882 Australia 9 wickets Melbourne Hon. I. Bligh 1883 England ings & 27 Melbourne Hon. I. Bligh 18S3 England 60 runs Sydney (now Earl ol 1883 Australia 4 wickets Sydney Darnley) Adelaide Shaw’s 1884 England 8 wickets 1885 England 10 wicket3 Melbourne Shaw’s 1S85 Australia 6 runs Sydney Shaw’s 1885 Australia 8 wickets Sydney Shaw’s 1885 England ings & 96 Melbourne Shaw’s 1887 England 13 runs Sydney Shaw’s 1887 England 71 runs Sydney Shaw’s 1888 England 126 runs Sydney Combined Eng 1892 Australia 64 runs Melbourne Lord Sheffield 1892 Australia 72 runs 6ydney Lord .Sheffield 1892 England ings & 230 Adelaide Lord Sheffield 1894 England 10 runs Sydney Stoddart’s 1895 England 94 rnns Melbourne Stoddart’s 1895 Australia 382 runs Adelaide Stoddart’s 18yi Australia ing6 & 147 Sydney Stoddart’s 1895 England 6 wickets Melbourne Stoddart’s 1897 England 9 wickets Sydney Stoddart’s 1898 Australia ings & 55 Melbourne Stoddart’s 1898 Australia ings & 13 Adelaide Stoddart’s 1898 Australia 8 wickets Sydney Stoddart’e 1898 Australia 6 wickets Melbourne Stoddart’s 1901 England ings & 124 Sydney MacLaren’s 1902 Australia 229 runs Melbourne MacLaren’s 1902 Australia 4 wickets Adelaide MacLaren’s 1902 Australia 7 wickets Sydney MacLaren’s 1902 Australia 32 runs Melbourne MaeLaren’s 1903 England 5 wickets Sydney Warner’s 1904 England 185 runs Melbourne Warner’s 1904 Australia 216 runs Adelaide Warner’s 1904 England 157 runs Sydney Warner’s 1904 Australia 218 runs Melbourne Warner’s 1907 Australia 2 wickets Sydney Jones’s 1908 England 1 wicket Melbourne Jones’s 1908 Australia 245 runs A’delaide Jones’s 1908 Australia 308 runs Melbourne Jones’s 1908 Australia 49 runs Sydney Jones’s 1911 Australia 146 runs Sydney Warner’s 1912 England 8 wickets Melbourne (subsequently 1912 England 7 wickets Adelaide J W. H. 1912 England ings & 225 Melbourne Douglas, 1912 England 70 runs Sydney captain) 1920 Australia 377 runs Sydney Douglas’s Melbourne Douglas’s Adelaide Douglas’s 1921 Australia ings & 91 1921 Australia 119 runs 1921 Australia 8 wickets Melbourne Douglas’s 1921 Australia 9 wickets Sydney Douglas’s 1924 Australia 193 runs Sydney Gilligan’s 1925 Australia 81 runs Melbourne Gilligan’s IN ENGLAND. 1880 England 5 wickets Oval Murdoch's 1882 Australia 7 runs Oval Murdoch’s 1884 Drawn Manchester Murdoch’s 1884 England Ings. & 5 lord’s Murdoch’s 1884 Drawn Oval Murdoch’s 1886 England 4 wickets Manchester Scott’s 18&8 England Ings. A 106 Lord’s Soott’s 1885 England Ings. & 217 Oval Soott’s 1883 Australia 61 runs Lord’s M'Donnell’a 1833 England Ings. & 137 Oval M’DonneH’s 1888 England Ings. & 21 Manchester M'Donnell’s 1893 England 7 wickets Lord’s Murdoch’s 1890 England 2 wickets Oval Murdoch’s 1893 Drawn lord’s Blackhanj’fl 1893 England Oval Blackham’s 1893 Drawn Manchester Blackham’s 1896 England 6 wickets Lord’s Trott’s 1896 Anstralia 3 wickets Oval Trott’a 1893 England 66 rnns Manchester Trott’s 1899 Drawn Not’ngh’m Darling’s Lord’s Darling’s IS?'* Anstralia 10 wickets 1893 Drawn Leeds Darling’s 189:3 Drawn Manchester Darlings Oval Darling’s Bir’gh’m Darling’s Lord's Darling's Sheffield Darling’s 1899 Drawn 19'2 Drawn 1902 Drawn 1902 Australia 143 runs 1902 Australia 3 runs Manchester Darling’s 1902 England 1 wicket Oval Darling’s Not’ngh’m Darling’s lord’s Darling’s Leeds Darling’s 1905 England 213 runs 1905 Drawn 1905 Drawn 1905 England Ings. A 80 Manchester Darling’s Oval Darling’s 1905 Drawn 1909 England 10 wickets Bir’gh’m Noble’s Lord’s Noble’s 1909 Australia 9 wickets 1903 Australia 128 runs Leeds Noble’s 1909 Drawn Manchester Noble’s 1909 Drawn Oval Noble’s 1912 Drawn Lord’s Gregory’s 1912 Drawn Manchester Gregory’s 1912 England 244 rnns Oval Gregory's Not’ngh’m Armstrong’s Lord’s Armstrong’s 1921 Australia 10 wickets 1921 Australia 8 wickets 1921 Australia 219 runs Leeds Armstrong’s Manchester Armstrong’s 1921 Drawn 1921 Drawn Oval Armstrong’s