CRICKET

Otago Witness, Issue 3755, 2 March 1926, Page 65

CRICKET

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SOME AUSTRALIAN AVERAGES. One can not wonder that there his been some dissatisfaction regarding the selection of the Anstralian team when the following first-class averages for this season are considered BATTING.

TALL SCORING. The number of runs scored in the last match between New South Wales constituted a record. The particulars are as follows New South Wales. First innings 642 Second innings 593 Total 1235 South Australia. First innings 425 Second innings 219 Total 694 In “Wisden’s” list of highest aggregates in first-class matches are the following over 1700 runs:— 1911 for 34 wickets—New South Wale? v. Victoria, at Sydney, 1908-9. 1905 for 40 wickets —Otago v. Wellington, at Dunedin, 1923-24. 1753 for 40 wickets—England v. Australia, at Adelaide, 1920-21. 1744 for 40 wickets —New South Wales v. South Africa, at Sydney, 1910-11. 1739 for 40 wickets—New South Wales v. England, at Sydney. 1897-8. 1716 for 40 wickets—New South Wales v. South Australia, at Sydney. 1907-8. THE PLUNKET SHIELD. The Plunket Shield will rest for at least a year at Wellington. Auckland were well and truly beaten. Wellington batted two very good innings, the high scores being mainly due to two magnificent double centuries by Kortlang and Hiddleston. In all 1130 runs were scored in the match. Good bowling kept Auckland’s scores down. Badcock put up a fine bowling performance in Auckland’s second innings, taking seven for 55. It reminds one of his great work against Canterbury. There is no doubt that Wellington had a fine team this season, and have won the shield on their merits. Every team has won a match on its own ground. Notes. There was an unusual ending to a cricket match between two teams at Whiporie, in New South Wales. Maher’s team batted first and compiled 55 runs. Brown’s team replied with 20, and following on scored 41 in the second innings. Thus Maher’s team required only seven runs to win, but the whole of the batsmen were dismissed without scoring a run. As a batsman Roger Blunt has been before the cricketing public of New Zealand for a good many years now, but it is only lately that he has shown outstanding form as a bowler. Before he went on the Australian tour this season he was not regarded as more than good for a change attack. On the Anstralian tour his bowling met, with a success that came as a surprise to followers of the game here. He finished up with the best average of the tour, taking 40 wickets for 901 runs, an average of 22.52. It was in the second match of the tour, that against Goulburn, that Blunt showed what he could do with the ball. In the first innings of this match he took six wickets for 25 runs, and in the second six for 72. On the first Saturday that Blunt, played fn club cricket in Christchurch after his return from Australia, he did the “bat trick” against Riccarton. Against Linwood he took five wiokets for 53 runs. At least one Australian team for England sustained a change after it was kicked (says a Sydney Bulletin writer). That was 30 years ago, when Clera Hill, who had failed to catch the eye of the selectors, wound up the season in such a blaze of glory that public opinion insisted that he could not be left out. The difficulty was got over by putting him in the place that has been assigned to Jack Harry (Victoria) and paying the latte: £IOO (I think) as compensation for his blasted hopes. Public opinion is probably as strong to-day about the injustice to the man —and the injury to the side—wrought by the non-inclusion of Kelleway, but what between a Board of Control that professes its inability to interfere with the selectors’ choices and selectors who cannot be expected to admit that they have not picked the best team available, it looks as if miblic opinion will have to lump it. C. G. Crawford is a young batsman who has shown a great deal of promise, and if he goes on improving a lot should be heard of him in the future (says the Christchurch Star). He made the Australian tour with the JNew Zealand cricket team (his year, his best effoit being 121

in the last match of the tour. Against South Australia he made 23 not out in the first innings, but in the second he was dismissed for three. Against Victoria he made 5 not out and 0. He din not play in the other tests. He came fourth on the list of averages for the tour with 48.60. Crawford is a member of the St. .ibans Club, and he is one of the mainstays of its senior eleven. He has represented Canterbury on several occasions. Crawford learnt his cricket at the Christchurch Boys’ High School.

“It is the clock that wins tests,” said the London Evening News, “and England should pick its team accordingly. The Australians in 1921 scored 80 runs an hour compared with England’s 60. Therefore, it is essential that England shall use her best forcing bats— Calthorpe, Parsons, San tall, Fender, Peach, Chapman, and Carr. Dare the selectors substitute them for recognised players who can be trusted to force a draw in a three-day match Otherwise we must get wicket 9 more quickly. Can England find bowlers capable of dismissing the Australians twice in nine hours? Men Tike Darling, Noble, Hill, Trumble, and a good many others were out of firstclass cricket at about 36 years of age. Fast and medium pace bowlers like Richardson, Lochwood, Trott, Lohmann, Attewell, Turner, and Palmer had lived and moved, and had their being on the fields of renown before they had reached the age of 35.

ENGLISH SELECTION COMMITTEE. LONDON, February 24. Mr P. F. Warner (chairman) with Messrs P. A. Perrin and A. E. R. Gilligan have been appointed the Test Match Selection Committee. They will co-operate with two professionals, probably Hobbs and Rhodes. THE AUSTRALIAN TOUR. MELBOURNE, February 27 The members of the Australian XI to tour England assembled in Melbourne and after a luncheon by the Governor-General proceeded to Tasmania. MATCH AGAINST TASMANIA. HOBART, February 28. The Australian XI for England commenced a match against Tasmania at Launceston on Saturday. Tasmania hatted first and made 104. (Davis 37). The Australian team has lost three wickets for 187 runs. (Ponsford 62, Macartney 66, not out). ENGLISH SELECTION COMMITTEE LONDON, February 25 Messrs Warner (chairman), Perrin and Gilligan will form the selection sub-com-mittee. The resolution adds that they shall consult the two professionals, and shall appoint a captain, who shall have a cast i»i jt vote. CAPTAIN TO HAVE CASTING VOTE LONDON. February 24. The selectors will first choose a captain who will then be a member of the Selection Committee and have a casting vote. The professionals wlil have full oowers. M.C.C. TEAM IN WEST INDIES. GEORGETOWN, February 23. The return match between Marylebone and Demcrara was drawn. Marylebone in the first innings made 385 (Hammond 111), Calthorpe 64). Demerara replied with 348 (Fernandes 120). Marylebone in the second innings had made 124 for two wickets. ALLEGATIONS OF INTRIGUE. LONDON, February 25 The committee of the Marylebone Club met behind double closed doors with five attendants on duty outside. Admiral de Robeck, who presided, drew attention to the press statements regarding the so-called “hanky-panky” which was alleged to be going on and in connection with which it was alleged that ’nrylebone was arranging things beforehand. He assured the meeting that nothing of the kind had taken place and then read the minutes of a meeting held on Feb.uary 8, at which it was decided to give the Marylebone representatives on 'Jie Bop rd of Control a free hand A county representative at the meeting to-day thereupon moved the following; motion which was earned unanimously: “That the 10 county representatives on the Board of Control repudiate all suggestions that any scheme for the composition of the Selection Committee was prearranged, the representatives baing in structed to avoid discussion among themselves, but to be guided by the discussion at the meeting.’’ Colonel Philip Trevor, writing in the Daily Telegraph says: “The choice of the Selection Committee is a wise one. Experts know that Mr Perrin is one of the soundest judges of batsmen in the world. The decision to add two professionals dispenses with the canard that the Board of Control or Marylebone desire to ignore professional opinion.” Colonel Trevor hopes that the selectors will immediately co-opt the professionals and that the five will then decide on a definite policy which should be match winning, not mere match saving. When a team is chosen the Selection Committee should regard its duties as over until next time and not talk to the man at the wheel. The Morning Post says: ‘Mr Warner’s literary activities will not debar him from giving England the benefit of his large experience. Mr Perrin is also a consummate judge of form.” WELLINGTON v. AUCKLAND. WELLINGTON. February 23. With two wickets down and still requiring 604 runs in order ip register a win, Auckland continued thoir second innings against Wellington to-day in fine weather. A strong wind blew across the ground. Player (8) and Anthony (0) faced the bowling of Badcook and M'Girr. Player reached double figures with a couple of singles In M'Girr’s first over Anthony played a ball on to his wicket. 31 — 3 — 1. Snodden filled the vacancy, and opened with a boundary shot off Badcock, but was

dismissed shortly afterwards by a brilliant left-hand catch by Kortlang off Badcock. 89-4-6. Prater was next, but soon lost Player, who gave Kortlaug his second catch off Badcock. 42—5—15 The next man to go to the crease was Allcott. Frater opened out to Badcock, and drove him for four. A lucky four to Allcott brought 50 up. Frater was bowled by Badcock when he had scored five. 53—6—5. Dacre filled the vacancy, and Allcott livened matters up by driving M'Girr for four. Dacre failed to get going, Hiddleston taking a good catch in the slips off Badcock. 67 —7—2. Smith next took the crease, but he, too, had a short stay, being caught by Henderson off M‘Girr. 68—6—1. Cooper followed. Allcott continued to shape well. At 81 Henderson replaced M'Girr, and James dropped Allcott off his first ball. In opening out to Badcock, Allcott lifted the ball to Dempster, who took a good catch. 96—9—37. Rountree was last, and succeeded in bringing up 100 after two hours. The innings closed for 118. The following are the scores: WELLINGTON. First innings 447 Second Innings. M. Henderson, lbw, b Anthony .. 9 K. C. James, c Rountree, b Anthony 17 J. S. Hiddleston, st Rountree, b Anthony 204 B. J. Kortlang c Dacre, b Snedden .. 18 C. S. Dempster, c Frater b Snedden 27 D. C. Collins, c Dacre, b Anthony .. 9 H. M'Girr, c Rountree, b Snedden .. 35 F. T. Badcock, c Frater, b Snedden .. 10 E. M'Leod, run out 20 11. Lambert, lbw, b Player 0 W. S. Brice, not out .. .. .. .. 0 Extras 19 Total 374 Bowling Analysis.—A. Player, one wicket for 43 runs; N. C. Snedden. four for 28; C. Allcott,. none for 62; A. Anthony, four for 60; S. G. Smith, none for 47; J. Cooper, none for 24; C. C. Dacre. none for 21. AUCKLAND. First innings 191 Second Linings. Mills, c M'Girr, b Badcock 10 Gillespie, b Badcock 8 Player, .c Kortlang, b Badcock 15 Anthony, b M'Girr 1 Snedden **c Kortlang, b Badcock 6 Frater, b Badcock 5 Allcott, c Dempster, b Badcock 37 Dacre, c Hiddleston, b Badcock 2 Smith, c Henderson, b M'Girr 1 Cooper, not out 13 Rountree, c M'Leod* b M'Girr 13 Extras 7 Total 118 Bowling Analysis.—Badcock 7 wickets for 55 runs, M'Girr 3 for 37 Henderson none for 19 J. S. Hiddleston, in compiling his -double century yesterday, placed 10,000 runs to his credit for senior club and representative cricket. His aggregate now stands at 10,014 runs. The distinction of having a five-figure aggregate of runs has also been gained by K. H. Tucker, Wellington, the sole selector. SHIELD POINTS. Wellington and Auckland are on level terms in the matter of shield match wins this season, each having obtained two Wellington, however, secure possession of the trophy by reason of a much bette** net average than that gained by Auckland The averages are obtained from the following scores:— WELLINGTON v. CANTERBURY. 497 for 10 37 for 10 128 for 10 WELLINGTON v. OTAGO. 270 for 10 239 for 10 150 for 10 182 for 5 WELLINGTON v AUCKLAND. 447 for 10 191 for 10 374 for 10 118 for 10 TOTALS. For , Against. 1738 for 50 895 for 55 AVERAGES. For 34.70 Against 16.27 Net, 18.49. AUCKLAND v. OTAGO, 333 for 10 131 for 10 274 for 5 472 for 10 v. CANTERBURY. 410 for 10 423 for 10 287 for 10 248 for 10 v. WELLINGTON. 191 for 10 447 for 10 118 for 10 374 for 10 TOTALS. 1(519 for 55 2095 for 00 AVERAGES. For 29.43 Against 34.91 Minus 5.48. Tlie figures show that Wellington have come through the Shield matches this season with an advantage of 23.97 runs per wicket over Auckland. LOCAL MATCHES POSTPONED. Owing to the weather which prevailed on Saturday jfternoon it was found necessary to postpone the local cricket matches. AUCKLAND GAMES. AUCKLAND, February 27. The Auckland Cricket Club championship matches were continued this afternoon on slow wickets and in dull weatht. The conditions favoured the bowlers, and the scoring was low. Parnell failed badly in an attempt to reach University's first innings score of 328. being dismissed the first time for 88 runs. Following on, they made a much better show by virtue of bright cricket by Badeley (72) and Broberg (46, 75), and were disposed of .or 196, University thus winning by an innings and 75 runs. Grafton having 162 runs on for three wickets in reply to Lden’s fifst innings of 184, had no difficulty in getting the lead on the first innings, forceful batting by Wilson for 49 being chiefly responsible for their innings going to 292. In their ueoond innings Eden collajpsed.*and were all out for 45, Grafton winning by an innings and 63 runs. Allcott put up a remarkable bowling performance by taking six wickets for seven runs. North Shore scored a two point win over Ponsonby, and on the first dav declared their innings olosed at four wickets for 411. Ponsonby made only 140 in the first innings

(Sneddon 49), and in the second made 24 for no wickets when stumps were drawn WELLINGTON COMPETITIONS. WELLINGTON, February 28. The cricket clubs’ championships were continued yesterday. Rain fell at 4 o’clock and interfered with play, and in some casco stumps were drawn earlier than usual Thorndon lost two wickets for 160 against Old Boys, Roberts (71) being top scorer for Thorndon. Phillips (46) and Kortlang (33, not out) also batted well. Wellington had five wickets down for 175 against Midland, Benton being top scorer with 44. The other principal scorers were Monkhouse (39, not out), Badcock (32). Airey (not oot out 24). Kilbirnie scored 229 (Eaton 69, Bramley not out 55. Algar 38), against University, who lost two wickets for 67. Bowling for University, Greig took three wickets for 29, M'Kay three for 69. and Lees two for 28 Petone compiled 124 (H Nicholls 23, Brice 22, Capstick 18. Hatnil ton 18, Patrick 17), against Institute who had one wicket down tor 54 (Dempster 30) Bowling for Institute, Massey took six wickets for 65 and Malcolm two for 46. Hutt scored 227 (Aldersley 67, M'Girr 42. Cobcroft 27 not out), against Y.M.C.A., who have lost five wickets for 78 (Virtue 36). Bowling for Y.M.C.A.. C. Murphy took three wickets for four. White three for 49, and Almas two for 24). CHRISTCHURCH MATCHES. CHRISTCHURCH February 28. The eighth round of grade matches com menced yesterday afternoon, but drizzling rain stopped most of the games before the proper time for drawing stumps. In the match St. Albans 'v. East Christchurch. St. Alban’s, batting first, bad the use of an excellent, wicket and ran up 293 for six wickets. The principal scorers being Woods 60, Crawford 37, Reese 43. Brunton 36, North (not out) 44. and Doreen 47. Riccarton batted first and made a poor start against Linwood, but eventually ran up a soore of 359, Gorrie compiling 36, Haines 83. Robertson 49, Gibbs 33. and Grenfell 68. Bowling for Linwood. Read took four wickets for 140, Talbot three for 79, Kennedy two for 62. In the match against Sydenham, West Christchurch had first use of the wicket and had compiled 240 for eight wickets when stumps were drawn, the principal scorers being Blunt 71 and Jarrett 98. MATCHES IN AUSTRALIA. SYDNEY, February 28. In Saturday’s grade cricket Kippax, for Waverley, made 110; Dwyer, for Mosman, made 126; Vincent, for North Sydney, 106; Seddon, for Petersham. 101 (not out); and O’Neill, for Paddington, 101. Playing for South Melbourne, Kenny made 149 (not out).

In. N.O . H.S. Rune Avfr. C. Kelleway 7 1 145 582 97.00 A. Ratcliffe 3 0 128 273 91.00 A. F. Kippax •• H. L. Collins .. 8 1 271 585 83.57 8 0 143 654 81.75 0. G. Macartney.. W. M. Woodfull .. 8 10 0 0 114 236 566 650 70.75 66.00 "W. H. Ponsford .. 9 1 158 520 65.00 6 0 151 318 63.60 J. M. Taylor .. 4 0 95 248 62.00 H. L. Hendry 11 •2 325 539 59.88 15 0 097 827 55.13 W. Bardsley 7 0 159 353 50.42 J. M. Gregory .. 5 0 100 246 49.20 W. A. OMfield .. 9 2 129 339 48.42 T. J. Andrews 7 0 98 332 47.42 6 0 96 237 39.50 Y. Y. Richardson 15 0 107 589 39.20 H. S Love .. 10 0 115 324 32.40 J. Ryder 10 0 95 316 31.60 1). M. Pritchard .. 14 0 167 441 31.50 0. V. Grimmett .. 15 1 57 368 26.28 S. Everett .. .. 1 19 44 11.00 A. A. Mailey 8 2 15 30 5.00 BOWLING. Runs. Wlrts. Avar. C. G. Macartney 406 20 20.30 S. Everett .. 541 25 21.64 K. K. Oxenham 306 14 21.85 A. J. Richardson 672 29 23.17 D. Blackie 610 20 30.50 J. D. Scotr. -t * 1022 32 31.93 C. V. Grimmett 1630 50 32.60 J. M. Gregory .. ~ 530 1012 13 25 40.76 40.48