CRICKET

Otago Witness, Issue 3769, 8 June 1926, Page 55

CRICKET

MATCH AGAINST MIDDLESEX. LONDON, May 31. The weather was warm and cloudy and Jfta wicket was good for the resumption 'o!f tiie match between the Australians >d ifaddleeex. Durston and Haig commenced the gMaek. Andrews quickly played himself 'kt, superbly pulling Durston to leg in the second over for a boundary, followed by % similar boundary off Haig, whom he also drove twice to the oq for four. Taylor sent op 400 with a lucky leg boundary off Durston. The Australians had then batted for 330 minutes. Off the next ball Taylor was caught at first slip low down. May 31. The Australians in their first innings against Middlesex made 480, Allen taking fhe last five wickets tor 63. Middlesex has lost six wickets for 233. Stevens scored the fiut century made against the Australians. The attendance at Lords today was 15,000. Andrews batted for 196 minutes. When he was 158 he was badly missed at the stumps when going out to one from Stevens. His is the best knock of the tour, crisp and brilliant, with a greater variety of trokes than hitherto. He hit twenty-two 4’s. Stevens’s bowling was poor. He was unable to find a length. Gregory and Ryder played attractively, both sending Alien to the boundary. Ryder gained many runs from neat leg glances, and then he succumbed to a magnificent ball from Allen, which swung in low. Gregory punished Haig severely, hitting him for 6,4, and 1 in one over to leg, and in the next over off the same bowler he knocked a 4,2, 4, and 6. Allen secured Oldfield’s and Grimmett's wilkets with balls similar to the one with which he dismissed Ryder. Gregory’s score included two 6’s and six 4’s. Allen’s average to-day was five for 30. Gregory and Macartney opened the bowling when Middlesex sent Stevens and Lee in. When he bad two on the board Stevens sent an apparently easy return low to Gregory, which the latter failed to hold. Gregory’s length was variable, and the ball was rising dangerously. Both batsmen played him easily, giving Bards ley ©n the leg boundary plenty of work. Neither was so sure when facing Macartney, being unable to judge his break. Grimmett’s guile was a material factor in keeping down the runs. He sent down three successive maidens to Hearne, who played safe, and was unable to get him away. Everett could not find a length, his balls mostly pitching short. Hearne dealt with the long hops effectively After tea Grimmett’s length became slacker, and the batsmen did not hesitate to take advantage. When the total was 136 hearne tried to turn Gregory to leg, but missed the ball which, removed his bails. He played solidly for two hours, and hit five 4s, giving an exhibition of clean cutting. His partnership with Stevens added 108 to the total. Stevens drove, Grimmett powerfully to the leg and off boundaries. The fielding generally was of a high order. Ryder’s pace was slow. He relied largely on the leg break. Hendren played freely. He had a lucky escape when 16. Bardsley and Andrews both attempting a catch off Macartney and colliding. He was eventually well held by Woodfull at point from a hard cut. Stevens’s batting was streaky. In his second spell with the ball Everett improved in length, which was more con eistent, but he still lacked sting. Stevens on reaching his century after three and a half hours’ batting was heartily congratulated all round The feature of the Australian innings was the number of no-balls. Over a dozen were bowled on Saturday and more to-day, some of which were sent to the bcundary. June 1. Middlesex in the first innings made 349 and the Australians in their second innings lost five wickets for 239. The match was drawn. The attendance at Lord’s to-day was 4000. While Haig did not refuse to take risks. Stevens was content with occasional singles to Bardsley at long leg or to Taylor at third man. Gregory started with a good length, but later fell off. With the board showing eight wickets for 265 Murrell joined Stevens, and with a fair slice of luck gathered in a number of 4’s through the slips. He was rather unhappy when facing Ryder, his strokes being often late. After the third century had been passed Stevens, while not abandoning caution, scored some excellent boundaries off Collins and Grimmett, Murrell following suit. This partnership was a most valuable one, and arrived just in time to save a follow-on. Stevens after being 312 minutes at the crease was unlucky in going out to a hall which previously he had played with ease. His exhibition was very solid throughout. He never gave the semblance of a chance, and hit twelve 4’s. The score was then 341. Murrell continued vigorously, but after 65 minutes of bright, punishing cricket he was bowled by a half-volley from Grimmett. He was most courageous where the majority of batsmen would have been cautious, owing to the state of the game. His score included ten 4’s.

Durston and Haig were the opening bowlers in Australia's second strike. Taylor was soon off the mark, cutting and sending Durston to leg in an attractive manner. The first over produced a 4, a 2 V and a 4, Woodfull assisting by getting two 4’s off Haig with on-drives, both of Xhich were run out. Woodfull was putting force into his drives. dimmer and AHen beqk up the attack, and the change of bownng led to

a reduced rate of scoring, both batsmen treating Allen most reepectfullv. In his second over this bowler completely beat Taylor, rooting up his off stump. The first wicket had yielded 70 runs. Allen was variable, sometimes magnificent, calling out all of Woodfull’s powers of defence. At other times he pitched short, the batsmen scoring behind the wicket without effort. Woodfull when 62 sent a very hard return to Tanner, who was unable to do more than get his fingers to it. Ryder was getting into his stride when he misjudged an off-break from Hearne, who relied mainly on a leg turn. Woodfull continued freely and delightfully. He pulled jlearne in excellent fashion. When 71 he 'survived an appeal for leg before from Lee. Oldfield when 4 gave Lee a warm but apparently easy return, which was dropped. Both batsmen proceeded to drive vigorously, Woodfull especially bringing off some forceful drives to the on. Hearne and Lee were both inclined to over-pitch the ball, and gave the batsmen plenty of opportunities to hit out, but the strokes were all along the carpet. Woodfull reached his century with a magnificent off-drive from Lee, having been at the wicket for 150 minutes. The next ball he was caught at the wicket. He had hit nine 4’s. The total was then 189. The closing stages of the innings were mostly in the nature of practice. Oldfield did the major portion of the batting. He made attractive leg strokes and off-drives. Gregory also hit out powerfully. Scores: AUSTRALIA. First Innings. Bardsley, b Hearne 70 Woodfull, c Hendren, b Durston ... 3 Macartney, c Tanner, b Haig ... 44 Collins, c Tanner, b Haig 99 Andrews, c Stevens, b Allen 164 Taylor, c Hendren, b Durston ... 14 Ryder, b Allen 22 Gregory, not out 45 Oldfield, b Allen 4 Grimmett, b Allen 0 Everett, b Allen 0 Extras 24 Tota’ 489 Bowling Analysis.—Haig, two for 160; Durston, two for 76; Tanner, none for 65 ; Allen, five for 63 ; Stevens, none for 57; Hearne one for 41; Lee, none for 3. Second Innings. Woodfull, c Murrell, b Lee 100 Taylor, b Allen 28 Andrews, c Allen, b Hearne 18 Collins, c Durston, b Tanner 2 Ryder, b Hearne 12 Oldfield, not out 43 Gregory, not out 28 Extras 8 Total for five wickets *239 Bowling Analysis.—Durston, none for 37; Haig, none for 16; Tanner, one for 27 Allen, one for 25; Hearne, two for 74; Lee, one for 48 ; Hendren, none for 4. MIDDLESEX. First Innings. Stevens, b Collins 149 Lee, b Gregory 13 Hearne, b Gregory 59 Hendren, c Woodfull, b Everett ... 19 Bruce, b Everett 6 Allen, b Grimmett 11 Mann, c Andrews, b Everett 5 Turner, c Andrews, b Gregory 2 Haig, c Woodfull, b Gregory 21 Murrell, b Grimmett 54 Durston, not out ... 3 Extras 7 Total 049 Bowling Analysis.—Gregory, four for 73; Macartney, none for 34; Grimmett, two for 92; Everett, three for 75; Ryder, none for 47; Collins, one for 21. NORTH OF ENGLAND MATCH " LONDON, June 2 The Australians began their match against the North of England to-day. The North of England team playing the Australians lias scored 40 for no wickets. The attendance was 3000. Sutcliffe was uneasy at the start, but Holmes was sounder, and obtained a number of runs past point. Ryder was keeping a good length, and started the second time with three maidens. The scoring was very slow, four runs taking 20 minutes. The batsmen made an occasional big hit, but mainly confined themselves to playing the bowling and putting little power behind their strokes. Three overs after lunch rain again compelled an adjournment, and play was not resumed. Collins, Ellis, Grimmett, Everett, and Hendry were omitted from the Australian team. Scores: team. June 3. The attendance was 10,000 when the match between Australia and the North of England was resumed. There was rain overnight, but it cleared, though later the weather was threatening. The wicket was good, but rather soft. Gregory and Macartney opened the bowling. Sutcliffe started with a leg boundary from the first ball from a full toss by Gregory, and then followed with a single each from long hops; then a boundary in the next over. When the total was 54 Sutcliffe, trying a short, quick single, was seen to be suffering from an apparent strain of the leg. After consultation with Carr and Bardsley he retired. Hallows replaced him. This partnership proved very dull, and was devoid of anything approaching enterprise. Macartney was dangerous, getting much work on the ball. Gregory was variable, some of his baljs being very good and others poor. In 25 minutes the score was increased by 3, Then Holmes pulled a 3 from Gregory and a boundary from Macartney after five successive maidens. Both became more aggressive especially against Ryder, who was expensive.

Richardson on the other hand, kept the batsmen quiet. The fielding was not up to the mark, and the throwing in was very wild. Hallows took a considerable time to play himself in, and then became attractive, driving and leg hitting, and finding Ryder and Mailey very much to his liking. He was smartly taken by Gregory in the last over before lunch. The board then read 115 for one. The resumption was sensational- Carr played Macartney in the first over to cover, and called for his partner to run. Mailey returned very smartly, and had Holmes run out. In his next over Macartney beat Why sail. Both these wickets fell without addition to the score. Watson started brightly, but when 6 gave two chances, the first to Woodfull in the slips, and the second to Richardson at silly point. Carr, after driving Gregory to the boundary and lifting a no-ball from Macartney to the top pavilion ran out to hit and was easily stumped. . Woodfull, at third slip, was conspicuous for some brilliant stops. Richardson completely nonplussed Watson, whose wicket he secured with a fine off-break. Jupp played attractively all round, but the fielding, which had brightened up, kept the runs down. He occasionally was at a loss against Richardson. Smith had great difficulty with Macartnev, who, assisted by a fast drying wicket, went through the whole gamut of tricks with the ball. Geary, when 5, gave Gregory a chance off Richardson, but the ball went to the boundary. Oldfield, behind tlie wickets, was very safe, and of the seven extras only one was a bye. Ryder maintained a good pace, but was not difficult. Smith and Geary made a good seventh-wicket stand, carrying the total from 180 to 232. Both played vigorously, but Smith was not enterprising. Geary was forceful. He cut cleanly, and was biilliant on the leg side. Larwood was run out as the result of a magnificent throw-in by Taylor, who, fielding a hit of Geary’s, just inside the boundary, found the middle stump before Larwood could get home. When the Australians went in Larwood and Root opened the North’s ack. Woodfull at 3 gave Larwood a difficult chance off Root, and had another lucky escape when 6, cocking up the ball between the bowler and mid-on; but it was not accepted. In Root’s next over Bardsley hesitated when making a hit to leg, and tamely lifted the ball to Carr, at short leg. Taylor, when 2, gave a chance to Parsons at fine leg, off Root. Woodfull was well held by Larwood on the > ound at short leg. He never settled down, and his batting was fluky. Taylor continued forcefully Mailey batted in accordance with orders, keeping his wicket intact till stumps were drawn. June 4. The attendance was 7000 when the match between the Australians and the North of England was resumed. The game was drawn. Root was destructive. He completely beat Andrews with a ball which came back in contrast to four leg breaks which preeeeded it. Ryder was shaky, and several time 3 sent the ball dangerously near the fieldsmen. Macartney got an excellent 4 off Geary through cover. He snicked the same bowler into the hands of first slip. The total was then 73 for seven. Gregory’s first ball from Root was sent to the boundary. In the next over he was badly missed by Jupp at deep cover, who failed to judge a straight drive. Geary was bowling a good length and varying his pace. After’ several maidens Gregory became impatient. He hit out at Root, missed twice, and at the third attempt skied the ball, which was held by Smith at the wicket. Still requiring 10 runs to avert a followon, Ponsford and Richardson took no chances, but played judiciously, scoring mostly singles, tiil Root sent down a noball, which Richardson hit to the boundary. Having obtained the required 10, both batsmen settled down to make runs. Ponsford was trapped by Root in the same manner that Bardsley and Woodfull had been, cocking the ball to the fieldsmen at short-leg. With Richardson he had carried the score from 80 to 104. Oldfield was magnificently taken at second slip by Carr in the first over from Geary. Root was the hero of the day, and was accorded a great ovation at the close of the innings. He relied largely on his leg turn, for which he had four fielders close in. He delivered an occasional off-break which came in sharply off the pitch. Its rarity constituted its deadliness. None of the batsmen was at home facing him. Twelve minutes before lunch Holmes and Whysall faced Gregory and Macartney. The opening was very quiet, both being content to keep their wickets intact. After lunch runs continued to come slowly, mainly at the expense of Macartney, who, when Holmes was nine, induced him to hit out, but Mailey, at square-leg, failed to accept the ball. Both batsmen continued stonewall tactics, and one hour produced 28 runs. Then Whysall knocked eight off one over from Ryder. When he was 21, Whysall sent Richardson to Bardsley, at leg, but the fieldsman dropped it. Richardson was unlucky, for in the next over Andrews let a catch pass through his hands. When the total was 54 Holmes made a hot return low to Richardson, who made no mistake with it. Holmes was rarely beaten, but he failed to make the most of his opportunities. Richardson kept the batsmen on the defensive, but more liberties were taken with Mailey. The Australians were left with eighty-five minutes to gt 212 runs. The quiet manner in which Bardsley and Woodfull opened showed that there was no desire to attempt to attain the impossible. Woodfull was beaten by Larwood’s pace, being inclined throughout to play him late. Taylor’s leg stump was rooted out first ball, and the board read 10 for two. Bardsley and Andrews livened up the game. Andrews had a life at the wicket when he was 17, but he scored boundaries off all the bowlers. Bardsley went out while attempting a quick single, Jupp, at cover,

throwing down his wicket. Andrews continued to force the game with Macartney, and batted freely till time. Andrews hit ten 4’s. Scores:— NORTH OF ENGLAND First Innings. Sutcliffe, retired hurt 35 Holmes, run out 43 Hallows, c Gregory, b Macartney ... 34 Carr, st Oldfield, b Macartney r . 14 Whysall, b Macartney 0 Watson, b Richardson 20 Jupp, c Woodfull, b Richardson ... 23 Smith, c Oldfield, b Mailey 23 Geary, not out 39 Root, b Richardson 1 Larwood, run out 0 Extras 7 Total 239 Bowling Analysis.—Gregory, none for 55; Ryder, none for 40; Macartney, three for 72; Richardson, three for 51; Mailey, one for 34. Second Innings. Holmes, b Richardson 15 Whysall, not out 47 Hallows, not out 7 Extras 8 Innings declared closed for one wicket 77 Bowling.—Gregory, none for 10; Macartney, none for 8; Ryder, none for 15; Richardson, one for 7; Mailey, none for 29. AUSTRALIA. First Innings. Bardsley, c Carr, b Root 11 Woodfull, c Larwood, b Root ... 8 Taylor, c Whysall, b Root 22 Mailey, lbw, b Larwood 3 Macartney, c sub, b Geary 15 Andrews, b Root 5 Ryder, b Root 4 Gregory, c Smith, b Root 6 Ponsford, c Carr, b Root 14 Richardson, not out 13 Oldfield, c Carr b Geary 0 Extras 4 Total 105 Bowling.—Larwood, one wicket for 29; Root, seven for 42; Geary, two for 25; Jupp, none for 5. Second Innings. Bardsley, run out 10 Woodfull, b Larwood 7 Taylor, b Larwood 0 Andrews, not out 68 Macartney, not out 20 Extras 5 Total for three wickets ... 110 Bowling.—Larwood, two for 18; Geary, none for 26 ; Jupp, none for 39; Watson, none for 22. ROOT’S BOWLING DIFFICULT. LONDON, June 4. The Australians had not played against Root before, and his line of attack was new to most of them. He is a medium fast bowler, with a consistently good length. He pitched the balls mostly on the leg stump. He breaks each way, and the batsman must play him. There is always a risk of being bowled in trying to drive him, and the tendency is to play like a rock and wait for a loose one. Root, who is no novice, knows that the batsmen are sure to try glances or to let the ball hit the bat at the risk of cocking up easy catches, therefore he has four fieldsmen close to leg—namely, one at silly deep leg, one at fine leg, one at square leg, and one just outside square leg. Every now and then he sends down a ball on the off stump, followed by a similar ball with an off break. This the batsman, in attempting to cut or drive, often finds that the ball has whipped back and taken the leg stump, or else he puts it up in the slips. “1 have never seen Root bowl better, though undoubtedly the wicket helped him, says Colonel Philip Trevor in the Daily Telegraph, “and never have I seen any side, to say nothing of a great batting side, so powerless to deal with him. One after another they waggled the bat at the ball, and were usually uncertain as to which way to waggle it. Gregory alone tried to hit hiln, but that did not pay, either.” MATCH AGAINST YORKSHIRE. LONDON, June 5. The weather was dull and the wicket easy for the match between Australia and Yorkshire. The attendance was 12,000. Collins won the toss and the attack was commenced by Robinson and Waddington. The latter, who was bowling leg breaks, had four fielders close around the batsmen as Root did at Birmingham, but Waddington had neither the guile nor the pace of Root. Nevertheless he had Bardsley cutting into the hands of the slips, Turner bringing off a fine catch at the second attempt. Andrews did not last long. He drove a no-ball from Waddington to the boundary and then sent the same bowler to the leg boundary, but in the next over he mistimed Robinson in seeking to turn him to leg. With Collins in the game slowed down. Collins was playing with his accustomed stolidity, but he snowed complete confidence. Woodfull showed unusual hesitation and was several times beaten by Waddington. He was at the wicket for 55 minutes before he obtained a boundary. Collins had then been batting half an hour for one. The score mounted slowly by singles, Collins sending 50 up for 70 minutes’ play with a fine leg glance to the boundary. In the next over Collins played Robinson to short leg, and, abandoning caution, called for an impossible run, and Woodfull was easily run out. The score was then three for 52. Collins then luckily missed being stumped by Dolphin off Robinson, going out to play a short ball and missing it. Crawford, who has the reputation of being a

right-hand fast bowler, started mediumpaced, good length deliveries. Douglas, in his fourth over, took Ponsford’s wicket. The ball pitched wide and broke in between the bat and the batsman’s leg. The dew which had been hanging heavily on the pitch was drying. Crawford, in his second over, temptedTaylor out for the same stroke as Collins missed, the batsman attempting to edge to leg a hall which broke across and took bia oil stump. Gregory immediately opened out, utilising his long reach to the fullest extent. He off-drove Douglas for 2,4, 4, and h He and Richardson followed up by scoring from five balls in Crawford’s next over. Both went to punch the bowling instead of playing back, which had proved so fatal to their predecessors. Gregory scored three from a cover shot and Richardson four from a leg stroke of a no-ball—Wad-dinglon’s first—and brought up 100 for two hours’ play. After another over with singles from Crawford, Gregory was clean bowled in attempting a huge drive. As the wicket dried Crawford increased his pace, which lie varied admirably. He was fast with a slight turn from the leg which uprooted Ryder’s middle stump—eight for 116. Richardson continued to drive in front of the wicket. Grimmett, in seeking to make an over-late cut off Waddington, was caught at deep point. Richardson, at 17, gave a difficult chance to Crawford at square-leg off Waddington. Otherwise he was safe and timing well. Ellis, at five, gave an easy chance at the wicket off Crawford. In Rhodes’s first over Richardson sent him to leg for six. Ellis was again missed at the wicket. A succession of maidens followed, Ellis , playing Rhodes with difficulty, while Richardson was on the defensive against ■ Crawford. Douglas replaced Rhodes, and Ellis immediately became aggressive, cutting him through cover to the boundary. When the score was 163, Ellis made a curious stroke. He snicked Douglas off the inside edge of the bat into Waddington’s hands, and the umpire decided the "appeal in * favour of Ellis. Waddington then clean bowled Ellis, who, with Richardson, had’ made an invaluable stand for an hour*The innings concluded at tea. Gregory and Ryder opened the Austro* / lian bowling. Collins replaced Ryder af' seven to enable Gregory and Rvder feo change ends. Ley land and Mitchell? started well, Leyland scoring with fin4\ shots on the leg side. Mitchell was un*A easy against Ryder. The batsmen werd j careful, getting occasional singles Itoola Grimmett, who, with Richardson, tooflM over the bowling. Leyland, going out to drive, was eaaito stumped. He had been warned of thy risk. Oldroyd and Mitchell took iiaffl playing themselves in and waiting f caK loose balls. Oldroyd then roused tini. crowd with magnificent drives for two four off Grimmett and then another Richardson. Scores:— AUSTRALIA. & First Innings. Bardsley, c Turner b Waddington 3 Woodfull, run out ... •«, Andrews, lbw, b Robinson ... m* Jjj Collins, c Dolphin b Crawford » w* Ponsford, b Douglas ... jf Taylor, b Crawford •«« m m* 8 Gregory, b Crawford ... wm wm m W Richardson, not out ** ~ M M Ryder, b Crawford ... ... ... jjl Grimmett, c Robinson b Waddington Iff Ellis, b Waddington ... w m *** TO Total ... ... w Bowling Analysis.—Robinson, one fotfy 27 ; Waddington, three for 45; Douglas* one for 47; Crawford, four for 38; none for 11. YORKSHIRE. \ First Innings. \ Leyland, st Ellis, b Grimmett fjj Mitchell, not out ... M *. i Oldrqyd, not out m ** *** Total for one wicket ... NEWSPAPER COMMENT. \ LONDON, June 6. v “ Coming so quickly after the tralians’ collapse against the North yester*, day’s display at Bradford rather tends tu'f destroy the belief that the visitors are ft super-side,” says The Observer. 41 Craw-, ford, bowling medium pace, varied his de« liveries in clever fashion.” Dealing especM ally with Root’s display, The Observer says the brilliance of his bowling was no. more outstanding than the feebleness of Australia’s batting. Root bowled 0; better than he has done often in countyJ matches, when he has proved m< 3 ex-\ pensive. There have been expressions of, regret that Root played before the tests.. His performance will no doubt ideas to circumvent a repetition.” , » The Sunday Express says: “ Crawford ift aged 36. He played twice for Yorkshire in 1914 and appeared in the second eleven> last year. He disguised his pace cleverly, and made the ball come quickly off th®* pitch. t RESULTS TO DATE. The following are the results of th®> matches played by the Australians to> date: Minor Counties, drawn.—Australia Minor Counties 115 for four wickets. Leicestershire, drawn.—Australia 336 r * Leicestershire 96 and 15 for one wicket. ) Essex, abandoned owing to rain.—Aus«*v tralia 538 for nine wickets Essex five for two wickets. * Surrey, drawn.—Australia 395 for nino\ wickets (declared) and 74 for two Surrey 266. } Hampshire, won by 10 wiolwts.—Aus-k tralia 371 and nbne for 33. HampshiflyT and 248. j Marylebone, drawn.—Australia My Macylebone 199 and 6 for 83. Cambridge, two for 17, Cambridge Sf!2 and KB*}

Oxford, won by an inniugs and 13 runs. Australia 321. Oxford 131 and 177. South of England, abandoned owing to rain. Australia six Tor 328. South of England 211. Middlesex, drawn. Australia 489 and five for 239. Middlesex, 549. North of England, drawn. North of England 239 and 77 for one wicket (declared). Australia 105 and 110 for three wickets. REMAINING MATCHES. June 9 Durham Sunderland June 12 First Test Nottingham June 16 Yorkshire Sheffield June 19 Lancashire Manchester June 23 Derby Derby Juno 26 Seooud Test Lord’s June 30 Northampton Northampton July 3 Nottingham Nottingham July 7 Worcester Worcester July 10 Third Test Leeds July 14 Lancashire Liverpool July 17 West of Scotland Glasgow July 21 Scotland Edinburgh July 24 Fourth Test Manchester July 28 Surrey The Oval July 31 Glamorgan Cardiff Aug 4 Warwickshire Birmingham Aug. 7 Gloucester Chelteuhaui Aug 11 G P. Schools 'Lord's Aug 14 Fifth Test The Oval Aug 21 Somerset Taunton Aug 25 Sent Canterbury Aug 28 Sussex Brighton ?,eft 1 English XL Folkestone Soft. 4 Civil Service Chiswick ‘.apt. 8 J'iioruton's XI. Scarborough Eept. 11 English XI. Blackpool Sept. 16 Palmer’s XI. Whitehaven THE LEADING AVERAGES. LONDON, June 5. The following are the leading averages: BATTING.

J. M. Gregory occupies thirty-third place ■with 15 wickets for 403 runs—an average of 26.86. CENTURIES OF THE TOUR, The following centuries have been made during the tour : W. M. Woodfull.— 201 against Essex ; 118 against Surrey; 100 against Middlesex. J. M. Gregory.—l2o, not out, against Leicestershire; 130, not out, against Hampshire. W. 11. Ponsford.—llo, not out, against jvlc.o:' ... ;;; C. G. Macartney.—l4B against Essex.' J. S'. Ryder.—loß, not out, against the South of England. T. J. E. Andrews. —164 against Middlepi’. T. S. Stevens.—l 49 for Middlesex. UMPIRING IN AUSTRALIA. LONDON, June 3. Elaborating his denial, Lord Harris stated: “What I said about umpiring in Australia lias been gravely distorted. I mentioned the subject with a view to ascertaining whether something could not be done to give the umpires more practice, because good umpiring depends upon the eye, and an 'accurate eye depends upon practice. I’stated that reports were received ’ here after the last visit that the umpiring in Australia, generally speaking arid with the exception of Crockett, was not satisfactory. The Australian representatives demurred, and said that umpiring there was as good as it is in England. I replied that I did not see how that could be, for there is not the same opportunity for practice as here. The Australians asked ray authority, which I declined to give, but said that, on information we had received. I felt fully justified in apprising th«n of our feeling in this matter, and, i-u w* conld not agree, the matter was dropped.” DBATH OF SPOFFORTH. LONDON, June 4. The death is announced of Frederick Spofforth. the famous Australian “demon” bowler. Frederick U. Spofforth had resided in England for the last 34 years. lie was born at Balmain, near Sydney, in September, 1853. Spofforth was a member of the first Australian team to visit England in 1878, when he took 108 wickets at an average cost of 11.10 runs. He played the most prominent part in Australia's first test match victory over England on an English ground in 1882 at the Oval. In the first innings when England was dismissed for 101 runs Spofforth took seven wickets for 46. In the second innings he took seven wickets for 44. In England Spofforth played for the Derbyshire and Hampstead Clubs. He made a scientific study of bowling and was a master of all paces and breaks. He obtained his wickets J*»ely by subtle variation of speed and generalship. SUCCESS OF THE BATSMEN. LONDON, May 30. 1 All the Sunday papers and week day rcicket writers are emphasising that the Australians’ run-making machine has at last revealed itself. They admit that the • Middlesex howling was by no means mediocre, hut the Australians wore it ii " r, s< lidlv arid effectually. They should,

however, have .logged it more towards the f lose of the day. Colonel Philip Trevor, writing in the Daily Telegrapli, heaps praise upon An drews, who made the best display ot the tour, with the exception of Macartney against the Marylebone Club. Andrews is stylish, if that consists of what he sets out to do without apparent effort. Collins worked for his runs hard and successfully ; likewise l Bardsley broke his spell of ill success, but he is still not at his best. ALLENS SUCCESS WITH THE BALL. LONDON, May 31. Allen, the young express bowler, silenced the criticism of his selection for the Eng lish trial. He was always troublesome, and polished off five of the Australians sensationally, the last three not costing him a run. He was howling better than on Saturday, and his pace beat the batsmen. Gregory and Everett also disturbed the stumps, which were scattered seven times during the day at the nursery end, where the batsmen were often patting the wickets. Allen was born in Sydney, and came to England in his boyhood. He is a real Cotter, hut less sturdy. The Australian howling was collared in tne Hearne Stevens partnership. Both batsmen were very steady, and looked like lasting a week. Everett was disappoint ing at his first try, but was better at his second. He needs, however, to improve. It seems clear from the match that if the wickets are good the scoring in the tests will be exceptionally heavy, and no results will be achieved. TRIBUTE TO STEVENS. LONDON, May 31. Colonel Philip Trevor, in the Daily Telegraph, says: “Stevens has the honour of the first century against the Australians. He was- coolness personified. He has been batting most consistently this season and has the temperament for a big occasion, whether batting, bowling, or fielding. Allen at first could not keep his direction or find his length, but when he got the ball under control he met with continuous success. The more his colleagues failed the more fiercely Gregory hit, being especi ally severe on Haig. Neither Hearnp nor Stevens took liberties, hut thev made the Australian bowling look innocuous.” UMPIRING IN AUSTRALIA. LONDON, June 2. Replying to press reports from Australia that at the Imperial Cricket Conference lie was alleged to have said that his information was that the class of umpiring could be improved on in Australia, l ord Harris denied that he accused the Australian umpires of being incapable, although he admits that the question was dicussed at the conference. Despite Lord Harris’s personal disavowal. it is learned that a charge of incompetence against Australian umpires was definitely made in the course of the conference. Lord Harris declared that Australians, as well as Englishmen, complained of it. Mr Smith replied that, in view of such a statement, definite instances of incompetence should be given. Following further words, Lord Harris declined to give the information asked, whereupon Mr Smith, addressing the chairman, said : “In view of no instances being given by Lord Harris, the conference can proceed with the next business.” GOVERNMENT OF THE GAME. . LONDON, May 31. The Imperial Cricket Conference fnet at Lord’s. England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, West Indies, and India were represented. The meeting unanimously adopted Mr Smith’s resolution in favour of the allotments of more than three days to the tests in England, which should be played out, if possible. It also agreed that five tests should be played as at present. It is explained that these resolutions do not become law without the Marylebone Club's endorsement. The conference decided that England will visit youth Africa during 1926-27, and South Africa will pay a return visit in 1928. England will visit Australia in 1928-29, and Australia will visit England in 1930. A resolution was carried requesting the Australian Board of Control to reconsider the proposal of reverting to the six-ball over in the tests, thus obtaining uniformity. The conference will reassemble at the Oval on July 28. ANGLO NEW ZEALAND VISITS. LONDON, May 31. On July 28 the Conference will consider the question of an interchange of visits between English and New Zealand teams. ENGLISH COUNTY MATCHES. LONDON, June 2. Lancashire: First innings, 181 (Makepeace 65; Fender, six for 146); second innings, 253 (E. Tyldesley 97). Surrey : j First innings, 276 (Shapherd 57, Fender 56, Ducat 116 ; .Sibbles, six for 93); second innings, 124 (Hobbs 49; M‘Donald, four for 35). Lancashire won by 34 runs. Hampshire: First innings, 350 (Brown 64, Mead 65, Jamieson 54, Boyes 56); second innings, 111 for no wickets (Bowell not out 52, Newman not out 50). Sussex : First innings, 126 (Wenslev 56; Boyes, six for 23); second innings, 333 (Langridge 87, A. H. Gilligan 70; Kennedy, five for 96). Hampshire won by 10 wickets. Kent: First innings, 206 (Hardinge 75: Macaulay, five for 165) ; second innings, 236 (Hardinge 60, Woolley not out 94). Yorkshire: First innings,' 242 (Sutcliffe 68 Holmes 56: Wright, four for 31); second innings, 71 for no wickets. The match was drawn. Playing for Leicester against Essex, Geary took five for 41, and Skelding five for 41 in the first innings, and Geary four for 42 and Astill five for 47 in the second innings. Leicester won. , For Worcester against Gloucester, Root took live for 90. For Gloucester, Mills

took five for 57, aud Parker four for 44. Gloucester won.

For Glamorgan against Derby, Bates scored 100 not out; Ryan took four for 47, and Mercer five for 50. Glamorgan won. For Notts against Warwick, Larwood took four for 28; for Warwick, Wyatt took four for 43. Notts won. knglandTTthe rest. LONDON, June 5. In the test trial Durston replaced Root, who is suffering from a cold. Smith and Strudwick changed sides. Fender won the toss. The weather was dull and cheerless, but the wicket was good. The batsmen were cautious owing to the superb length of Kilner aud Tate. Hearne, with classic strokes, livened up play, but he was unlucky to be caught from the shoulder of his hat. Sandham was sound, but uninspiring. After lunch, however, he was freer and maintained a uniform rate of scoring with Tyldesley, but they were . both very slow. Kilner maintained his accuracy, while the batsmen’s opportunities were further restricted when Tate and Macaulay were bowling. The crowd of 30,000 ironically cheered Sandham, who was missed when he was 30 by Allen. Then Allen retrieved his mistake by holding a good catch. The runs continued to come slowly until Duleepsmhyi commenced. He batted very confidently and gracefully, cutting and driving hard. He met frequent bowling changes with calm confidence. He gave a difficult chance when 40 to the second slip, but it was dropped. His was a finished exhibition The other batsmen were dismissed without trouble. Holmes went out in his third over, being beaten all the way. Joined by Woolley, Hobbs turned Larwood to the boundary, and followed by a clever leg stroke and two hard drives. Three wickets fell in 35 minutes and, in addition, Hobbs had two lives, being missed when he was nine and 13. Scores : REST OF ENGLAND. First Innings. Hailows, b Kilner 17 Sandham, c Allen, b Tate 34 Hearne, c Carr, b Tate 11 Tyldesley, c Smith, b Tate 17 Duleepsinhji, c Woolley, b Tate ... 51 Shepherd, c Smith, b Kilner 8 Jupp, b Tate 23 Fender, b Allen 4 Larwood, b Tate 16 Durston, b Woolley 0 Strudwick, not out ... 9 Extras 21 Total 211 Bowling Analysis.—Tate, five for 44 ; Kilner, two for *SO; Woolley, two for 15; Allen, one for 51. ENGLAND. First Innings. Hobbs, not out 13 Holmes, l Larwood 3 Woolley, c Fender, b Larwood 21 Carr, b Larwood 0 Total for three wickets ... 38 PROBABLE ENGLISH TEST TEAM. LONDON, June 6. The Sunday Times thinks that as a result of the trials it can now forecast England’s XI for the test as follows: Hobbs, Hearne, Hendren, Woolley. Carr, Chapman, Kilner, Tate, Macaulay, Root, and Smith. It adds: ‘‘We cannot go without Root, but if we play him we must strengthen the batting and play Smith (Warwickshire) instead of Strudwick.” UMPIRES FOR FIRST TEST. LONDON, June 5. Messrs R. D. Burrows and F. {'llester have been elected to umpire the first te*t. THE DURHAM TEAM. LONDON, June 4.

The Durham team to play the Australians is as follows:—Brooks (captain), Fefrett, Kinch, Dobson. Nichol, Pomains. Webster, Wright, C-arr, Howell, and Cook.

[mis. N.O. Runs. Aver. J. VT M. Gregory .. L. Hendry 10 2 5 0 435 no 87.00 69.50 W M. Woodfull 10 1 625 69.44 n. Hendren 11 4 676 67.60 Sandh&m 13 1 692 57.66 t‘ F. Shepherd .. 13' 1 683 56.91 Brown . .. 12 1 593 53.90 G. T. S. Stevens.. 11 1 527 52.70 T. J. E. Andrew 11 2 444 49.33 J. B. Hobbs 11 0 519 47.18 BOWLING. Runs. Wfcts Aver. W. Rhodes 349 40 8.72 Grcenstock 185 17 10.88 A. J. Richardson 291 11.64 T. L. Richmond 513 44 11.65 E. Tyldesley ... 412 35 11.77 C. G. Macaulay 511 41 12.46 M. W. Tate ... 678 51 13.20 H. Larwood 463 34 13.61 R. Kilner 571 41 13.93 M'Canlis 195 14 13.29 C. W. L. Parker 809 55 14.70