CRICKET

Otago Witness, Issue 3773, 6 July 1926, Page 53

CRICKET

THE AUSTRALIAN TEAM SECOND TEST DRAWN. HONOURS WITH ENGLAND. LONDON, June 27. In the Second Test the Australian first innings closed for 383 and England has none down for SO. On arrival at the ground it was found that there had been some interference with the wicket by the application of water, f June 28. When play was resumed in the second Test the weather was fine and warm—the first spell of summerlike weather of the tour. The wicket was good. The attendance was 33,000. An extraordinary occurrence was noticed when a groundsman, arriving at Lords at 4 o’clock in the morning, found that a hosepipe had been turned on a patch 15yds in diameter and about 20yds from the pitch. This patch was saturated requiring treatment with sawdust. It was further found that the water had been ruu down over the wicket, and had left a soft spot in the middle of the pitch. A heavy roller had to be applied prior to the resumption of play on what should have been a plumb wicket. The bowling ends were not affected. Attention to the pitch resulted in the start being lu minutes late. When play was resumed Australia had eight wicuets down for 338 (Bardsley 173 not out). Oldfield received the first ball from Tate, who, with Larwood, opened the bowling. Tate’s first ball gave a boundary in lejfbyes, and his second was neatly turned to leg for a single. In the third over Carr appealed to the umpire on account of the condition of the ball. The appeal was upheld, and another IaII, more or less equally worn, was used. In the same over Bardsley received a nasty blow on the fingers from Larwood, ecessitating his retirement for medical attention, thus causing a second interruption. Kilner replaced Tate at 353. Kilner with his second ball missed an easy return from Bardsley, who was 177. In the next over Bardsley scored his first boundary of the day. Oidfield was quick on his feet, and gathered in some attractive leg singles before he opened out against Tate, sqnaTe. cutting him for three and then sending him to the leg boundary. ““ Kilner was not difficult, and in one over he was finely cut by Bardsley for three, and was then cut by Oldfield to the boundary. The next ball slipped out of Kilner’s hands' and went above Oldfield’s head. Nevertheless, Oldfield, for some inexplicable reason, hit the ball, and gave Sutcliffe an easy catch. Nine for 379. In the next over Mailey scored a single and Bardsley three off Kilner, but the third ball had Mailey leg before. Kilner during the morning took two for 21. Bardsley received an ovation. He wa3 somewhat shaky during the morning, and had luck in a number of lives, but he gavo a superb exhibition. The bulk of his scoi. ing strokes were in the slips and on the leg. He hit thirteen fours, eight threes, and 23 twos. In only two previous Teste has a player carried nis bat through an innings—namely, Barrett (67), at Lords in 1890, and Abel (132), at Sydney in 1891. Gregory and Macartney opened the attack to Hobbs and Sutcliffe. Hobbs opened his score by cutting a full toss from Gregory for three, Sutcliffe following Buit in the same over. Andrews was early prominent in the field, smartly preventing boundaries and returning the ball excellently. The batsmen proceeded to lit brightly, Hobbs placing Gregory well in front of the wicket. When the score was 25 an exciting episode occurred. Sutcliffe blocked one from Gregory, and started for a stolen run at the call of Hobbs. Gregory, running alongside Hobbs, kicked the ball into the wickets, but Hobbs got home. Gregory was bowling at a good pace, but was a trifle erratic. Mailey. mixing his bowling effectively, kept the Englishmen on the defensive, and had Hobbs guessing The latter thrice narrowly escaped pulling him on to his wicket. Richardson kept a consistent length without being danger ous, but this had the effect of converting the game into a comparatively lifeless display. Good fielding all round contributed much to keeping down the runs. Sutcliffe, just before lunch, enlivened proceedings by driving and cutting Mailey to the boundary nicely. On the resumption the Englishmen hatted merrily at the expense of Gregory, off whom a succession of sharply-run singles was easily obtainable owing to the deeply-placed field. Hobbs had a narrow escape when he was 60. He was taking a quick single when Macartney, at mid-off, sent in a smart return, missing the wicket by an inch. Hobis was not really comfortable facing Mailey, and was kept constantly guessing, owing to the deceptive flight of the ball. Macartney, bowling with rare judgment, was seldom got away through the unorthodox, but well-placed, field. Hobbs at length took a risk, lifting Macartney over the pavilion he followed up with a characteristic cut to the boundary off Mailey. The latter bowler strongly tempted Sutcliffe to hit. but the hatsma’n resolutely declined, until the A ns. Indian over-pitched two deliveries both of which Sutcliffe clouted to the square-leg boundary. Runs came slowly. Richardson’s length kept the batsmen quiet. He bowled 15 overs before he was sent to the boundary a; a result of an off-drive by Sutcliffe. ltyder howled better than in the earlier f:smes. His bowling was faster, and he iad mors sting. Hobha approached his century carefully. Ho left the scoring to Sutcliffe, who wm squally cautious in selecting scoring balls. Hobbs was watched by the crowd in

br&athless suspense. He hung in the nineties for nearly an hour, and stuck at 99 for nine overs. The crowd, taking up the cudgels on behalf of Hobbs, ur£ed Ryder to bowl on the wicket. A diversion was created by Richardson completely beating Sutcliffe, who was at the crease for 195 minutes and hit 11 fours. The partnership produced 182. In the next over Hobbs obtained a singlo through the slips, bringing up his century in 200 minutes. Woolley started early by on-driviDg Ryder to the boundary. Hobbs also showed more enterprise, but the scoring f ” off. This was in no way attributable to the bowling, which, although good,, could have been treated more aggressively. Hobbs went out through a brilliant catch at deep point low. He had batted for 247 minutes. He was brilliant in the morning, but quiescent in the afternoon. Though his strokes were clean and pretty to watch, his placing was faulty. His score included 10 fours. It is noteworthy that Hobbs Has scored two consecutive centuries in Tests at Lords, the last occasion in 1912. With the advent of Hendren play livened up. Both he and Woolley indulged in forceful driving. Oldfield was magnificent behind the wickets; it was not until the total was 264 that the first bye was recorded. The fielding generally was of the highest order, there being only a couple of mis-fields by Andrews, who is usually the safest man on the field. In the last half-hour Woolley and Hendren smote the tired bowline unmercifully, and it was only good fielding that averted - heavy score. June 29. The weather was fine and hot and the wicket was wearing well when England, with two wickets down for 297, resumed play. The Duke of York was present and 'was presented to the team. The attendance numbered 25,000. Richardson and Gregory opened the attack. The first score, a boundary from a drive to the on by Woolley, was uncommonly like a difficult chance to Andrews. Three hundred appeared in 310 minutes. Richardson was again difficult. Hendren opened scratchily, while Woolley, when 54, had a narrow escape for lew before. Richardson stifled his appeal, while Braund (the umpire) had his hand half up. Both realised that Woolley had given the faintest snip to the ball. Hendren was unable to get Richardson through the field. Woolley, while cutting Gregory five times superbly to the boundary, had unhappy moments. Gregory was unlucky. He had Woolley at 67 completely beaten with a stinging ball which grazed the stumps. Hendren was batting for ?5 minutes before he reopened his account. He then had Gregory for the first time, and cut him for 4. In the next over from Richardson he opened out with 2 to leg, and followed this up with a fine cut to the boundary after Richardson had sent down five overs, four of them being maidens. Ryder replaced Gregory. The batsmen now began to settle down, and the crowd was treated to attractive cricket. Hendren was strong on the leg side and was cutting in fine style. Woolley was beaten by Ryder’s pace when apparently well set Chapman took some time to play himself in The score mounted in a long series of singles towards the Australian total. Hendren broke the spell by cutting an overpitched ball from Ryder to the boundary. He repeated the stroke off the next ball. Chapman became more vigorous, while Hendren developed a Bardsley like leg glance. Three hundred and eighty six runs came up in 385 minutes. Hendren with a couple through the slips from Gregory brought up 400 in 395 minutes. Richardson was now being played more freely. Hendren when 96 survived a confident appeal for a catch at the wicket from Gregory. He followed it up with an excellent cut to the boundary, which was misfielded by "Ryder, and reached his century in 165 minutes. This was his first test century against Australia. Both batsmen continued strongly. The crowd was surprised when it learned that Carr had declared during lunch, having decided to take the only chance of winning the game, and hoping to keep down the Australian’s score. Hendren hit eighteen 4’s and Chapman five. Tate and Root opened the bowling. Collins met Carr’s tactics by taking Gregory as his opening partner and reserving Bardsley for later. The innings opened auspiciously for England. Five overs produced a single, and in the sixth Gregory snicked Root into the hands of Sutcliffe at first slip. Macartney started confidently with three singles, followed by two well-placed boundaries off Tate ; nd would probably have obtained a third from a hard straight drive, but the ball uprooted Collins’s leg stump. Collins was lucky to be in his ground, as Tate just touched the tall. When the total was 28 Collins should have been run out by a smart return by Larwood. Strudwick, through gathering in the ball quickly, failed to break the wicket. Root kept a fine length and displayed great versatility. When Larwood relieved him he had bowled nine overs, of which six wpre maidens. Larwood’s second over was the hottest of the match. He combined pace and sting. Macartney was almost beaten with his third ball, being very lucky to deflect it just outsiae the wicket. Collins also misjudged the bowler's pace. Larwood continued to be most effective, keeping Macartney (who was getting the lion’s share of the bowling) alert, while Collins was in for 52 minutes without scoring. Macartney continued to get runs wnen be obtained the bowling. He brought off some magnificent strokes. The crowd began to get caustic with Collins, who was stonewalling Carr went to silly point, and drew bis slips in. A roar of applause greeted Collins when he lifted a ball over the heads of the field to short leg. Chapman converted a single into a boundary by miselding the ball. After tea Collins and Macartney started brightly. Then the former snicked a fast rising ball from Larwood to Sutcliffe.

Collins’s exhibition was a dogged effort to save his side. He batted 155 minutes. Macartney continued to play a masterly innings. He was rarely at a loss, exceupt against Larwood, whom he frequently mis. timed. Tate was played with ease. Macartney obtained many runs with his characteristic turn to leg. He reached the century in 160 minutes. Andrews started off safely and confidently, utilising his customary off-drive to good effect. He mis timed a ball from Root which rolled slowly on to his wicket. Macartney, afteT passing the century, was more aggressive, especially against Kilner, whom ho went out to drive. Root also suffered at his hands. Oldfield’s short stay was bright. He ha developed a powerful drive, which is very attractive. Woodfull lasted only three overs, being easily caught at mid-on. Stumps were drawn at 6.15. Macartney batted magnificently, hitting to all quarters of the field. He was in 205 minutes, and his score included twelve 4’s. Scores: AUSTRALIA. First Innings. Collins, b Root 1 Bardsley, not out 193 Macartney, c !9utcliffe, b Larwood ... 39 Woodfull, c Strudwick, b Root 13 Andrews, c and b Kilner 10 Gregory, b Larwood .. ... 7 Taylor, Carr, b Tate 9 Richardson, b Kilner 35 Ryder, Strudwick, b Tate 28 Oldfield, c Sutcliffe, b Kilner 19 Mailey, Ibw. b Kilner 1 Extras ... 28 Total 383 Bowling Analysis.—Tate, two for. Ill; Root, two for 70; Kilner, four for 70; Larwood, two for 99; Woolley, none for five. There were 12 byes and 16 leg byes. The wickets fell as follows: —One for 11, two for 84, three for 127, four for 158, five for 187, six for 208, seven for 282, eight for 338, nine for 379. Second Innings. Collins, c Sutcliffe, b Larwood ... 24 Gregory, c Sutcliffe, b Root Macartney, not out 133 Andrews, b Root 9 Oldfield, c Sutcliffe, b Tate 11 Woodfull, c Root, b Woolley 0 Ryder, not out 0 Extras 17 Total for five wickets 194 Bowling Analysis.—Tate, one for 38; Root, two for 40;. Kilner, none for 49; Larwood, one for 37; Woollev, one for 13. The wickets fell as follows One for 2. two for 125, three for 163, four for 187, five for 194. ENGLAND. First Innings. Hobbs, c Richardson, b Macartney ... 119 Sutcliffe, b Richardson 82 Woolley, lbw, b Ryder 87 Hendren, not out 127 Chapman, not out 50 Extras 10 Total for three wickets (declared) ... 475 Bowling Analysis.—Gregory, none for 125; Macartney, one for 90; Mailey, none for 96; Richardson, one for 73; Ryder, one for 70; Collins, none for 11. The wickets fell as follows One for 182; two for 219; three for 359. LESSONS OF THE MATCH. ADVANCE OF ENGLISH CRICKET. LONDON, June 27. Bosanquet, writing of the second Test says: “The day’s play may be summed up Bardsley v England. The remainder of the batsmen looked very ordinary, and but for the left-hander’s typical innings the Australians might have been dismissed for an inadequate score on an ideal wicket. We have seldom seen a powerful batting side so dependent on one roan. Unfortunately Bardsley was thrice missed. The bowlers’ attempts at dismissal were poorly supported by the field. Root and Larwood justified their selection. Tate was unlucky, but he may do something in the second innings. Carr handled his bowling well, not allowing the Australians to get the bowlers’ measure.” Warner, in the Morning Post, says: “Bardsley had some luck, but the chances he gave were very difficult. His innings must be described as a great one. Bards ley, however slow he may be, is always good to watch. His method is good in the extreme, and his defence is splendid His play on the leg side approached perfection. He made many late cuts, and drove past mid-off more than be usually does. The fielding was splendid. Carr captained England extremely well, and managed the bowling so ably that he kept the bowlers fresh to the end. He will undoubtedly be a fine captain.” The newspapers generally attack the Australians for their failure to force the game in the last hour. Strudwick’s wicket-keeping is also criticised. The Despatch points out that Brown, of Hampshire, might advantageously be substituted and so strengthen the batting, and allow the selectors to include another bowler regardless of his ability to make runs. Good judges of cricket are of the opinion that without running any. risk the Australians could have put on another 100 in the time available. Bardsley and Ryder’s partnership made observers condude that the Australians* object was to become dead safe before trying to win. This is not the best way of achieving an actual victory in a three-day Test.

June 29. The Sketch says: “Lord’s to-day paid the price for time-limited tests. Since the first day a draw seemed to be inevitble; hence to-day’s attendance was depleted by thousands. There were vacant places in aJI the stands and room far ordinary admission throughout the day; but those who attended saw more to restore their

confidence in English crick't than has happened for several years. ‘‘From the Australians’ standpoint the outstanding feature was the emphasis on Gregory 8 decline. What a contrast since 1921, when he was the terror of English batsmen of tlje highest class, who were almost beaten by fear before they faced him. To-day the Englishmen collared his bowling completely, and found him the easiest of all Australia’s bowlers. ‘‘Who is this new slow bowler Gregory ?” asked one critic. It must be admitted that he found neither pace nor length. There were few overs when he did not make a present of one full-tosser, which was duly sent to the boundary. Only Richardson was found troublesome. He alone succeeded in keeping down the runs, though he could not take wickets. With the loss of only one wicket today the Englishmen topped the highest score ever made at Lord s in Anglo-Aus-trian tests. It was a most unexpected turn when Carr declared, taking a 100 to 1 chance of deciding the match ; but in the afternoon Macartney revived the confidence of the Australians, and showed that it was not only Bardsley who could hit centuries. Macartney’s innings was faultless, and most stylish and a delight to watch throughout No bowler troubled him seriously. Collins, determined to make doubly sure of a draw, was seen in one of his dourest defensive moods. He took an hour to make 14, and then three-quarters of an hour elapsed' without a single scoring stroke. The crowd barracked his every stonewalling tap. but Collins, unperturbed, left Macartney to make the runs while he made sure of a draw When this was assured later the batsmen were sent in in a curious order and took liberties. The result was filled with happenings. Warner, in the Morning Post, says: ‘‘The complete ascendency of the English batting over the Australian bowling was fully demonstrated to day ’ I cannot remember seeing any Australian eleven so completely dominated in the field. Richard son alone commanded real respect. Gregory was obviously bowling under difficulties. The following are my chief impressions of the match: First, English cricket, batting, bowling, and fielding, have most definitely advanced since 1921 ; secondly, our top batsmen are very good. The fact that three are left-handers is a considerable advantage; thirdly, our bowline is accurate and persistent, but I miss a Tom Richardson or a Barnes. A consistent leg-breaker like Braund would strengthen the attack . and fourthly, our fielding ts admirable ; fifthly, Carr is the best captain England has had for many a long day He inspires the team, and works the bowling and places the field well; sixthly, the bowlers should have learned a good deal incidentally that it is giving away runs to bowl on Bardsley’s middle and leg stumps: seventhly, Larwood is young and promising. It is a pity he is not taller, but he is strong in the back, and is decidedly fast ; eighthly, the Australians are a strong batting side without a tail Oldfield is unsurpassed as a wicketkeeper; ninthly, the Australians field extremely well, but the bowling is weak, and far below the standard of Australian elevens.” Kellewav, in the Daily Express, says: ‘ The Australians were clearly outplayed Only time saved them, together with England’s wrong tactics in not hatting more recklessly and faster, especially after the Australian total had been exceeded. The afternoon became a practice match for the Australians, who were necessarily restrained owing to Bardsley’s and Taylor’s injuries, which probably would have prevented them batting. Though a section of the crowd ironically cheered Col s’s defensive play, no fault could be found with his determination to stay long enough to make defeat impossible.” TAYLOR’S INJURY. LONDON. June 29. Taylor’s injury occurred while he was gathering in the ball. He scraped his hand on a piece of glass hidden in the turf, nastily gashing the ball of the thumb. He will be unable to play against Northants and probably against Notts. The Australians are confident that Hendren was out at 96, but the umpire and Hendren say that the ball hit his shirt. Bardsley’s injury was responsible for the change in the order of the batting. Crockett says: “There is no doubt in my mind, in this match at least, of England’s superiority. She outplayed us in every department of the game. The Englishmen may have appeared weak—but the Australians appeared weaker. Still, none of the English batsmen at any time anparently found the Australian bowling difficult.” DURATION OF THE TESTS. LONDON, June 29. Sporting Life says: “England’s score is a sufficient reply to those Jeremiahs who consider the Australians supermen and English cricket decadent, but it also proves that the three-day Test is an impossible proposition. Is four days insufficient? The International Board must consider three games, all of which should be nlaved out ” The Daily Express says: “The Test match piles argument upon argument in favour of increasing the number of days allotted. It may indeed be necessary to devote a week to each in order to avoid the futility and disappointment of drawn games.” The Daily Express, in an editorial, says: “The disappointing and inconclusive result of the Test must have convinced everyone of the necessity of giving more time to these games. Something must really be done to meet the case. The likelihood seems to be that the funeral obsequies of the Test match system as well as the possession of the ‘ashes* will be settled during the present tour by one loss " The Morning Post's leader claims that England can stiU play cricket even if the intelligent and industrious foreigner is victorious in golf and lawn tennis.” We have not yet regained the ashes," it says,

“but we no longer wear sackcloth. Foui days should be allotted to tests and the change must be made before the next Australian visit. Indeed, it is not outside the pale of practical politics to extend the time in the coming matches at ing of the pitch. BARDSLEY’S BAT FOR PAGE BOY. LONDON, June 28 The proudest boy in England to-day is Cornelius King, a 15-year-old page boy at the Hotel Cecil who has been given the bat with which Bardsley compiled his firet century on Saturday. King’s performance of small job r so pleased Bardsley that lie took the bat back to the hotel on Saturday. Cornelius is an orphan and he lives with his sister in Stepney. He went back to his East End home saying he felt “As if he was walking on air.’’ AUSTRALIANS SATISFIED. LONDON. June 27. The Australians generally are satisfied with the day 1 s play. They consider it impossible to lose, and that they have a possible chance of winning. GREGORY’S INJURY. LONDON, June 27. In connection with the injury to Gregory’s shin, there is still some doubt whether he will be able to reproduce his best form. The trouble is only now being revealed. It caused the doctors the gravest concern at the time. They declare it was an act of heroism on his part to •ntinue bowling in the first Test. He must have suffered agonies. Returning to the dressing room at the adjournment, he told the other players it was no use; he could bowl no more. Immediately the match was abandoned he hurried to London, and secured the best possible advice. The doctors’ views were so grave that, taken in conjunction with Everett’s sinovitis foot, the management seriously consider cabling for Scott or Blackie. Fortunately Gregory’s injury yielded to treatment, AN UNFORTUNATE OCCURRENCE. LONDON, June 28. Mr White, the head groundsman at Lords, interviewed in regard to the hose pipe incident, said that everything waa all right at 10 o’clock on Sunday evening. “I had given instructions foT the hose pipe to be placed ready for me,” he said, “as I intended starting at 5 o’clock in the morning to prepare the two -her wickets on the lower side of the Test pitch. That is the explanation why the hose was ready foT use. Whoever was responsible for such an unsportsmanlike act must have gom thoroughly to work, for the place where the connection is made with the main is not easy to find. There is an iron lid to the iron box-like chamber, and on the nd are placed two big pieces of turf level with the ground. These had been removed, the lid lifted, and the hose connected. Even the wheel by means of which the water is turned on was hard to move and required a knock to do it. I cannot think how it was managed. There were two watchmen on all night, but they saw nothing. Fortunately the water was not turned on fully. It was also fortunate that I got up at 4 o’clock instead of an hour later. But for this the pitch would almost certainly have been drenched by the extra hours soaking.” The Marylebone Club is holding an in* quiry into the hose-pipe incident. The sodden patch not only hampered the fieldsmen, but caused the ball to bounce deceptively. A strong police guard has now been placed inside as well as outside the ground. All night long watchers gazing through the gates noticed flash-lamps continually flickering and moving over Hie ground. Obviously the Marylebone Club is not taking the chance of a second attempt. Jung 29. The Marylebone Club has called in the assistance of the police in an endeavour to ascertain the facts of yesterdav’s floodJuly 1. The Marylebone Club has issued a statement regarding the water on the wicket, stating it is satisfied that there was no malicious intent, but that the flooding was due to carelessness by those of the ground staff concerned. The Marylebone Committee severely censured the head groundsfoan and two assistants, the first because he ordered the hose to be placed across the pitch on Sunday afternoon instead of waiting until Monday morning and the others because they did not make sure that the turncock was closed after testing the pipes for leakages. The report from Scotland Yard showed that the head groundsman wished to water another pitch for a match following the Test, and instructed the assistants to test the hoses on Sunday against leakages in preparation for Monday’s watering. The assistants complied. They admitted that they failed to examine the end of the hose to ascertain whether the water was cut off. BARDSLEY’S GREAT FEAT. LONDON, June 28. The Daily Sketch says: “Bardsley can ascribe his failure to reach his second century to Oldfield’s lack of inches. The wicket-keeper shaped like playing the part of the fort-holder, batting more crisply and certain than most of hia predecessors. The ball was always taken on the centre of the bat, and everybody was admiring his stylishness and vigour, but the coup de grace came in a most tragic way. Kilner sent down the worst ball of the match—a full toss, which would have gone over Strudwick a head, but lack of inches and lack of judgment' combined and converted OldfieW’s swipe for a sixer into a skier to square leg, where Sutcliffe had the simplest of catches. ‘Oh’s’ of sympathy resounded everywhere, Mailey *lso seemed a safe prop for Bards* ley’s feat, but a wicked shooter struck his ankle dead in front of the wicket. Everyone stood up and cheered Bardsley'i great feat, which waa'made more meri-

torious by the fact that in the second OTer to-day his left middle finger was squashed by a rising ball from Larwood. His only real chance was a hot high return to Kilner, which wriggled out of both hands. Otherwise his glances and cuts were even more sparkling than on Saturday. It was a handy total, but the best reflection was that neither Root nor Tate played the havoc which everyone predicted. Water, which was shot over the wicket in the night almost disappeared under the heavy roller, but later Hobbs and Sutcliffe did a lot of patting, was well clear of the pitch of the ball.” THE AUSTRALIAN ATTACK. LONDON, June 28. When England went in everyone was saying “they are playing the right game for England,” but the speed was more due to loose balls than to forceful batting. Few could recall more full tosses in the early overs, all .of which were banged to the ropes. Gregory and Macartney were both offenders. Collins made a double change to Mailey and Richardson, and thereafter the old snail pace otf batting set in—a reflex of the admirable bowling, especially by Richardson, who only sent down two overpitched balls all day. He was again bowling at 3.13, and was not taken off till 5.17. He kept all the men quiet with bis perfect length and tricky spin. He bowled Sutcliffe all the way. Gregory at times was utterly commonplace, being loose and erratic. Even Ryder was his superior. In fact, and Ryder were the most outstanding pair, though Mailey’s 35 minutes’ bowling before lunch was as good as anything lie has ever bowled. It was surprisingly late in the day to see Gregory, the terror of 1921, being smacked all round the wicket by Woolley and Hendren. who did much to'allay England’s “ ’tisn’t good enough” cry when Hobbs took 55 minutes in getting nine, and England, from 2.15 till 5.30, had only added 142 runs. Hobbs, who exactly repeated Oldfield’s stroke to a ball from Macartnev. but. escaped, was sometimes the old Hobbs, but there was little of his old daring. He generally waited for loose balls, the number of which only served to emphasise the impoverishment of the Australians’ attack. COMMENTS ON THE PLAY. LONDON, June 29. P. F. Warner, writing in the Morning Post, pavs a tribute to Richardson’s accuracy, but he adds: “Mailey wa s more dangerous. Ryder was hard to score off. Oldfield confirmed the opinion that he is the best wicket-keeper in the world.” Colonel Philip Trevor, writing in the Dailv Telegraph, dwells on the check to the scoring after lunch, especially when Richardson and Ryder made two great test batsmen look impotent. Richardson, he says, was a Shaw and an Attewell rolled into one. Ryder never had such a spell of accuracy. In other conditions I do not think Hobbs would have allowed this. Our fielding was good, hut that of . the Australians was better. Their bowling was admirable in its length.” Kelleway, in the Daily Express, says never before has b e seen such poor bowling in a test match. MATCH AGAINST NORTH ANTS. LONDON, June 30. The weather was warm and the wicket was good when plav was commenced against Northants. The attendance was 8000. Bardsley won the toss and elected to bat. The home team is as follows: Fifczrov, Bagnall, Hawkins, W. Timms, J. Timms, Woolley. Clark, Murdin, Nicholson, Walden, Belamy. Collins, Hendry, Oldfield, Everett, and Taylor were omitted from the Australian team.. There was a sensational start. Woodf..ll only stayed for four balls. He turned the fast left-hander Clark to leg for two, and then touched a rising ball into the bands of first slip. Bardsley and Macartney started slowly. Bardsley obviously was suffering. Every stroke inrred his split finger, and the bat twice slipped from his hands when he was attempting to drive. He again made use of bis famous leg glance, but most of the scoring was left to Macartney, who. # however, vas patchv. When the total wr 62 he was well held by Nicholson —a running catch. After getting his eye in Richardson played brightly and made some hefty strokes till he was dean bowled bv Murdin. Bardsley also brought off many good shots in front of the wicket. The bowling was above the average, notwithstanding the absence of Jupp and Thomas. The latter is regarded as one of the best length bowlers in England. With the srnrp at 116 for four wickets. Ryder joined Bardsley. The former should have been run out when be was two J Timms, at mid off ctopnod i hot drive, but a slow return allowed Ryder to regain his crease Ryder gave a splendid display of driving. He hit out at every ball Both be and Bardsley continued to fat freely, and showed bright, clean driving. The score mounted rapidly. Bardslev when 74 gave an easy chance at mid off off Nicholson, and again when he was 83off ClArk. Ue reached the century with a chop through the slips off Woolley. Ryder played Murdin to mid-on and called for a run. Bardsley declined to stir, and a smart return by Nicolson completed Ryder’s downfall. He bit eleven fours. Gregory had a light-hearted knock, and was magnificently caught by Fitzroy jumping nigh on the boundary line. Bardsley received a further knock on the hand late in the afternoon, but continued to soore freely all round the wicket. When the total was 309 he got his leg in front of s ball from Walden, after an innings which had lasted for 280 minutes, lie hit eight fours.

Ponsford played excellently, and was strong on the off-side. Australia had made 340 for eight wickets when stumps were drawn. July 1 When the match against Northants was resumed the attendance was* 7000. Ellis and Grimmett. despite frequent changes of bowling, carried on brightly. When the partnerehip had yielded 42, Ellis got his leg in front. Grimmett was sound, and obtained many runs through the slips. He also off-drove strongly. Northants opened badly, and had three wickets down for 15, when Hawtin and Bellamy became associated in an enterprising partnership. Grimmett, whose first five overs produced one run, became expensive. When the total was 53, Bellamy missed a vigorous drive, and the ball found his wicket. Hawtin played confidently, and exhibited a fine off-drive. The wicket was very true. Gregory made a great pace off the pitch. Hawtin went to an easy catch at square-leg. J. Timms was the only other batsman to make a stand. He played accurately, finding the boundary through a well-placed field. Grimmett bowled unchanged most of the innings, but in the latter part was rarely difficult. Mailey sent down a great variety of puzzling balls. Northants followed on, and th. second strike commenced more auspiciously than the first. Bagnall opened out early, and drove Gregory stylishly. In attempting to drive Mailey to the boundary he misjudged the flight of the ball, which was returned to Mailey’s hands. Hawtin, who was missed by Gregory off Andrews when he was one, proceeded to confirm the good impression created by his first innings. Woolley was never comfortable. He was caught the first time he made a big hit. Vndrews had his first bowl of the tour. He had a good length, but was not dangerous. VV Timms was well taken with a hot return to Grimmett. The total then was 81 for three. The next three wickets fell for an addition of nine runs. Hawtin played attractively, being especially good on the off-side. Ryder was unable to field in the second innings owing to an injury to his foot, caused when making a desperate effort at the crease the previous day. The weather was bright and the wicket was good when the match was resumed Australia won by an innings vd 147 runs. Scores:— AUSTRALIA. First Innings. Bardsley, Ibw, b Walden 112 Woodfull, c Woolley, b Clark 2 Macartney, c Nicholson, b Clark ... 42 Andrews, c Bellamy, b Clark 11 Richardson, b Murdin 23 Ryder, run out 84 Gregory, c Fitzroy, t Murdin 11 Ponsford, b Walden 32 Ellis, lbw, b Murdin 24 Grimmett, not out 36 Mailey, b Nicholson 9 Extras H Total 397 Bowling Analysis: —Clark, three for 102 ; Nicholson, one for 106; Murdin, three for 87 ; Woolley, none for 44 ; Walden, two for 47. NORTHANTS. First Innings. Woolley, run out 10 Bagnell, c Ellis, b Gregory 0 W. Timms, st Ellis, b Grimnrfett ... 1 Hawtin, c Ryder, b Mailey 29 Bellamy, b Grimfnett 20 Walden, b Mailey 1 J. Timms, not out > ... 27 Fitzroy, b Mailey 6 Murdin, b Mailey 1 Nicholson, c Bardsley, b Macartney ... 12 Clark, c Gregory, b Mailey 10 Extras ... ... A. ... 10 Total 125 Bowling Analysis :— Gregory, one for 21: Grimmett, two for 50; Richardson, none for 7; Mailey, five for 29; Macartney, one for 8. Second Innings. Woollev, c Woodfull, b Mailey 15 Bagnall, c and b Mailey ..T 17 Hawtin, c and b Grimmett ... 34 W- Timms, c and b Grimmett 12 Walden, c Ponsford, b Grimmett ... 5 J Timms, Ibw, b Grimmett U Bellamy, c Gregory, b Mailey , 3 Fitzroy, b Mailey 16 Murdin, lbw, b Grimmett ... ... . . 14 Nicholson, st Ellis, b Mailey 2 Clark, not out 0 Extras 7 Total 125 Bowling Analysis.—Gregory, none for 13; Andrews, none for 29: Mailey, five for 58; Grimmett, five for 18. MATCH AGAINST NOTTS. MAILEY BOWLs"EFFECTIVELY. LONDON, July 3. For the match against Nottingham the weather was bright. Rain overnight made the outfield rather soft, but tbe wicket, which had been covered, was good. Collins, Ryder, Hendry, Everett, and Ellis were omitted from the Australian team. The attendance was 15,000. CaTr won the toes and batted. Walker and Whysall opened. Walker was run out in ridiculous fashion, running ths full length of the wicket for a short single, notwithstanding Whysall’s “no.” Macartney at mid-off made a sharp return to Oldfield who sent to Gregory for the latter to break the wicket with both batamen at the opposite end. Lilley left early through giving a catch. Carr after a quiet over from Gregory, drove the fast bowler to the off boundary and then lifted Macartney into the pavilion for aiz. Mailer replaced Macartney and was also hit into the pavilion for aiz. Then Carr attempted to hit Mailey for aiz, but woa well hold by Taylor at long on.

Pactou went out through a poor shot which he hooked into the hands of mid-on. Whya&ll, by patient batting, got 13 in half an hour, and then missed a full toss from Mailey which rebounded from Oldfield’s pads. Richardson bowled with an unimpeachable length and sent down a series of maidens, but Mailey was more dangerous and the batsmen were able to do little with him. Staples was well taken in the next over at fine slip off a wide. laarwood opened with a glance to the leg boundary off Richardson, following this up with a couple of powerful straight drives. He continued soundly to drive Mailey and then was easily caught at deep mid-off. Flint was sound and was good on the off-side. Gregory who was still feeling the strain, shortened his run. He appeared also to have hurt his arm. Mailey started one for one, two for three, three for seven, four for thirteen, five for thirteen and then took an expensive eightth wicket. The scoring livened up after lunch. Flint and Barratt hatting freely before the latter was caught by Woodfull at mid-on. Richmond, following the example of his colleagues, vigorously attacked Jthe bowling Flint monopolised IVfailey’s bowling, taking further runs from an over-pitched ball. The first ball Richmond received from Mailey took his wicket. Flint scored by splendid cutting and off driving with ocea. sional leg hits. The fielding was good, Andrews, Woodfull, and Ponsford being prominent. Notts were dismissed by the tea adjournment Th© last three wickets had produced 134 runs in one and a-half hours. Light rain fell during the last wicket stand. Richardson, at lengthy resorted to his regular position, accompanied Bardsley to the wicket and opened against the bowling of Larwood and Barratt. Richardson opened confidently, but lie unwisely attempted to drive, and had his leg stump uprooted. Macartnev started early with successive singles and then turned Larwood beautifully to the square leg boundary Fifty came up in 40 minutes. Macartney was keeping the field busy, scoring as many runs in 25 minutes as Bardsley scored m 50 minutes. Macartney at 39 gave Flint a hot chance at square leg and then another at 48 to Whysall at first slip. Afterwards he slowed down and finally pulled Richmond on to his wicket. Bardsley continued to bat in his best style and with Andrews, who scored with a succession of spectacular leg glances, played out time. Scores: — NOTTINGHAM. First Innings. Whysall, st Oldfield, b Mailey 15 Walker, run out 14 Lilley, c Grimmett. b Gregroy 1 Carr, c Taylor, b Mailey 13 Payton, c Woodfull, b Mailey 6 Turner, b Mailey 4 Flint, not out ..." r. ... 79 Staples, c Gregory, b Mailey 0 Larwood, c Ponsford, b Mailey 17 Barratt, c Woodfull, b Richardson ... 29 Richmond, b Mailey 12 Extras 3 Total 193 Bowling Analysis:—Gregory one for 26, Macartney none for 23, Mailey seven for 110, Richardson one for 8, Grimmett none for 23. AUSTRALIA. First Innings. Richardson, b Larwood 1 Bardsley, not out 87 /Macartney, l Richmond 81 Andrews, not out 25 Extras 8 Total for two wickets 202 AUSTRALIAN CASUALTIES. LONDON, July 1 The increase in the Australian casualties is becoming somewhat alarming and bodes ill for the third Test. Bardsley is tender-handed and winces whenever he handles the ball with his left hand. Ponsford is still weak cud suffers from dizziness, the after effects of tonsilitis. Nobody knows when Hendry will be fit. Ryder has now strained his ankle and Oldfield is in bed. Another disconcerting feature is that Gregory’s bowling lacks life and fire. He still slings them down but is unable to find a spot. July 2. Mr Sydney Smith, manager of the Australian team, states that Ryder will consult a specialist. His ankle is still swollen and painful. Hendry is definitely unfit. Collins, who is in bed with neuritis, has been ordered into a nursing home. It will be known on Wednesday whether he will play at Leeds. Ryder expects to be well by Wednesday. Hendry has gone to Marg ate for a fortnight. THIRD TEST MATCH.. ' LONDON. July 2. England's team for the third Test will be chosen from Carr, Chapman, Hobbs. Sutcliffe, Woolley, Tnte, Hendren, Root, Larwood. Strudwick, Kilner, Macaulay and Parker (Gloucester). ENGLAND’S TEAM DISCUSSED. LONDON, July 3. Colonel Philip Trevor, in the Daily Telegraph, writes as follows: “Obviously we nave to omit one of Tate, Kilner, Larwood Root, Macaulay or Parker. Presumably it will not be Parkor or he would not have been invited to go to Leeds. None of the batsmen at a glance can be dropped, so the choice must be from Root, Macaulay or Larwood. Frankly the experiment of playing Root at Lords was not a success. If ne is excluded there is still another who must be omitted. We cannot have fewer than four regular bowlers so it looks as if we must sacrifice a batsman —maybe Chapman, despite his good innings. Though Parker is 42 he haa a habit of getting 200 wiokets in a season.”

UMPIRE* FOR THIRD TEBT. LONDON, July 1. Mesfrs W. Reeves and H. Butt have been selected umpires for tbe third Teet. FIRST-CLASS AVERAGES. The following ml the cricket aver-

Other averages are: Ryan 16, Parkin 16.15, Larwood 16.25, Geary 16.47, Wright 17 09, Macdonald 17.12, Root 17.56, Parker 17.81. Other Australian averages are: Mailey 18.67, Collins 26.75, Everett 28.60, Ryder 0i.28, Gregory 35.82. CENTURIES OF THE TOUR. The following centuries have been made during the tour: W. M. Woodfull.—2ol against Essex ; 118 against Surrey; 100 against Middlesex. J. M. Gregory.—l2o, not out, pgainst Leicestershire; 130, not out, against Hampshire. W. H. Ponsford.—llo, not out, against M.C.C. C. G. Macartney.—l4B against Essex; 160 against Lancashire; 130, not out, in Second Test. J S Ryder.—loß, not out, against the South of England. T. J. E. Andrews.—l 64 against Middlesex : 122 against Durham. W. Bardsley.—l27 against Derby ; 193, not out, in Second Test. RESULTS TO DATE. Minor Counties, abandoned.—Australia 179, Minor Counties 115 for four wicketh. Leicestershire, drawn.—Australia 336. Leicestershire 96 and 15 for one wicket. Essex, abandoned owing to rain.—Australia 538 for nine wickets (declared), Essex five for two wickets. drawn.—Australia 395 for nine wickets (declared) and 74 for two wickets. Surrey 265. Hampshire, won by 10 wickets.—Australia 371 and none for 33. Hampshire 152 and 248 Marylebone, drawn.—Australia 383. Marylebone 199 and 5 for 83. Cambridge, drawn.—Australia 235 and two for 17 Cambridge 212 and 81. Oxford, won by an innings and 13 runs. Australia 321 Oxford 131 and 177. South of England, abandoned owing to rain. Australia six for 328. South of England 211. Middlesex, drawn. Australia 489 and five for 239 Middlesex, 349. North of England, drawn. North of England 239 and 77 for one wicket (declared). Australia 105 and 110 for three wickets. Yorkshire, abandoned.—Australia 177 and three for 243 declared. Yorkshire 155 and no wickets for 25. Durham, won by an innings and 81 runs.—Australia, 322 for three wickets (declared) Durham 125 and 116. FIRST TEST, abandoned.—England no wickets for 32. Yorkshire, abandoned—Australia six for 148. Lancashire, won by an innings and 77 runs.—Australia, 374. Lancashire 149 and 148. Derbyshire, drawn.—Australia 373 for three wickets (declared). Derbyshire 146 and two for 55. SECOND TEST, drawn.-Australia 383 and five for 194. England, three for 475 Northampton, won bv an innings and 147 runs.—Australia 397. Northants 125 in each innings. Won 5; drawn 8; abandoned 6 REMAINING MATCHES. July 7 Worcester Worcester July 10 Third Test Leeds July 14 Lancashire Liverpool July 17 West of Scotland Glasgow July 31 Scotland Edinburgh July 24 Fourth Test Manchester July 28 Surrey The Oval July 31 Glamorgan Cardiff Aug 4 Warwickshire Birmingham Aug 7 Gloucester Cheltenham Aug 11 G P Schools Lord’a Aug. 14 Fifth Test ... The Oval Aug. 21 Somerset Taunton Aug- 25 Kent Canterbury Aug 28 Sussex Brighton Sept I English XI. Folkestone Sept 4 Civil Bervioe Chiswick Sept 8 Thornton's XI. Scarborough Sept 11 English XI. Blackpool Sept It Palmer'* XI. Whitehaven THE COUNTY COMPETITION. LONDON, June 25. Oxford: First innings 273 (Taylor 105, Newman 66). Peach took six wickets for 84. Second innings 212 for four wickets (Fawcus 70, Holmes 55). Surrey: First innings 505 for five wickets, declared (Hobbs 261, Sandham 183). / The -natch was drawn. Hobbs and Sandham scored 444 for the first wicket, creating a new Surrey record. also the highest ever made on the Oval. Hobbs has reached 1000 nms for the season. Kent: First innings 400 (Hardinge 78, Ashdown, 137, Woolley 114, Chapman 61). Barratt took six wiokets for 92 runs.

Notts: First innings 145 (Woolley three for 15); second innings 152 (Walker 50). Wright took four wickets for 35. Kent won by an innings and 103 runs.

June 30. Hampshire: First innings, 468 (Brown 100 j Mead 107, Judd 78, Livesay 54). O’Connor took five for 75. Second innings, four for 49. Essex: First innings 226 (Morris 67). Boyes took seven for 51. Second innings 310 (Cutmore 68, O’Connor 84). Kennedy took four for 34. Hamp. shire won by six wickets. Yorkshire: First innings 398 (Leyland 133, Mitchell 89, Robinson 69). Surrey: First inning 228 (Shepherd 91, Jardine 82). Second innings, 157 (Jardine 63). Crawford took five for 59. Yorkshire won by an innings and 13 runs. For Kent against Northants Hardinge made 108. For Northants Clark in the first innings took six for 59 and in the second five for 92. Kent won. For Somerset against Derby Bridges took five for 59, White four for 18, and Hunt five for 9. Somerset won. For Lancashire against Warwick E. Tyldsley made 144. Macdonald in the first innings took five for 69, and in the second innings seven for 60. For Warwick Quaife took six for 92. Lancashire won. For Notts against Leicester Payton made 118 and Richmond took five for 41. Notts won. For Middlesex against Gloucester Lee made 152 and Hearne took six for 64. For Gloucester Sinfield took five for 57 and Mills five for 94. Middlesex won. July 2. Playing for Leicester against Warwick Shipman made 145 and Lord 102. Geary took six for 64. For Warwick Parsons made 104 and uaife took five for 92. NEW ZEALAND TEAM. ENGLISH TOUR ARRANGED. CHRISTCHURCH, June 29. A special meeting of the Management Committee of the New Zealand Cricket Council was held to-night to consider cable messages received from Mr Arthur Sims relative to the invitation from the Marylebone Club for a New Zealand cricket team to visit England, stating the only seasons suitable for England being 1927 and 1931. The matter was an urgent one in view of the fact that the secretaries of county clubs in England met in London on July 1 to arrange the 1927 programme. The council decided to accept the invitation for 1927. It is proposed to play 24 matches, including most of the leading counties and Universities and some minor counties. With regard to the financial terms of the tour, negotiations are still proceeding, and the results should be made known in a few weeks. BLUNT TRANSFERRING TO DUNEDIN. Canterbury cricket’s loss in the transfer of R. C. Blunt to the Dunedin office of Messrs Fairbairn and Wright will be an undoubted gain to the game in Dunedin. The Canterbury crack will leave for Dunedin in about a week. Blunt has made a great name for himself in New Zealand cricket; He first played for Canterbury in 1917, when he was still at Christ’s College, and has played for the province in every season since. He has represented New Zealand in eight matches in the Dominion, and also as a member of the New Zealand team which visited Australia last season. In R. de R. Worker Dunedin has alreadv taken one of Canterbury’s opening batsmen. Blunt and Worker were, as a rule, the opening batsmen for the West Christchurch Club and Canterbury representative team, and on occasion for the New Zealand eleven.

ages BATTING. Innings. N.O. Buna. Aver. E. Hendren ... 26 7 1379 76.61 H. L. Hendry 2 0 139 69.50 J. B. Hobbs ... 19 1 1188 66.00 C. G. Macartney 15 2 807 62.07 A. Sandham ... 21 1 1182 59.10 J. M. Gregory 15 6 512 56.88 H. W. Hardinge 21 2 1050 55.26 A. P. Chapman 15 2 698 53.69 J. W. Hearne 20 2 956 53.11 A. Richardson 14 6 411 5137 E. Tyldesley ... 27 5 1230 51.25 Other Australian averages: Woodfull 45.62, Andrews 36.05, Ponsford 33.88. BOWUNG. Runs. Wickets. Aver. M. Cox 464 40 11.60 W. Rhodes 683 54 12.64 C. G. Macaulay 963 69 13.95 A. J. Richardson 449 31 14.48 R. Tyldesley ... 868 58 14.96 M. W. Tate ... 1170 77 15.19