CRICKET

Otago Witness, Issue 3775, 20 July 1926, Page 51

CRICKET

THE AUSTRALIAN TEAM THE THIRD TEST. THE MATCH DRAWN. LONDON, July 12. When Ihe third Test match was resumed the weather was sultry and there was some sun. The wicket was wearing well when Australia, with three wickets down, for 366, resumed batting. The umpires were halfway out to the pitch when they discovered that there were no stumps and they were obliged to return to the pavilion. The attendance was 30,000. Woodfull (134 not out) and Richardson (70 not out,) on taking the field, were gi” i an excellent reception. Geary and Tate opened the bowling. The batsmen lost no time. Richardson sent Geary twice to leg for a couple in his first over, while Woodfull hit Tate to the leg boundary. A single to Richardson from Tate followed. The same bowler sent down a maiden, and then Tate, with a magnificent inswinger, shattered Woodfull’s wicket, .he batsman playing right across the ball after a superb, patient, and chanceless innings of five hours. Unlike Macartney, who scored from good-length balls, as well as short ones, Woodfull w-ited tor the latter, arid punished them severely. He hit 12 fours. The score was then four for 378. *-t 3bl Tate raised an objection to the condition of the ball, the umpires upholding his appeal. Another used ball was substituted, and there was a five-minutes’ rreak while the umpire (Reeves) searched fo- a suitable ball. Further time was lost through the crowd encroaching on the sighting screen. Richardson was given the benefit of the doubt for a catch behind the wickets off Tate. A couple of overs later Taylor was caught by Strudwick—five for 385. Taylor was in for only four overs, and never looked ike overthrowing the evil genius which seems to be controlling his cricket. There appeared to be more life in the wicket to-day, the ball coming off much sharper, and it had Richardson frequently beaten both by its pace and break. Gregory, when five, was badly missed by Sutcliffe at first slip off Tate. Tate kept the batsmen pegged down. The bulk of the runs came at the expense of Geary, whose length was uncertain. Tie was* hit to the boundary thrice by Gregory. Kilner replaced Geary at 423, and his second ball to Gregory drove hard into the hands of Geary at second slip.— Six for 426. Two balls later Richardson drove Kilner low in the direction of Carr, who was fielding at short mid-on. The English captain threw himself at the ball and got both hands on it, but failed to hold it. Richardson’s batting was in striking contrast to that of Saturday, when he scored freely with fours and twos. To-day he scored almost all singles, 25 of them, in 75 minutes. He was frequently uphappy, and was late in playing Tate. He wa6 equally uncertain with Kilner. He played one ball to leg and looked round to see its direction, but the ball had travelled past point. Richardson continued his progress ky singles and reached his first Test century in three hours. A few minutes later Macaulay put in a very smart piece of work, which was greeted with a roar of approval. Richardson straight drove him hard and started to run. Macaulay, htwever, stopped the ball, and threw down the wicket from the opposite end. before Richardson was able to get back. He hit 10 fours and had helped to carry the score from 249 to 452. Macaulay’s length was poor. Ryder picked up five fours in half a dozen overs. Kilner demanded much closer attention, his length being more consistent. Ryder was in excellent form, showing free, strong wrist work, and was very sound on the leg side. Oldfield was not playing as brightly as n6uaJ, and contented himself with playing the bowling. Many balls from Macaulay which should have been sent to the boundary were tamely played to midfield. When Ryder and Oldfield had added 33, the formed attempted to drive Tate vigorously, but he was never near the ball, which found his middle stump. In the four remaining balls of the same over Tate beat Grimmett three times. Tate and Geary, who were now bowling at opposite ends, had the batsmen in difficulties, and before long Tate secured a leg-before decision against Oldfield, who was uphappy. Two Tuns later Grimmett fell a victim to Sutcliffe off Geary’s last ball before lunch. The innings lasted 425 minutes. The ground fielding was attractive, but the catching left much to be desired, 'and some runs were lost by loose picking up. Gregory and Macartney opened Australia’s attack. The batsmen were slow to start. Sutcliffe gained his first boundary of the innings by square cutting Gregory in his third over. Macartney bowled with fine precision. Hobbs batted nearly an hour before he hit a boundary. The heat affected the game, the batsmen running leisurely, and some of the fieldsmen doing likewise. Grimmett was getting an effective spin on the ball, and bowled ten overs before he was despatched to the boundary by Hobbs. Eventually, when the total was 59, Sutcliffe a with nonchalant straight drive returned the ball to Grimmett, who brought off an easy catch The fielding was good in parts. Andrews, at cover and short leg, was frequently applauded for his smart saves, but runs were given elsewhere by dilatoriness. Woolley after he got set livened matters by going out to Grimmett and driving him brilliantly. The century appeared in 106 minutes. Four runs later Hobbs tried to hook Mailey, but lifted the ball from the edge of nis bat, giving Andrews, walking towards the bowler from silly point, the easiest of catches. Hobbs's

stroke was so elementary that the crowd were aghast. He was probably never out so tamely before in his whole career. Mailey’s next over, thanks to the rash ness of Woolley (who cut the ball towards tioodfull at third man, the latter returning smartly and correctly), gave Oldfield a chance of breaking the wicket while Woolley was trying to get a second run at his own call. The board showed 110 for four wickets. Chapman got straight off the mark, and used his reach with great effect. He vigor, ously punished slightly over-pitched balls. Then Macartney, after a couple of maidens got his wicket with a ball which broke across his leg stump. Carr and Kilner treated the bowling with great respect. After playing eight overs safely Carr was unable to restrain himself any longer, and lifted Mailey to the off boundary, but the *next over he got his legs in front of a delivery from Macartney. The total then was 140 for six wickets Kilner was immediately aggressive, and drove Mailey for four boundaries in one over and thrice to leg. Kilner is the idol of the Yorkshire crowd, and roused them to great excitement as twice he drove Macartney to the boundary. When the seventh wicket had put on 35 Tate dragged his foot over the crease and was smartly stumped. With Richardson and Macartney attacking runs slowed down considerably, the improved fielding being also a factor. Kilner tried a huge off drive and was well held on the ropes. He batted for an hour and hit seven fours. Eight wickets for 182: Macaulay created surprise and joy by pulling Grimmett twice to the leg boundary. He played brightly till time wascalled. July 13. The weather was sultry and the wicket was wearing somewhat when England, with eight wickets down for 203, resumed batting. The attendance was 16,000. Gregory and Macartney opened the bowling, but the former was unable to find his length, and was soon replaced. Geary (six not out) and Macaulay (18 not out) were surprisingly sound, and, as befitted batsmen engaged in the grim task of saving their side, they neglected no opportunity to score, and frequent changes of bowling had little effect on them. They put up a fine display of defensive cricket, with just sufficient aggressiveness to pick up runs where possible and without danger. They scored faster than England’s opening pair, both driving powerfully. When Macaulay drove Grimmett to the boundary Bardsley rearranged his field to prevent a repetition of this. Macaulay then turned the bowler neatly to the unprotected leg side, bardsley changed the bowling every two or three overs. Geary was very sa>e and, though slower than his colleague, performed a most useful secondary function in restraining Macaulay’s impetuosity. The wicket was crumbling, and demanded the constant attention of the batsmen. The game developed into a dour struggle. Every ball was watched right up to the bat, while the Australians were on their tiptoes to prevent every run. The tenseness of the field communicated itself to the crowd, who cheered every run. A perfect roar greeted every boundary. Macaulay, when 73, snicked a ball from Grimmett a little wide of Oldfield and near Gregory, at fine slip, lut the latter failed to hold it. When the total was 290. the ninth wicket having yielded 108 runs, Macaulay, in going forward to Grimmett, lifted the ball gently into the bowler’s hands. His was a superb effort at a time when runs were most needed. He playetd cricket of a first-class type, cutting and driving powerfully, for two hours. He hit ten fours. Partnered by Strudwick, Geary continued the innings of his life, and played for safety. He was surrounded by the field, which was continually altered to meet possibilities; but Strudwick. in the second over from Grimmett, was taken at fine slip. Macaulay and Geary received an ovation on returning to the pavilion for their ’magnificent effort. Geary played a chanceless innings, characterised by powerful strokes in front of the wicket. England followed on, leaving just four and a-half hours to play. Gregorv and Grimmett opened the bowling, the former’s first over to Hobbs being a maiden, including a ball which had the batsman gue? c ing. Sutcliffe started with his custom.” rv ease, while* Hobbs seemed oppressed with the seriousness of the occasion. Both started very carefully, and took no risks. The first six overs produced nine runs, all by Sutclffe. Then, when he had been in 19 minutes. Hobbs opened his account with a leg boundary off Grimmett. Play again became very slow. The Australian fielding was good, Andrews at silly point, saving many runs by his alertness. Grimmett and Richardson were played very respectfully, but facing Ryder the batsmen hit more freely, and 100 appeared in 102 minutes. This is the sixth occasion on which Hobbs and FJutcliffe have put on 100 for the first wicket in Tests. 1 The score continued to rise leisurely, a run of singles being broken only by a four to leg. Sutcliffe followed Mailey’s break round, and runs came quickly. Just before tea Hobbs sent Mailey to the boumlary thrice. He hit twelve in one over. When the total was 156 Hobbs, cutting Grimmett, misjudged his stroke and hit with the under edge of his bat, the l all taking his leg stump. He had plaved soundly and was very safe, meeting the needs of the situation. He hit eight fours. Hobbs’s aggregate in Test matches is now 2673, surpassing Clem Hill’s record. The game settled down to a humdrum succession of maidens and singles, enlivened after a while by Sutcliffe hitting a couple of boundaries. After a period of

Quiescence Woolley suddenly woke up and rove Mailey for two fours in one over, followed by a hot drive to the boundary off Grimmett. Woolley succumbed to an extraordinary stroke. Hs pulled a ball from Grimmett, which was wide of the wicket, low into the hands of short leg. The total was then 208 for two wickets. In the next over Sutcliffe was completely beaten by Richardson. He batted cob minutes and hit eleven fours. He played a solid but attractive innings. Chapman opened with a magnificent drive off Richardson to the boundary, followed uy four and six off Grimmett. He drove Andrews to leg for two, four, and one, compiling 2l in 10 minutes. In And. rows’ second over Chapman hit the bowler for four, four, two, two, and one, bringing his score to 40 in 16 minutes. The game closed at 6 o’clock to enable the Australians to take the train for Liverpool. The visitors' fielding was excellent throughout the afternoon, and the bowlers stuck to their trying work to the end. Chapman hit one six and six fours. The match was drawn. Scores:— AUSTRALIA. First Innings. Macartney, c Hendren, b Macaulay 151 Woodfull, b Tate ... 141 Bardsley, c Sutcliffe, b Tate 0 Richardson, run out 100 Andrews, lbw, b Kilner 4 Taylor, c Strudwick, b Geary 4 Gregory, c Geary, b Kilner 26 Ryder, b Tate ... 42 Oldfield, lbw, b Tate 14 Grimmett, c Sutcliffe, b Geary 1 Mailey, not out 1 Extras 10 Total 494 Bowling Analysis:—Tate four, for 99; Macaulay, one for 123; Kilner, two for 106; Geary, two for 130; Woolley, none for 26. The wickets fell as follows: for 0; two for 25; three for 249; four for 378; five for 385: six for 426; gfeven for 452; eight for 485; nine for 492. ENGLAND. First Innings. Hobbs, c Andrews, b Mailey 49 Sutcliffe, c and b Grimmett 26 Woolley, run out 27 Hendren, c Andrews, b Mailey 0 Carr, lbw, b Macartney 13 unapman, b Macartney 15 Kilner, c Ryder, b Grimmett 36 Tate, st Oldfield, b Grimmett 5 Geary, not out 35 Macaulay, c and b Grimmett 76 Strudwick, c Gregory, b Grimmett ... 1 Extras 11 Total 294 Bowling Analysis:—Gregory, none for 37; Macartney, two for 51: Grimmett, five for 88; Richardson, none for 44; Mailey, two for 63. The wickets fell as follows:—One for 59, two for 104, three for 110, four for 110, five for 131, six for 140, seven for 175, eight for 182, nine for 290. Second Innings. Hobbs, b Grimmett 88 Sutcliffe, b Richardson 94 Woolley, c Macartney, b Grimmett ... 20 Hendren, not out 4 Chapman, not out 42 Extras 6 Total for three wckets 254 Bowling Analysis:—Gregory, none for 12; Grimmett, two for 59; Macartney, none for 13; Richardson, one for 22; Mailey, none for 80; Ryder, none for 26; Andrews, none for 36. The wickets fell as follows:—One for 156, two for 208, three for 210. AUSTRALIAN TACTICS CRITICISED. LONDON, July 12. Colonel Philip Trevor, in the Daily Telegraph, says: “The Australians did not enhance their reputation either as players or as judges of cricket during the morn ing’s play. The innings should have been closed at noon at the latest. Macartney’s extremely brilliant and exceptionallv effective innings put them in a winning position. There was a gross waste of time when play began on Monday, the Australians in two and a-half hours produc ine only 128 runs. It looked like propaganda batting. The Australians seemed to say ‘We are going to prove that three days are not enough to finish a Test.’ A captain like Noble would not have coun tenaneed this sort of thing. It took Richardson one and a-half hours to make another thirty. He thus played away his reputation, but he joined the select band of century-makers in Test matches." COMMENTS ON THE MATCH. LONDON, July 13. The Daily Express’s critic says: “The Australians have the third Test more than half won. England’s batting broke down badly. It was a triumph for the Australian spin bowlers, Grimmett and Mailey over irresolute batting. The patience of the record crowd was sorely tried when it saw the old firm of Hobbs and Sutcliffe make a good start and less than an hour saw the Best out after that. It was then a fight for life, no longer a comfortable journey towards a draw." Another critic says: “Nothing perturbed Richardson whose placing on the leg side was very dainty, but Taylor was still unsuccessful. . Gregory was a'gnin as lively as a schoolboy in merry mood until v Gary’s catch simultaneously delighted and grieved the sporting crowd who rejoiced in his aggressiveness. Hendren never settled down. He sent a cannon ‘ball out to Andrews who amazed the crowd by taking the oatcli without a flinch. Bardsley intended declaring at lunch but Tate and Geary’s accurate bowling removed the necessity. Faulkner writes: “England could not have wished for better conditions. The

wicket was true and the sun shone. Irresolution Has the main factor in their failure. The Australian spin bowlers wisely played up to it. The Australians never fail to make their opportunities while England allows chance after chance to slip."

LONDON, July 13 l*. F. Warner, summing up his impressions of the Test, says: England’s magnificent uphill game retrieved a dangerous situation. England emerged from a stidnuous encounter with the honours fairly divided. The problem of finding another bowler to assist Tate remains unsolved. My impression is that the wicket was easier on the first day than at any other period ; that Tate was the best bowler of the two sides and if he had been bowling to-day he would certainly have been most successful; that Macartney’s innings was thT! best I have ever seen ; and that was Australians were far better all round than they were a fortnight ago, the inclusion of Grimmett adding much to the strength of the attack. The Australians’ aiding was of the highest class, but England was not up to the mark in holding catches. The English tail did not exist in practice. Macaulay has been underrated as a batsman and Hobbs and Sutcliffe are unsurpassed as a first pair." Another critic, describing the play, says: “Aiacaulay sometimes swiped like a scythe but more often he brought off a batsman’s strokes. He showed a rare appreciation of Mailey’s twisters. The wicket was very dusty, but there was no sign of third day pranks till Macartney tied up Macau lav at the pavilion end with a sequence of queer ones which twice beat the batsman, oldfield, and Gregory. Then Richardson pegged down the pair, but he had no effect until the best partnership of the innings had been registered. Only Grimmett and Macartney seemed to bother them. Macaulay’s first reallv bad stroke in a very pluck hand brought his downfall." iur Sydney Smith, m an interview, said: “Mv chief interest was to see what the English papers had got to say about England's defensive play after the slating they gave Collins at Lords. Personally, I think that caution was completely justified in each instance. It was the fruit of threeday Tests, which I hope the Leeds match has proved futile. far there have been three matches and ’three draws—to England’s advantage at Lords and to the Australians’ at Leeds.” Faulkner writes: “1 may ba misjudging the Australians, but never throughout the match did they seem other than playing for a draw. Apparently they are content to rest on their laurels till the fifth Test, not in the least bothering what happens so long as they are not beaten. Therefore the position is more of a stalemate than ever because on a good wicket England cannot win and Australia cannot lose. It appears that Gregory as a bowler has become a spent force.” MATCH AGAINST LANCASHIRE. LONDON, July 14 Bardsley won the toss against Lancashire, and elected to bat. Macartney, Taylor, Hendry, Collins and Oldfield were omitted from the Australian team. The weather was hot and the wicket was good. Macdonald and Sibbles opened the bowling. Both kept a fine length, the former getting up a good pace and kicking badly. Woodfull three times played a shoulderhigh ball, and twice it went over his heaa. Bardsley, however, was not troubled, and took things easy. Woodfull played forcefully. He did not hesitate to leave his crease and meet the ball, driving vigorously. Both were very sound, Ba.dsley driving attractively and cutting superbly, especially against Macdonald. When the first wirket had produced 116, Woodfull, who had been hitting out at all Macdonald’s rising balls, misjudged a stroke, and snicked it into the hands of Tyldesley at fourth slip He had hit six fours, and had played delightfully. Bardsley then opened out. He knocked 13 off Watson’s first over, including a couple of spectacular boundaries, and was in a frisky mood, tie delighted the snectators by going out to Tyldesley and driving him to the boundary with a wristy clout. Both Bardsley and Andrews were always on top of the bowling, driving, cutting, and hooking in fine style. Bardsley reached his century and sent up 200 with a pull to the leg bou* dary off Tyldesley in just under three hours. The scoring slowed down with changes in the bowling. Bards ley when 107, gave a difficult chance at the wicket off Sibbles, Duckworth failing to hold the ball. Macdonald was somewhat erratic, one ball keeping low and the next going she’laer-’*»Vh; but while Bards, ley ducked Andrews swung and picked up several leg boundaries. Andrews treated Sibbles unmercifully. He drove cvisply and magnificently, and roused the crowd of 7000 to enthusiasm. Macdonald and Tyldesley were hit freely by both batsmen. Bardsley ought to have been run out in taking a leisurely second run, but Duckworth misfielded the ball. In the next over Andrews was dismissed in exactly the same way as Woodfull in his anxiety to reach the century. He hifc thirteen fours, and displayed vigorous driving and leg hitting. The total was then 307 for two wickets. Bardslev through ut showed superb confidence. Notwithstanding the weak bowling, he refrained from risky shots of any sort. There was nothing to prevent him from piling up a larger score except his own caution. He was not beaten till he had scored 145, when Iddon had him guess, ing. Occasionally he was lucky in playing Tyldesley. Otherwise he was very safe. Eventually, when the total waa 340, it fell to Iddon to dismiss him. He was beaten by one ball and then returned the next weakly—hie only poor stroke. His innings lasted 285 minutes, and his score included nine fours. He tired appreciably, towards

‘he end, and the final stroke was probably 1 iue to latigue. Ponsford and Richardson had no difficulty in maintaining their wickets for the lemaimng half hour against very tired bowling. i The fielding throughout was keen. No chances were lost, and there was very little misfielding. 8 July 15. When thi match against Lancashire was resumed the attendance was 5000. There was a heavy thunderstorm during the morning, and the wicket was soft. Ponsford took the bulk of the bowling, and quickly piled up the score with a series of on-drives, including some wellplaced boundaries. Richardson was uneasy against Macdonald’s fast deliveries, and nmtimed repeatedly, and eventually went out to a ridiculous stroke, putting his bat up to a ball which rose above his head, and deflecting it into the hands of Watson at second slip.—4l3 for four wickets. In Macdonald’s next over Ponsford mistimed a good length ball, and was weil taken at the wicket. Ryder immediately hit out and lifted Tyldesley twice to the boundary on the on side; otherwise the cricket was quiet. During the luncheon adjournment Bardsley “declared’’ in the hope of finishing the match to enable an early start for Scotland. Makepeace and Hallows made a nervous start for Lancashire, and were unable to get the measure of Gregory, who had a fine pace, but was erratic. Everett made his first appearance with the ball after a long rest, and was treated with great respect. He appeared to obtain greater pace than in his previous games, and was also more consistently on the wicket. - Makepeace when 24 waa badly missed by Gregory at fine slip, off Mailey. Everett and Mailey kept the scoring down, and a long spell of featureless play was only broken by Hallows driving Mailey for two, four, and one off seccessive balls. After a couple more fours Hallows hit out at Mailey, and was well held on the boundary by Everett at 114. Makepeace then became aggressive and played more freely, and drove Grimmett excellently but eventualy Mailey found him in two mii ds, Gregory brineing off a smart catch at fine slip low down. He batted 160 minutes and hit five fours. The total was then 148 for three wickets but the remainder of. the batsmen completely collapsed before aiailey’s bowling. Eckersley was the only enterprising batsman till Sibbles and Duckworth made something of a stand, the latter placing the ball well through the close-set field mainly at the expense of Richardson, till Duckworth an easy catch to Andrews. Mailey sent down a magnificent variety, there being no two balls alike, and he kept the batsmen constantly guessing. July 16. The match against Lancashire was drawn. The weather was fine, but the wicket showed signs of wearing. The at- ’ ndance was about 2000. At the end of Lancashire’s first innings T y.ae6l€y drove Mailey to the boundary twice in his first over, and was eventually stumped in jumping out to hit him. Cabbie- also batted attractively. The I wicket put on 31 in 16 minutes. Lancashire followed on. Makepeace and were very shaky at the beginning, i frequently beaten by Gregory’s pace, Y"' the latter was off the wicket. Most of the runs came from Ryder, who was erratic. Hallows scored from him freely, straight driving him for two, four, and 1 four in one over. Mailey had lost some o f his terrors, and both men played Mm freely in front of the wicket. Andrews relied on slow leg breaks, and it was off one of these that Hallows was easily stumped when the total was 116. Jumping out to hit, he drove powerfully, and his \p~ play was good. —dKepeace continued hitting freely and placing accurately. Iddon started bravely with a six off Andrews and a boundary c Everett. After this the scoring slowed down.- When he was 23 Iddon had a life at the hands of Woodfull in the longfield, who misjudged a lofty drive off Richardson. Two overs later Makepeace skied Richardson, and Ellis accepted an easy catch. He batted 150 minutes, and drove powerfully. The total was then 168 For t 1 ee wickets. Iddon continued to hit freely, mainly by on-drives. He scored four, two and four oti Richaidson in one over. Green did most of the hitting after the tea adjournment, adding 17, while hie partner hit a couple of singles. Green made a terrific straight drive, which Andrews gallantly attempted to catch, but was unable to i the ball. Some minutes later Iddon misjudged a ball off Ryder, and was well taken at the wicket after an exhibition of vigorous driving. He hit one six and seven fours. In Ryder’s next over Green, off a rising ball, was easily taken by Gregory at first slip. Sibbles and Duckworth repeated their previous day’s effort, and put on 24 runs oy excellent driving before the latter, playing forward, gave Andrews an easy return—2s9 for nine wickets. The closing stages were farcical. The bowlers were clearly tired o'ring to long spells with the ball. It is noteworthy that Grimmett was not used in this innings, while Mailey bowled onlv a few overs at the beginning. Sibbles and Tyldesle* played out time, and the game was thus drawn. Scores* AUSTRALIA. First Innings. Bardsley, c and b Iddon 155 Woodfull, c Tyldesley, b Macdonald 65 Andrews, c Paynter, b Macdonald ... 93 Ponsford, c Duckworth, b Macdonald 50 Richardson, c Watson, b Macdonald 34 not out 36 Gregory, c Duckworth, b Macdonald 1 Ellis, not out 13 Extras 21 Total for six wickets 468

bowling Analysis :—Macdonald, five for 155; fiMMiw, none for 63 TyWesley, noue for l—; Watson, none for 108; Iddon, one for 41. LANCASHIRE. First Innings. Makepeace, c Gregory, b Mailey ... 70 Hallows, c Everett, b Mailey 69 it atson, c Ellis, b Mailey 0 Iddon, ») Mailey 7 Eckerelev, st Ellis, b Mailey 10 Paynter, c Andrews, b Richardson ... 1 Green, c and b Mailey 2 Nibbles not out 19 Macdonald, c Ryder, b Mailey 9 Duckworth, c Andrews, b Mailey ... 20 Tyldesley, st £llis. b Mailey 19 Extras .. . # - *8 Total 234 Bowling Analysis:—Gregory, none for 9: Grimmett, none for 40 • Everett, none for 25; Mailey, nine for 86; Ryder, none for 19; Richardson, one for 28. Second Innings. Makepeace, c Ellis, b Richardson ... 76 Hallows, st Ellis, b Andrews 48 Watson, b Andrews 0 Eckersley, c Bardsley, b Andrews ... 1 Iddon, st Ellis, b Ryder 5i Paynter, st Ellis, b Andrews 1 Green, c Gregory, b Ryder 18 Macdonald, st Ellis, b Andrews ... o Duckworth, c and b Andrews 13 cobbles, not out 25 Tyldesley, not out 6 Extras 24 Total for nine wickets 274 Bowling Analysis:—Gregory, none for 7; Ryder, two for 47 Mailey, none for 22 • • Richardson, me for 53; Andrews, six for 109; Everett, none for 22. WEST OF SCOTLAND MATCH. LONDON, July 17. Collins, Hendry, Woodfull. Grimmett and Mailey were omitted from the team against the West of Scotland. The weather was warm and the wicket was hard. There was a large attendance. M‘Guire won the toss. Gregory and Everett opened the attack. Kerr showed a partiality for the fast bcwling. batting stylishly but the bowlers soon took command and at luncheon three wickets wt-re down for 65 On resumption they fell more rapidly and at one stage the score was eight for 138. Andrews and Richardson did well, while Everett also bowled mere successfully Hie batsmen were compelled to play alwavs on the defensive and the scor ing was slr.w. • It was an innovation for Bards!ey to send in Porsford and Oldfield t-Oj> open. "7 ne pair got going early, scoring at a rapid rate. ...ter Oldfield was dismissed it became a raee between Pcr.sford and Macartney tn retch the century. Frequent changes of the howling proved unavailing. IVth gt.ve finished exhibitions scoring f reely aV round the wicket off the easy bcwli»i>* Macartney was the first to reach his century Then he gave an easv catch in the long field In the same over Ponsford w'm dismissed. Both played a sound foicelY.l innings. ScoresWEST OF SCOTLAND. First Innings. M'ouire. c Bardsley, b Everett 2 h evr, c Bardsley., b Ryder 31 Parker, hw. b Andrews 92 Ackrovd. c Bardsley. b Richardson ... 32 Smith, st Ellis, b Andrews 4 i ell. b Richardson 1 Forrester, o Ellis, b Richardson 2 Peid. net out 11 Waterhouse, c and b Richardson ... 11 extras 10 Total 163 The scores of two batsmen are omitted. Bowling Analysis:—Gregory none for It); Everett, two for 24; Ryder, one for 19 • Andrews, three for 64; Richardson, four for 31. AUSTRALIA. First Innings. Ponsford, st Waterhouse, b Smith ... 109 Oldueld, Ibw, b Reid 35 Macartney, c Parker, b Pell 106 Taylor, not out 3 Andrews, not out 2 Total for three wickets 259 THE FOURTH TEST. SELECTIONS FOR ENGLISH TEAM. LONDON, July 16 England’s team for the fourth Test will be chosen from Carr, Chapman, Stevens, Hobbs, Strudwick Woolley, Hendren, Sutcliffe, Kilner, Tate, Root, Parker and E. Tyldesley. The Gaily News says: Macaulay’s noninclusion alter his brilliant batting at M critical stage at Leeds is the occasion of criticism in Yorkshire, and so is Geary’s though his ankle trouble may account for his omission. The selection of Stevens is belated. He is one of the best all-rounders of the day. His leg-breaks and his occasional googlv will be of greatest service. Carr’s leadership has not yet produced the hoped-for results, but he retains the country’s confidence. The question must again be solved to drop a batsman in order to strengthen the bowling.” Faulkner, in the Westminster Gazette, says: “It is a shock to notice the omission of Macaulay after his batting at Leeds, but it cannot be disguised that he was selected for his bowling and failed. Geary’s injuries are serious, and ne is not likely to play for ten days. Stevens’s selection is weloome. He is one of the few spin bowlers who would have been an asset at Leeds. He posseses the Test match temperament. Root is included, because he can keep even Macartney quiet. The Australians dislike him.” . The Daily Mail says : “The choice of tttevens will be popular. Discerning critics •ay that his batting can save his side in

a crisis, and that his bowling can break up any partnership.” THE UMPIRES APPOINTFJ). LONDON, July 17. Messrs H. Young, of Essex, and H. Chidgey, of Somerset, have been elected umpires for the fourth test. HELPING THE BOWLERS. LONDON, July 15 Lord Harris’s regarding higher or wider stumps has awakened the liveliest discussion, and as the Marylebone Club cannot legislate, insisting on bumps upon the wicket or the construction of bunkers like golf, it is felt that it ought to put up a bigger target or diminish the width of the bat. Point is added to the suggestion by the players score at Holds to-day. Lord Flarris points out that he made the suggestions at the instance of prominent cricketers who consider that thegame lyould be materially benefited by those means. Many consider, he said, that something should be done. Primarily it was a question of wickets, which were prepared with the greatest care weeks ahead. It was difficult to suggest a suit able change. It might he said—Why play eleven men ? Why make the distance 22 yards? “It is considered, however,” con tinued Lord Harris, “that the most feasible suggestion is that the height of the wicket should be raised, but the largest figure mentioned is half an inch. It would be more difficult to widen the wickets, which would mean either four stumps or three much thicker, whuch would pro bably affect the bails. The fact remains anyhow that runs are being piled up alarmingly " Geary and Root agree that the bowlers have fallen on hard times. Geary considers that the bowler is not given any chance oi comparison with the batsman. Root considers that the rules were made solely for the batsmen. Any benefit of the doubt in leg before wicket appeals was always given to the batsman. He entirely disapproved of covered wickets On the contrary Hearne considers that the dressed wicket has come to stay, maintaining that it is up to the bowlers to use their brains and ingenuity to dismiss a batsman. Hobbs declined to express an opiniop either wav Carr said that his position prevented his saying anything. Hendren said he thought they should have six wickets 2ft high. Strudwick said that the size of the stumps should be increased. It would be better if the wickets were left alone. A N ETERNITY TO BAT IN. LONDON, July 14 The Manchester Guardian says: “With two bowlers to show them the way the English batsmen brought the third- Test to a creditable if unexciting draw. If England ad taken the first innings on Saturday the Australians would probably have marched steadily to the same result. It looks as though on average wickets we can at present rely on a draw as the mal result of three-day Tests. Both in Australia and England the batsmen have gone ahead of the bowlers. This does not commend the idea that the Tests should e played to a finish, whatever the length Four days could perhaps be allowed, but the mind shudders at the thought of some country cricketers going to the wicket with the knowledge that they have eternity to bat in.” A PLEA FOR THE BOWLERS. LONDON, July 14. Lord Harris, speaking at a Cricketers Fund meeting at Lords, said: “The time has probably come when steps are necessary to counteract the effect of the extremely easy wickets. A day seldom passes without several scores of over 400 runs. Such lifeless wick.-ts have killed fast bowl ing and rendered other bowling innocuous. I have been a life-long opponent of an alteration to the leg before wicket law or a change of the implements of cricket, hut something has got to be done to help the bowler.” He urged the counties and first-class cricketers seriously to consider the matter The wicket could be heightened or broadened, or the bat reduced in width. He advocated a reversion to a law which did not require the hall to pitch straight between the wickets.” SENSATION IN AUSTRALIA. REJECTION OF MR SMITH. SYDNEY, July 15 Something of a sensation has bqpn caused in cricket circles through the Gordon Club rejecting Mr Sydney Smith, the manager of the Australian team now in England as its delegate to the New South Wales Cricket Association. This decision, which is regarded as the outcome of the feeling engendered by Ihe omission of Kelleway from the Australian team will mean that Mr Smith will probably automatically cease to be honorary secretary of the Australian Board of Control and secretary of the executive or the New South Wales Cricket Association. July 17 The Gordon Cricket Club’s vote against Mr Sydney Smith is regarded aa the culmination of the dissatisfaction which has been in existence for a long time against the allegedly autocratic element in cricket, and aa being in favour of a new and more progressive element. At the annual meeting of the Cricket Association, Mr Sydney Smith, who was rejected by the Gordon Club as its delegate to the association, was elected as the Junior Association delegate almost unanimously. The previous Junior Association delegate stood down in favour of Mr Smith, contending that Mr Sbiith'a services to New South Wales cricket were too valuable to be lost. He said that although Mr Smith may have made some enemies, his friends outnumbered them by a hundred to one.

LONDON, July 15 There was a touch of iroiiy in the fact that Keilaway as the Daily Express’s representati/e had to interview Mr Sydney Smith on the Gordon Club’s action. »Vjt Sknith said he knew nothing beyond the cable message which was published in the press and he had no comment of any kinf to make. Kelleway says that personally he has no knowledge of the matter. “1 cannot say whether the rejection of Mr Smith has anything to do with my exclusion from the team. It may be that the club considers t has found someone whom it thinks will better represent it on the association.” July 15 A special despatch from the Australian Press Association says that Mr Smith’s rejection as the Gordon Club’s delegate is the subject of considerable discussion. The general opinion of. the team is that the Gordon Club should have awaited Mr Smith’s return before making a change in order to give him an opportunity to put ur> a defence. Mr Smith has accepted the J union Union’s nomination. DURATION OF THE TESTS. LONDON, July 15 The Daily Chronicle says: “When the Australians arrived at the beginning of the season it did not occur to anyone that there might be five drawn Test games, but this possibility is now the subject of general discussion. It is all very well to sav that the Australians have come to play the game with the Englishmen, but the very skill of cricket consists of sub ordinatmg everything to winning. It is scarcely fair or feasible to dislocate the county championship by allotting more than half the play to the Tests. Moreover the Teste are not the only games that are unfinished.” MR DAN REESE’S VIEWS. CHRISTCHURCH, July 15. Tho need for an alteration of the cricket test match time limitations at Home and the advisability of giving younger players an opportunity of playing in firs£class cricket were spoken of by Mr Dan Reese, the well-known Canterbury cricketer. “The result of the third test match will no doubt further strengthen the claims that are being made for the extension of time in the English test matches,“ said Mr Reese. “It seems quite clear that both the first and second test matches in these series proved that under fine weather conditions three days is not sufficient but it is still doubtful whether it would be wise to follow the Australian procedure of allowing unlimited time for all matches to be played to a finish Some recent experiences in the test match cricket and the de velopment of a dour and determined type of player, makes one hesitate to hand the test match arena over to the cautious and careful batsman It is rather surprising to find the Australians so aggressive in their claim for unlimited time, for the last serie3 of test matches in Australia were so prolonged that if a plebiscte had been taken I am certain that 80 per cent, of the people would have advocated some limit being placed on matches, even in Australia. “It is clear Ahat in test matches in these days it is necessary to extend the time in England, but I think the most they should do is to make a four-day limit, instead of three, ond it seems very likely that this is what will happen for the next series in England. In Australia I think, there should also be a limit. Five days should be sufficient. In fact, for the first 30 years of test match cricket in Australia only three or four matches were not finished in five days, so it would not be much of a hardship to put a time limit on Australian cricket.” “One might ask what is the reason that test matches are taking so long to be played out to-day,” said Mr Reese. “It is quite clear that one of the chief reasons is the deterioration in the standard of bowling compared with lhat of olden times. There are, of course, still some really great individual bowlers, such as Tate, but who would suggest that England and Australia have in recent years had anyone to equal Richardson, Lockwood, Lohmann, and Peel on the one side, or Spofforth, Boyle, Palmer, and Garrett on the other? It is a combination of bowlers such as these that makes an attacking side so formidable.” On the other hand, present-day batting was very sound, Mr Reese said, in fact, as sound as it had ever been, but there were few players who went after the runs with the dash of Grace, Trumper, Graham, Jessop, Macartney, Hill, Ranjitsinliji, Stoddart, and others, lie could not help feeling that this was largely a question of too many old stagers in the teams. These veterans not only played the slow type of game themselves, but had an influence on the younger members of the team. It was amazing when reading the history of international pricket to find how youth predominated in the first chapter of test match cricket. A. G. Steele was the best all-round cricketer in England at the age of 21. MacLaren was captain of the Lancashire eleven at the same age, with his moat brilliant deeds in test cricket all before he was 30. Harry Graham had topped the Australian average on his first English tour in 1893, when he was only 21 years of age. Victor Trumper and Clem Hill were only 21 when each made 135 in a test match at Lords, and even at that lime Hill had been playing first-class cricket for five years. Ranjitsinghi also was only 24 when he made 154 not out against Australia in 1826. “And so one could go on right through the history of the game,” said Mr Reece, ‘finding it amply demonstrated that, cricket is a young man’s game. Both Australia and England are to-day playing mostly old and seasoned players, though of course one cannot advocate players being left out simply because they are too old. and the play of Bardsley, Hobbs and Macartney shows how dangerqyi it would bo rigidly to adhere to that hard and fast rule. I think, however, it can be safely suggested that unless Australia, in particular, reverts to the system of voluntary retirement of players as was done by Darling, Noble, Hill. Trumble and others, the tragedy of the omission of Kippax is going to be repeated. Tbo opportunities of boy players depend on whether they are fortunate enough to develop at a time when some vacancies have oocurred.” In conclusion, Mr Reece said that a fourday limit in England and either a five or six-day limit in Australia feould meet the

case of test matches, and the selection of younger players would ensure brighter cricket being seen than is now witnessed in present day international struggles. SCOTTISH TEAM SELECTED. LONDON, July 14. The following team will represent Scotlanu in the match at Edinburgh on July 21 and 22G. Hole, J. Kerr, W. Anderson, H. Sievwright, C. Groves, C. Patterson, J. Fleming. I. Parker. A. Innes, 1. Collins, and F. Gardner. RESULTS TO DATE. Minor Counties, abandoned.—Australia 179, Minor Counties 115 for four wickets. Leicestershire, drawn.—Australia 336, Leicestershire 96 and 15 for one wicket. Essex, abandoned owing to Tain.—Australia 538 for nine wickets (declared), Essex five for two wickets. Surrey, 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 31. 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 hv 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 Fot 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. Nottingham, won bv an innings and 136 runs.—Australia 468. Notts 193 and 139. Worcester, won by 176 runs.—Australia IS7 and 182 for four wickets. Worcester 120 and 83. THTRD TEST, drawn.—Australia 494. England, 294 and 254 for three wickets. Won 7; drawn 9; abandoned 6. REMAINING MATCHES. July 21 Scot land Edinburgh July 24 Fourth Test Manchester July 28 Snrrey The Oval July 31 Glamorgan Cardiff Ang 4 Warwickshire Birmingham Ang 7 Gloucester Cheltenham Aug 11 G P Schools Lord's Aug 14 Fifth Test The Oral Aug 21 Somerset Taunton Aug 25 Kent Canterbury Aug 28 Siißee* Brighton Sept 1 English XI. Folkestone Sept 4 firil Service Chiswick Sept 8 Thornton’s XL Scarborough Sept 11 English XL Blackpool Sept 16 Palmer’e XL Whitehaven TEST-M ATCH AVERAGES. AUSTRALIA

AUSTRALIAN AVERAGES. The following are the averages of the Australian team to date, including the match against Durham which is not rated as a first-class county:— BATTING.

S. C. Everett is placed thirty-first with an average of 33.30. Gregory is at the bottom of the list with an average of 38.88. CENTURIES OF THE TOUR. FOR THE AUSTRALIANS. The following centuries have been made by the Australians during the tour: W M Woodfull.—2ol against Essex ; 118 against Surrey; 100 against Middlesex ; 102, not out, against Notts; 141 in Third Test. J M Gregory.—l2o, not out, rgainst Leicestershire; 130, not out, against Hampshire. W. H Ponsford.—llo, not out, against M.C.C.; 109 against West of Scotland. C. G. Macartney.—l4B against Essex; 160 against Lancashire; 130, not out, in Second Test; 151 in Third Test; 106 against West of Scotland. 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; 112 against Northants; 155 against Lancashire. A. J. Richardson.—loo in Third Test. AGAINST THE AUSTRALIANS. G. T. S. Stevens.—l 49 for Middlesex. E. Hendren.—l27, not out, in Second Test. J. B. Hobbs.—ll 9 in Second Test. 90LTH AFRICAN TOUR CANCELLED. LONDON, July 12. The Marvlcbone tour of South Africa in 1926-27 has been cancelled. THE AUSTRALIAN TEAM. LONDON, July 16. A special message from the Australian Press Association states that the Australian team for the fourth Test is expected to be the same as for the third. The oily likely change is Ponsford, for Taylor, but this depends on Taylor’s form in Scotland. He is having a bad run; but so did Bardsley until he struck form. It needs only one score to set Taylor right. His exclusion would weaken the fielding, as Taylor’s work in the outfield has been brilliant. Collins is rot expected to Lo sufficiently recovered to play. Hendry should have joined the team at Liverpool, but the doctor advised a further rest. It is doubtful whether Hendrv will play again during the tour. His bowling loss is a severe handicap, while the casualties have thrown extra work on the remainder of the team, who are also feeling the effects of travel. The team did not arrive at Liverpool until early on Wednesday from Leeds and a few hours later began the Lancashire match, weary after two days fielding in the heat. The Australian officials travelling with the team consider that there should be at least a day’s rest before and after each Test. DOMINANCE OF THE BAT. LONDON, July 16 G. T. S. Stevens, in a letter to the Daily Telegraph, points out that the colossal scores recently made in the Australian’s matches show that the game is no longer a cricket but a batting match. He

says that altogether too many privileges are allowed the batsmen both by law and by custom The batsman may use a rubber handle to ensure a grip, but the bowler is not allowed to use resin on his fingers to help him to <n*ip the ball. Furthermore, the batsman is allowed to pat the pitch, but the bowler is forbidden to raise the seam of the ball. THE COUNTY COMPETITION. LONDON, July 13. Lancashire: First innings, 311 (E. Tyldeslev 51, Watson 97). Peach took'five for 75. Second innings, 330 for six wickets declared fE. Tyldesley 131, Eckersley 55 not out). Surrey : First innings, 328 (Jea. cocke 114, Ducat 67). Second innings, none for 68. The match was drawn. Kent: First innings 208 (Collins 57. not out). Second innings 402 (Hardinge 83, Ashdown*' 121). Notts: First innings 131 (Payton 70). Wright took four for 44. Second innings 278. Kent won by 201 runs. hor Sussex, against Leicester, Cox took live for 69. Sussex won. For Glamorgan, against Worcester, Bell made 225. Mercer in the first innings took seven lor 40, and in the second six for 58. Bates took three for 14. Glamorgan won. For Hampshire against Warwick Jupp made 119. Hampshire won. For Essex, against Gloucester, Palmer took six for 68. ussei won. For Yorkshire against Northants, Mitchell made 189. Waddington took six for 53, and Rhodes seven for 102. For Northants Clark took six for 64. The match was drawn. For Derby against Somerset Storer made 132 and took six for 48. -For Somerset Bridges took five for 125. Derby won. July 16. In the cricket championship table Yorkshire has a percentage of 80, Middlesex 73, Glamorgan 70, Lancashire 67, and Kent 65. Surrey is eighth, with 46, and Northants is at the bottom with i 6. Somerset. First innings 379 (Ingle 119 not out). Second innings: 224 for eight wickets, (Johnson 61). Essex: First innings, 530 (Cutmore 119, O’Connor 51, Russell not out 180), Hipkins 85). The match was drawn. Hampshire: First innings 379 (Ingle 119 four wickeTs for 46). Second innings, 331 (Brown 51, Mead 132; Staples four for 41) Notts: First innings 281 (Whysall Vo). Second innings 279 for seven pickets. Notts won by three wickets. For Gloucester, against Kent, Smith made 123. Parker took seven wickets for 91. For Kent Harding made 116. Freeman took six for 92. Kent won. For Worcester against Sussex, Tarbox took five for 50. For Sussex, A. E. (311ligan made 106. Wensley took seven for 69. Sussex won. For Glamorgan, against Warwick, Walters made 116. Ryan took five for 24. For Warwick Calthorpe took six for 72. Glamorgan won. GENTLEMEN v. PLAYERS. LONDON, July 14. The Players in the third match against the Gentlemen made 430 for four wickets (Sutcliffe 107. Hobbs 163). Vhe Dair put on 263 for the first wicket. E. Tyldesley is not out with 105. July 15. The rlayers’ first innings closed for 579 (E. Tyldesley 131, Kilner 72. and Holmes 42) Enthoven took three wickets for 75, including the hat trick, and White three for 94. The Gentlemen have made 2c4 for four wickets (Wyatt 75, Chapman 53 net out, Carr 45). July 16. The Gentlemen in- their first innings made 542 (a record for the team at Lords). Chapman scored 108, Jardine 85. Fender 46, and Haig 46. Geary took three for 36. The Players in their second inningß scored 97 for one .wicket (Sutcliffe 50 not out). The match was drawn. COACHING ENGAGEMENTS. LONDON, July 14. Tate does not know officially of an invitation to coach New Zealand cricketers, but he expects to hear shortly. He is keen to go if a friend accompanies him. Hendren is in a quandary, because he docs, not wish to disappoint the Brentford Football Club, for which he plays. NEW ZEALAND CRICKETERS’ TOUR OF ENGLAND. CHRISTCHURCH, July 15. In connection with the proposed tour of England by a New Zealand cricket. team in 1927, the following cable message was received this morning by Mr J. F. Peake, secretary of the New Zealand Cricket Council, from Mr Arthur Sims who, together with Mr H. D. Swan, is looking after the council’s interests in connection with the tour in England : “Have arranged that a tour to begin on May 14 and to continue up to August 19 and to include matches with 16 first-class counties, who will give half the taking* and in addition matches with two universities and Scotland, etc. We propose from August 20 to September 9 to play Wales, Marylehone, South of England, etc.” All the cricket associations in New Zealand have been circularised by the secretary of the council in connection with the tour as follows: “The idea of sending a team to England has been in the minds of the council for a number of years, and. when, the M.O.C. team visited the Dominion in 1921 the matter was fully discussed jrith Mx H. D. Swan, the council’s represflftative in London. and also with Mr A. C. MacLaren, both of whom stated they were sure the Marylehone Club would gladly extend an invitation for such a tour. At tho last general meeting of the council the delegates unanimously passed a resolution requesting the Management Committee to avail itself of the services of Mr Arthur Sims, who was just about to visit England, to confer with Mr Swan and negotiate with the M.C.C. This brought immediate results, for last week Mr Sims cabled advising that the authorities at Home would gladlv welcome a team in either of the 1927 or 1931 seasons, these being the only suitable years for some time to come. Tt was necessary to make a prompt decision in view of the

fact that the secretaries of the English county clubs were meeting in London on July 1 to arrange the programme for the season 1927. The two outstanding difficulties in arranging this tour surround the question of finance, and leave of absence for the players. The committee, as you will now know, decided to accept for the season 1927. “ I am unable to give full details of the terms which be arranged at the other end, beyond stating that, as regards the county matches, we will be offered 50 per cent, of the gross gate (this is important as against a higher percentage of the net gate). Such matches as against the universities will have to be on some other basis. Mv committee appreciates the importance of this project a 9 being the biggest enterprise the cricketers of this country have undertaken, and feels that it should solicit the opinions of all affiliated associations as to the best means of carrying out the proposed tour. The method of financing comes first, and I submit to you three proposals which have already been discussed in committee* 1. That a company he formed along similar ideas to those on which the city of Dunedin recently financed its great Exhibition. 2. That funds bo raised by guarantees to cover the required amount. 3. The issue of debentures, as was done by the New Zealand Rugby Union to finances the 1905 All Black team to England. This money was found with no interest attached to the debentures, but the tour was so successful that the New Zealand Rugby Union was able to refund the money in full, and generously handed back interest as well. “The scrip issued by the company had a definite status, but the guarantees or debentures issued by the council against a tour would not have much face value, unless tho New Zealand Cricket Council was registered as an incorporated body, and accepted responsibility, in which case its assets, at present and in the future, would be pledged. The latter in the event of the tour not being a financial success might impoverish the council for j ? ears to come, but it would protect those assisting the scheme. “Now, it is certain that many cricket supporters would be prepared to stand in for the purpose oif the English tour only, and risk whatever the result might be. It. is the opinion of nay committee that if all the affiliated associations would undertake a share of the scrip guarantees, or debentures issued, then the cricketers of the Dominion could confidently appeal to the public for the necessary further support. “The question of leave of absence for players would be best handled bv the association from which the members of the team were selected. I shall be glad if you will bring these matters before your committee at your earliest convenience, and give your opinion on the various schemes outlined above, and any other advice you care to place before thp council.”

AUSTRALIA. The following are the , averages of tho Australians in the three Test matches which have been played: — BATTING. In. N.O. H.S. Runs. Av. C. G. Macartney.. 3 1 *133 323 161.50 W. Bardsley 2 1 *193 193 96.50 A. J. Richardson.. 2 0 100 135 67.50 W. M. Woodfull.. 3 0 141 154 51.33 J. S. Ryder 3 1 42 70 35.00 W. A. Oldfield - 3 0 19 44 14.66 H. L. Collins .. 2 0 24 25 12.50 J. M. Gregory 3 0 26 33 11.00 T. J. E. Andrews 3 0 10 23 7.66 J. M. Taylor 2 0 9 13 6.50 A. A. Mailey 2 1 1 2 2.00 C. V. Grimmett .. 1 0 1 1 1.00 Not out Average runs per batsman 84.65. BOWLINGWkts. Buns. Aver. C. Y. Grimmett 7 147 21.00 C. G. Macartney 3 168 56.00 A. J. Richardson 2 139 69.50 J. S. Ryder A. A Mailey 1 2 96 96.00 239 119.50 H. L. Collins 0 11 - T. J. E. Andrews 0 36 - J. M Gregory 0, 192 — Average cost per wicket, 68.53. ENGLAND. The following are the averages of the English team in the Te9t matches: —. BATTING. In. N.O. H.S. Runs. Av. E. Hendren 3 2 *127 131 131.00 A. P. F. Chapman 3 2 *50 107 107.00 J. B. Hobbs 4 1 119 275 91.66 G. G. Macaulay.. i 1 *76 76 76.00 II. Sutcliffe 4 1 94 215 71.66 F. E. Woolley .. 3 0 R7 134 44.66 R. Kilner 1 0 36 36 36.00 G. Geary ... . 1 1 35 35 35.00 A. W. Carr 1 0 13 13 13.00 M. W. Tate 1 0 5 5 5.00 H. Strudwick 1 0 1 1 1.00 * Not out. Average runs per batsman , 93.45. BOWLING. Wkts. Runs. Aver F. Root . 4 110 27.25 M. W. Tate . 7 248 35.42 K. Kilner . 6 225 37.50 F. E. Woolley 1 44 44.00 H. Larwood ... . 3 136 45.33 G. Geary . 2 130 65.00 G. G. Macaulay . 1 123 123.00 Average cost per wicket, 42.33.

H. L. Hendry In. N.O. H.S. Runs. Av. 2 0 71 139 69.50 C. G. Macartney... W. M. Wood-full... 20 20 2 3 160 1082 201 997 60.11 57.23 A. J. Richardson... 18 7 100 566 51.45 W. Bardsley 22 2 *193 1020 51.00 J. M Gregory ... 18 6 *130 593 49.41 T. J. E. Andrews 24 2 164 850 38.64 W. H. Ponsford .. 12 2 •110 344 34.40 H. L Collins 17 1 99 539 33.68 J. S. Ryder J. M Taylor 20 4 *108 499 31.19 23 2 76 434 20.66 W. A Oldfield ... 13 3 •43 196 19.60 C. V Grimmett ... 9 1 41 156 19.50 J. L. Ellis 8 1 29 115 19.16 A. A. Mailey 12 4 21 67 8.37 S. C. Everett 4 0 19 29 7.25 •Not out. BOWLING. iVkts. Runs. Aver. C G. Macartney .. 52 720 13.84 C. V Grimmett .. 52 853 16.21 A. A Mailey 73 1250 17.12 A. J. Richardson 33 597 18.09 H. I.. Collins 4 107 26.75 S. C. Everett 10 286 28.60 J.‘S. Ryder 13 464 34.97 J. M. Gregory 18 684 38.00 T. J. E. Andrews 1 118 118.00 H. L. Hendry 0 2 THE FIRST-CLASS AVERAGES. LONDON, July 17. The following are the first-class averages: — BATTING. Inns. N.O. Runs. Aver. J. B. Hobbs 24 i 1758 76.43 E. Hendren 29 8 1391 66.00 E. Tyldesley ... 31 3 1769 63.17 C. G Macartney... 19 2 1051 61.82 A. Sandham 25 2 1412 51.3D W. M. Woodfull.. 21 3 1038 57.66 IT. T. W. Hardinge 28 3 1307 55.83 W. Bardsley 22 1 1112 52.95 H. Sutcliffe 25 5 1027 51.35 J. W. Heame ... 22 3 965 50.84 C. P. Mead 23 2 1051 50.38 A. J. Richardson 19 7 600 50.00 J. M. Taylor is placed thirty-ninth with an average of 18.60. BOWLING. Runs. Wickets Aver. W. Rhodes 1027 72 14.26 M. Cox . 800 53 15.09 C. G. Macartney.. 691 45 15.35 G. Geary ... . r 1501 94 15.96 C. H. Parkin 630 39 16.15 G. G. Macaulay .. 1303 80 16.28 R. Tyldesley 1140 68 16.76 C. V. Grimmett . . 805 48 16.77 M. W. Tate 1452 86 16.88 — Mercer 1131 66 17.13 A. A. Mailey 1279 74 17.28 F. Ryan 1063 72 17.54