BATTING IMPROVES

Southland Times, Issue 21428, 24 June 1931, Page 7

BATTING IMPROVES

- NEW ZEALAND TEAM NORTHAMPTON’S TOTAL PASSED SOME FREE SCORING (Special to Press Association.) London, June 22. Improved batting allowed the New Zealand cricketers to gain a lead over Northamptonshire at Peterborough, and a fine fighting partnership by Weir and Lowry added 139 for the fourth wicket in 115 minutes. Lowry was cautious at the start, but later attacked the bowling with powerful drives and square cuts. He hit thirteen fours and one six. Weir was caught in the slips after a chanceless innings for 81 in 224 minutes. It was an invaluable innings. He hit eight fours. Vivian gave one of his finest batting exhibitions, and in the first ten minutes made 33, of which three were sixes and three fours. With Cromb he added 87 for the seventh wicket, placing New Zealand ahead. Vivian showed improved defence and neglected no scoring opportunity. His driving was delightfully free, and he was especially severe on Jupp’s off spinners. He went out for the last wicket by a fine catch at coyer after batting for 103 minutes, during which he hit four sixes and eight fours. Hie county bowling was steady, an occasional ball keeping low. Northamptonshire batted for 40 minutes without loss. Bakewell early gave a difficult chance to Page in the slips off Cromb. Scores: — NEW ZEALAND. First Innings. Mills b Matthews 16 Weir c Timms b Matthews 81 Kerr b Jupp . 12 Page c Cox b Jupp i 12 Lowry c Timms b Cox 85 Talbot st Bellamy b Jupp 0 Vivian c Timms b Cox 73 Croinb lbw b Jupp 44 James st Bellamy b Cox 0 Matheson b Jupo 1 Merrit not out 0 Extras 22 Total 346 Bowling Analysis: Thomas took no wickets for 69 runs, Matthews two for 57; Wilson none for 26, Jupp five for 99; Cox three for 73. NORTHAMPTONSHIRE. First Innings 334 Second Inninga Bakewell not out 16 Bellamy not out 1° Extras Total for no wickets 22 THE TI'isT~MATCH ENGLAND’S STRONG SIDE. COMPLIMENT TO VISITORS. (Special to Press Association.) London, June 22. A strong side has been selected to represent England in the Test. Sutcliffe is doubtful owing to a leg injury. If he is unavailable his place will be taken by Woolley. Critics commend the selectors’ preference for youth, the average age of the team being only 26. Sutcliffe alone is over 30. England’s batting will be exceptionally strong, all except Peebles having scored first-class centuries. Larwood is now bowling in top form, and Voce, the left-hander, has also been successful this season. No stock right medium-paced bowler has been selected, but it appears that Hammond mayfill this role.

Mr Howard Marshall, in the Daily Telegraph, says: “England is represented by about the strongest side available. That is as it should be, for the New Zealanders will undoubtedly prove worthy opponents.” T. C. Lowry says: “The English selectors have paid us a compliment by placing a very strong team in the field. It should form the nucleus, of the next side to visit Australia.” The New Zealanders' Test eleven is still uncertain. Nine players appear to be assured of places. Matheson will probably be tenth man, providing his leg remains sound. There Is keen competition between Talbot, Kerr, Vivian and Allcott for the eleventh place. Die weather will probably be the deciding factor. A FINE SIDE ARTHUR MAILEY’S COMMENT. (Rec. 8.45 p.m.) Sydney, June 23. Arthur Mailey, writing in the Sun, describes England’s Test match team against New Zealand as a fine side. He says it will be interesting to see what will happen should New Zealand win. It may be the selectors will then fall back on old campaigners like Woolley, Hendren, Hobbs, Barker and Tait, or they may persevere with the youngsters. Die English selectors have apparently said good-bye to the business of collecting spare parts for Test cricket.