BIG CRICKET.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 42, 14 February 1912, Page 5

BIG CRICKET.

ENGLAND WINS “THE ASHES”

IN HOLLOW FASHION.

AUSTRALIA DEFEATED BY AN INNINGS AND 225 RUNS.

SUPERIOR ENGLISH JBOWLING

By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (United Press Association.) Melbourne, February 13. There were slight showers in the early morning, but the wicket was unaffected. Rain was threatening all day. There were 3000 present at the Foster and Barnes pttacked. Kellowav snicked a rising ball in Barnes second over, and was caught at the wickets — I—l2.1—12. Bardsley opened cautiously, the fielding being keen and the bowling fine. Twenty runs were scored in 4U minutes, mostly by singles. Baidsley was beaten by the pace of a fast one off Foster, which upset the middle stump—2—3—20. _ , '] rum per was next, and Douglas and Hearne bowled. The former was troublesome, but Hearne was easier. -Trumper, an erstwhile smart scorer, was again extraordinarily weary, and was 5? minutes in reaching double figures. Then he gave two fine flashes for four off Hearne. Carter was going steadily, and at the adjournment the score was two for /6 —Garter 38, Trumper 20. . ■ , On the resumption of play, Douglas and Barnes bowled. Off Douglas third ball Carter was easily caught at -Jnrd slip. He had batted minutes, and hit two fourers—3 —38—/6. Hill had another great reception. The spectators in the outer stand gave tnrec cheers. Douglas was bowlfug with remarkable accuracy, and Barnes also troubled the batsmen. Trumper hit across one from Barnes and was bowled, after batting 71 minutes and hitting three fourers —4—28 —B6. Armstrong, who was next, began freely and brought up 102 after 135 minutes’ play, but he was clean beaten and bowled by Douglas—s—ll—Douglas had an average at this stage of eleven overs, four maidens, two wickets, 15 runs. Minnett joined Hill, who, when 10, was missed at mid-off off Barnes, the fieldsman losing sight of the ball iri the sun. Hill was dismissed by Douglas in the next over in attempting to pull a good length ball—6—l0 —112. Douglas had tak.cn, three wickets for 21 runs.

Hansford had made four when Minnett was.bowled, the ball keeping low. 7—7—117. Douglas’ figures now read 14 overs, six maidens, four wickets, 21 runs.

On Cotter’s appearance Foster relieved Barnes. Cotter was caught at mid-off—B—B—l 27. Matthews succeeded and Hansford magnificently legged and back cut Douglas successively, for two fourers, bringing 150 up iii 183 minutes. At 154, Woolley relieved Douglas. Matthews hit across one from Foster and .was bowled—9—lo—ls6.

, Hordern and Hansford played out to the tea adjournment. Hansford wan neat and effective for 26‘arid Hordern 4. " - 'i? -

On resumption Foster and Douglas bowled, Hordern being caught at second slip off Douglas’ fifth ball. The innings lasted 205 minutes. England won by an innings and 225 runs. The attendance, was 11,841, and the takings £420, making the attendance for the match 71},957, and the takings £3019. Scores:—

ENGLAND, First innings ... ... ... 58b AUSTRALIA. First innings ... 191 Second Innings. Kellewiay, c Smith, b Barnes ... 5 Bardsley, b Foster ... ... 3 Carter, c Hearne, b Douglas ... 38 Trumper, b Barnes ... ... 28 Hill, b Douglas ... ... ... 10 Armstrong, b Douglas ... ... 11 Minnctt, b Douglas 7 Cotter, c Mead, b Foster ... S

Matthews, b Foster ... ... 10 Hansford, not out ... ... .... 29 Hordern, c Foster, b Douglas ... 5 Extras ... 18 Total 173 Bowling Analysis.—Poster, three for 38; Barnes, two for 47; Douglas, five for 46; Hearne, none for 17; Woolley, none for 7. AFTER THE BATTLE. Melbourne, February 13. Subsequent to the match the Cricket Association entertained the players. Governor Fuller presided. Warner, in responding to the congratulations, said that although Australians criticised the team at the outset, the methods of selection had prevtd sound. The team had been chosen with particular reference to the conditions, and where the matches were played to a finish lie thought that England won on its merits. The spectators were splendid, and cheered both sides impartially. He hoped that Hill would bo in England next tour. ■ Hill said that Australia was fairly beaten in every department. lie thought that Barnes and Foster were the two greatest living bowlers. It would not bo for want of trying if Australia was not victorious in the triangular contests. THE MANAGEMENT QUESTION. Melbourne, February 13. Negotiations are pending for the settlement of the dispute between the Board of Control and players. It is considered probable that a satisfactory agreement will be reached. PRESS COMMENT. (Received 14, 9.15 a.m.) Sydney, February 14. Mayne, South Australia, has been provisionally appointed as a selector for the English team, in place of Hill. The “Herald”, commenting on the test, says England defeated Australia not merely decisively, but overwhelmingly. There was not the smallest opening for excuse or palliation. Under equal conditions the .visiting side outplayed our representatives. All that can be said of the Australians is that their play was inexplicable. Our best hope is that the present form is too bad to be true, and that the triangular games will see Australian cricketers once more able to make a reasonable fight for, international supremacy. The “Telegraph” says England earned a remarkable supremacy 7 in all departments of the game. Perhaps the greatest contributing cause was the bowling of Barnes and Foster. Steady, scientific, and patient bating characterised the play 7 , and right throughout the influence of good captaincy was manifest. Youthful enthusiasm and co-operation had done the rest.