CRICKET IN THE RAIN

Taranaki Daily News, 19 August 1929, Page 11

CRICKET IN THE RAIN

ENGLAND SCORES 166 FOR 4

WIDESPREAD POOLS ON WICKET.

SOUTH AFRICANS ELECT TO BOWL.

By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Australian Press Association. Received Aug. 18, 5.5 p.m.

United Service. London, Aug. 17. One of the largest cricket crowds of the season assembled at the Oval for the test match between South Africa and England to-day, but the 25,000 saw only half an hour’s play. South Africa won the toss ami England batted first, the ecore at the drawing of stumps being 166 for the loss of four wickets. There was not merely a late start, but two heavy downpours, besides drenching the thousands, interrupted the «ame. The second shower left such widespread pools that etumps were drawn early. There was heavy rain yesterday ami the match did not start today until 12.45 p.m. There was much comment at Deane’s putting in England on a dead wicket; but there was no doubt he did so less because he hoped to get England out cheaply than because he feared his own batsmen would be dismissed still more cheaply. South Africa’s spin bowlers made good use of the wicket, but the ball came so slowly the batsmen had ample time to see it. The first hour’s runs came mostly from leg-pulls and some square cuts. Hobbs was unusually restrained and put the ball straight into Quinn’s hands at short leg. Hammond, unlike the oGiere, began to drive immediately. He walked out to drive a ball which kept low and he was brilliantly stumped. Woolley had a great reception, marking the veteran’s achievements in the earlier tests. He was as unconcerned as always. He started by straight-hitting Vincent for six, but his play was mostly of the quietest. He contented himself with easy ones and twos, with an occasional bang to the leg side. Unfortunately he stepped back and dislodged his bails. Sutcliffe was sound, careful and ehanceless. The South African team is: Catterall, Siedle, Mitchell, Taylor, Morkel, Deane, Owen-Smith, Cameron, MacMillan, Vincent, Quinn. Details are: — ENGLAND.. First Innings. Hobbs, c Quinn, b MacMillan 10 Sutcliffe, not out 84 Hammond, c Cameron, b Vincent 17 Woolley, hit wicket, b Vincent' .... 46 Wyatt, c Deane, b Vincent 6 Leyland, not out 0 Extras 3 Total (for four wickets) ..... 166