CRICKET.

Thames Star, Volume xxx, Issue 9308, 21 February 1899, Page 3

CRICKET.

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MELBOURNE, February 20. The -weather is cool and breezy, but there is only a small attendance. With 291 McAllister and Murray resumed to Frankish and Upham. The third century quickly appeared, and when another 25 were added Reese and Downes were tried, but Me Allister continued hitting brilliantly, putting his century up amidst applause. Murray exhibited fine forward play, and scored rapidly. At 356 Cobcroft was tried m place of Reese. Another 10 runs brought on Ashbolt and Frankish, but both players had the bowling fairly stuck up. I Murray, at 82, gave Ashbolt a very hot chance off his own bowling, which was declined. Downes relieved Frankish. After luncheon Upham came on. but the ohange did not worry either batsman, and the fourth century was recorded. Three runs had been added when Upham made a brilliant catch in the slips off Downes, and Murray retired. The partnership put on 187. Wilson filled the.^yacancy, and, after he had scored ~ a couple, Reese missed the new-comer at mid-off.

At 428 Reese replaced Upham. Wilson was going strongly and piled up a quarter of a century rapidly. He had a life at "A3 off Frankisii at DowneV hands, but the catch was a very hot one. Upham missed McAllister off Frankish in the slips, when his score was at 149. This was McAllister's first chance. Upham relieved Ashbolt at 498. Downes relieved Frankish, and with his first ball scattered Wilson's atumps. ■ "" Honeybore was next, but Upham bowled him off his pad without score. Tarrant was the last man, McAllister bringing the fifth century up. After the tea adjournment Cobcroft took the wickets, and Boxshall retired, George Mills fielding and Reese taking Upham's place. McAllister was still playing finely.

At 531 Frankisb. relieved Downes, and Ashbolt went on instead of Reese, but McAllister punished every change impartially. Sims took the ball from Ashbolt, aisd McAllister pulled him to the fence for four, bringing his second century up. Baker had a try at the other end, but the stuff was so simple that Downes relieved Sims after a couple of overs, XJpham doing the same by Baker.

Cobcroft badly missed Tarrant off Upham at the wicket. McAllister brought the sixth century up, but two runs later he was caught and bowled by Downes, With a deficit of 285 Sims and Ashbolt started. Stuckey missed Ashbolt the first ball, a couple of runs resulting. Both played with the intention of keeping up their wickets till time was called. They have made fifteen without the loss of a wicket. Sims (not out), 6; Ashbolt (not out), 9.