CRICKET NOTES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5566, 15 May 1896, Page 4

CRICKET NOTES.

In a paragraph referring to the prospects of the Australian team, . the Athletic News says: — The old war horse, Spofforth, thinks_ a great deal will rest with the new bowlers, for, says he, if the men who have been over here befoie are the best in the eleven England will win all its matches, thoxigh. the Cornstalks will hold their own with most of the counties. If we are vouchsafed a dry season, however, our visitors will probably give a. greater show than their critics forecast. Bulletin items:— The present English tour is likely to be handled by Harry Musgrove on far better business principles than preceding ones. At least one of the recent tours is not settled financially yet — and not likely to be. Eady, who (excepting the Test Match) has never played in first-class cricket, owes his inclusion in the team to the fact that he represents a fourth province, and is " presentable socially." Harry, undoubtedly a better cricketer, was practically "decided against" from the very date of his selection, because hie was not likely to shape well in belltopper and frock-coat society. The champion club of Melbourne is North Melbourne, which went through the season without a defeat. Worrall, of the Carlton Club, heads the batting averages of the season in pennant matches with an average of 108-14, this high figure being duo to his record score of 417 not out. M'Alister, East Melbourne, comes next with an- average of 67*42. Then follow Trumble," Melbourne, 66;85; Lewis, East Melbourne, 5755 ; Wame, Carlton, 0642 ; C.M'Leod, Melbourne, 1 54*42;* Donahoo, Melbourne, 53-25; Layer, East Melbourne, 52-771 A. E. Trott, East Melbourne, 51-28 ; J. Carlton, North Melbourne, 49*55. Seven men have averages of over 40, and nine of 30 and over. - Carlton, North Melbourne, has the best bowling average — 1732 balls, 662 runs, 60 wickets, average 11*03.