STODDART'S TEAM.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6052, 14 December 1897, Page 3

STODDART'S TEAM.

THE TEST MATCH. United Press Association— By Electric TelegraphCopyright. Received Dec. 14, 9.55 a.m. SYDNEY, Dec. 14. The weather is fine but cloudy, and there is every promise of a hot day. The gereval opinion in the pavilion yesterday was that the postponement, though carried put in an improper manner, was a good move, for the match, instead of being one-sided as it might have been if started on Friday, gives promise of being keenly contested right up to £he finish and won on its merits. In consequence of the starting of the match the meeting of trustees was not held, but it will eventuate at an early date. Eanjitsinhji won golden opinions by his pluck in persisting in playing when he was still far from strong. He did not display his own unique style, but batted remarkably well for an invalid. When the stumps were drawn he was utterly exhausted, and was unable to speak. If the Brisbane match is admitted M'Laren's is the fourth successive century made by him in first-class cricket during the present tour. He showed much less disposition to take any risks than in previous matches. He was batting three hours and a quarter, gave no actual chance and made scarcely;: a bad stroke to mar the display. His score included fifteen fours. Eeceived Dec. 14, 2.15 p.m. Five wickets are down for 376. Ranjitsinhji 56, Hirst 59. Eeceived Dec. 14, 2.25 p.m. Six wickets down for -382. Hirst 62, Ranjitsinhji not out 59.