THE FOURTH TEST

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16352, 15 February 1921, Page 8

THE FOURTH TEST

ARMSTRONG AS LEADER. PRESS COMMENT. By Telegraph—Press Association—-Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cablo Association. (Received February 15, 11.20 a.m.j SYDNEY, February li>. The “Sydney Morning Herald*' says: “ Armstrong, by making his third century in tho tests this season, has proved himself a leader in every sense on each occasion, at a time when runs were sorely needed. He has compiled 1000 rune in first-claes matches this season, and also his 2000 runs in test cricket, a record equalled previously only by Gregory, Hill and Trumpcr. The Englishmen's inexplicable stonewalling on a good. wicket seemed ridiculous.” The “ Daily Telegraph ” says: “ Armstrong's performance was a triumph. He was a sick man, and should have been in bed. He was compelled to retire eventually. A remarkable feature of the match was tho absence of sundries. Dolphin allowed none, and Carter only one, which he thought had bowled the batsman. Rhodes, though still at the wickets, has no right there. A more flukyinnings could not be imagined.” THE ARMSTRONG TOUCH. (Received February 16. 12.35 p.m.) LONDON. February 14. The British public unstintedly eulogise Armstrong. He seems to have an eleven who not only ere inspired by his genius, hut are willing workers for him to the last ounce of stamina. The “Manchester Guardian” says: “We were doing well. Then the old, ola storv, just when we were safest, there’s an Armstrong touch. What a man he is. In moments of trouble and xesponsioility, the severer the ordeal, the mightier he is.” The “ Star,” commenting on Armstrong, says: In our losses he has had the biggest hand. He seamß to huve an eleven inspired by his genius, and willing workers for him to the last ounce of their stamina.. History will tell the full story of the unfortunate squabble in Australian cricket management bv the Board of Control. Suffice it to say that, had certain people prevailed. Ai instrong would have been excluded, instead of leading Australia to victory. The voice of the Australian people has been heard in no uncertain tone, and we may *ave heard the last of the ‘ Armstrong vendetta.’ ”