THE RUBBER WON.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16471, 6 July 1921, Page 6

THE RUBBER WON.

The Australians, by their spectacular victory in the third test, have won the rubber. They made a bold bid for a straight out win when they declared for 273 in the second innings, bbt the event justified Armstrong’s confidence. There can be no doubt that the Australian?, have established their incontestable superiority. Their victorious tour has not received a check, and they have won their three tests in the most decisive style. It i‘; impossible not to sympathise with the English Eleven, even though the Australians compel admiration. ‘The selectors have been at their wits’ end to find a team which could stand up to the attack, and they have been confused rather than assisted by the torrent of advice and criticism. The demand that Douglas should be relieved of captaincy was acceded to, more because he was “unlucky” than for any defects in his leadership. The change, however, has not brought improvement in fortune- The new captain was crippled after an hour’s play, but emerged as the hero of the match by playing a brilliant innings under difficulties. The illness of Hobbs deprived England of a player who could ill be spared, while the failure of other professional cracks must have contributed to the prevailing depression. English cricket hns suffered an eclipse, and it has had to battle this year with an Australian team which will stand comparison with any of the great combinations of the past. It is a fine trait of the English character that reverses only strengthen the determination to do better next time.