STRONG TEAM FIGHTS AGAINST AUSTRALIA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17863, 3 June 1926, Page 9

STRONG TEAM FIGHTS AGAINST AUSTRALIA.

HOLMES, SUTCLIFFE, CARR AND WHYSALL LEAD NORTH OF ENGLAND

Collins and Grimmett are the most, conspicuous absentees from the Australian team playing North of England at Lord’s. The match, like that at Bristol last week, can be regarded as a test rehearsal. Collins’ absence, therefore, must provoke some comment, but the reason is probably merely the need for a spell. His scores on the tour to date suggest in-and-out form: 13, 43, 0, 7, 38, 33, 9, 99, 2.

The North of England team includes, besides A. W. Carr, H. Sutcliffe and W. Why sail, that fine Yorkshire batsman, Percy Holmes. He made the record score in county cricket last season.

(Received June 3, 10 a.m.) LONDON, June 2. After heavy overnight rain the day broke dull. The wicket was fully protected and was good. The Australian team is Bardsley, Gregor> r , Oldfield, Taylor, Macartney, Andrews, Maitev, Ryder, Ponsford, Woodfull and Richardson. Carr won the toss and batted. Gregory and Ryder bowled only four overs. North of England have lost no wickets for 40 runs. The attendance was 3000 when play was resumed after twenty minutes’ interruption. Sutcliffe was uneasy at the start. Holmes was sounder and obtained a number of runs past point. Ryder, keeping a good length, started for the second time with three maidens. The scoring was very slow, four runs taking twenty minutes. Ths batsmen made an occasional big hit but inainly confined themselves to

playing the bowling and put little power behind the strokes. Three overs after lunch rain again compelled an adjournment and play was not resumed. Scores:— NORTH OF ENGLAND. First Innings. IT. Sutcliffe, not out ... . ; 23 P. Holmes, not out 14 Extras 3 Total for no wickets 40

STEVENS INJURED.

(Received June 3, 11 a.m.) LONDON, June 2. Mr Warner announces that G. T. S. Stevens will not play for the Rest of England against England, owing to a sprained wrist. E. Tyldesiey has been invited to replace him.