CRICKET.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18643, 21 December 1928, Page 10

CRICKET.

AUSTRALIAN COMMENT ON TEST MATCH

(United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.)

(Received December 21, 12.55 p.m.) SYDNEY, December 21. Commenting on the test cricket the Sydney Morning Herald” says:— Australia viewed the English team’s accomplishments against the States without misgiving. The latter showed excellent form and the man in the street reckoned that the pick of Australia anyway would hold their own. Then came the debacle in the first test which left us stunned and bewildered. If that was the best our men cpuld do the rubber was already decided and the Ashes were England’s again.

“ Australia, however, recovered her poise, remembered that all _ men had weak moments and hoped that- the second test would redeem the position. The hope was dashed. However, Australia made a dramatic recovery in the second innings, but the English bowlers again mastered the position.

“ The non-inclusion of a fast bowler in the Australian side was condemned in many quarters. This department should be strengthened.

“ A test team without a fast bowler is analogous to Hamlet minus the Prince. There are still three matches to play. We have not abandoned hope, despite the initial reverses.” The “ Daily Telegraph ” says: “ Those who hoped that the Australians would make the Englishmen fight for victory were disappointed, but the batting of the home side was of sufficient quality to give added zest to future contests.” The “ Telegraph ” states that Oxenham, the Queensland all-rounder, has been requested to go to Melbourne.— Australian Press Association. FIVE WICKETS DOWN IN HALF AN HOUR. Per Press Association. NAPIER, December 21. Sensational cricket resulted when the match between the Napier High School and the Auckland Grammar School was continued this morning. In reply to Grammar's 170, Napier made 121 (Mahoney 3S, Stephenson not out 19, Bark 11, Brown 15, Reaney 10, Craig 10). Gillies took five wickets for 18 runs (Mackearney two for 41, M’Cormick two for 37 and Clapham one for 6). In half an hour’s play before lunch Grammar lost five wickets for eight runs, Bark and Reaney, the Napier bowlers, being greatly assisted by a cross wind.