SPECTACULAR PLAY IN TEST CRICKET.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19267, 2 January 1931, Page 4

SPECTACULAR PLAY IN TEST CRICKET.

AUSTRALIAN ELEVEN MEET WEST INDIES. (United Press Assn.—By Electi’lo Telegraph—Copyright.) SY'DNEY', January 1. Ideal cricketing weather prevailed for the second test match against the West Indies team. Woodfull won the toss and elected to bat. Sealev was made twelfth man of the West Indies team. A quarter of an hour’s play saw only three runs on the board. Jackson, after earning applause for several artistic glances, -was brilliantly caught in the slips. One wicket for 12 runs Bradman and Ponsford both had narrow escapes from being run out. The visitors’ fielding was very keen. Bradman scored the first four of the day when he swept Constantine to leg. Then, facing the same bowler, Bradman survived a confident leg before appeal. Two boundaries by Bradman and one by Ponsford raised 52 in sixty-two minutes. Thrill followed thrill, for, after being missed in the slips, Bradman was caught behind. Two tor 52. Kippax notched 2 from the first ball he received. The hundred appeared after 136 minutes, Ponsford’s 50 taking 145 minutes. M’Cabe and Ponsford added 71 by slow cricket before the form“r fell a victim to Scott. Four for 140. Thunderous applause greeted Australia’s captain. After the tea adjournment, scoring

livened up somewhat, 200 appearing in 201 minutes. Ponsford reached his century in the same time. The next item of interest was the hundred partnership made in eighty-one minutes. With the bowlers tiring, the batsmen used the long handle. Woodfull reached 50 in 114 minutes. Both were unconquered at stumps, Ponsford having played a sterling innings, which included twelve fours.

Scores:—• AUSTRALIA. First Innnings.) Ponsford; not out 175 Jackson, c Francis b Griffiths .... 8 Bradman, c Barrow b Francis .... 25 Kippax, c Bartlett b Griffiths . . 10 M’Cabe, lbw b Scott 31 Woodfull, not out 58 Extras 16 Total for four wickets .. 323

Fairfax, Oldfield, Grimmett, Hurwood and Ironmonger have yet to bat. SHEFFIELD SHIELD MATCH. MELBOURNE, January 1. In the Sheffield Shield match between Victoria and South Australia, South Australia, in their first innings made 275 (Nitschke 43, V. Richardson 64, Waite 44). Blackie took six ■wickets for 70. AN UNFOUNDED REPORT. Per Press Association. DUNEDIN, January 1. A report has been circulated that Dickinson will not be available if selected for the cricket teairf to tour England. This, however, is incorrect and has been spread without the slightest authority. TOUR OF DOMINION. (United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) MELBOURNE, January 1. The New Zealanders resident in Melbourne are disappointed that no Australian cricket team is going to New Zealand. It is stated that a New Zealand representative had personally interviewed most of the leading players and it is believed that this action had a great deal to do with causing the Board of Control to withhold its sanction. It is felt that the proper course was first to obtain permission from the board.

PLAYERS WILLING TO TRAVEL. SYDNEY, December 31. Arthur Mailey, writing to the “Sun,” says that it is hard to understand why the Board of Cricket Control turned down the invitation to send an Australian team to New Zealand. A good number of younger players had signified their xvillingness to make the trip and the New Zealand Council was prepared to pay all expenses. No official reason lias so far been furnished by the board.