HISTORY REPEATED

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20366, 25 July 1934, Page 1

HISTORY REPEATED

Weather Rescued England in 1930. (Received July 25, 10.25 a.m.) LONDON, July 24. Commenting on the Test, the Australian Press Association says: “ The weather repeated the history of 1930 in even more tantalising fashion. A terrific storm at 12.50 p.m. of exceptional violence rendered an early resumption impossible. The rain thereafter was slight but sufficient to retard the recovery of the wicket. “ Thus the course o’! the rubber follows closely the experience of 1930, when the weather rescued England. A crowd of 5000 patiently waited for inspection after inspection, though it must have been hope rather than faith which inspired Woodfull to make so many visits to the water-logged wicket. “ Apart from the bowling, the feature was Leyland’s fighting innings. Altogether he batted 140 minutes. It is too early to estimate Australia's chances in the fifth Test, which must at least be as good as when they won convincingly against the handicap of the loss of the toss in 1930. There will naturally be an outcry for many alterations to the English side in which Mitchell and Hopwood seem to have forfeited their places.” Wyatt in a statement said: “ I do not want to say anything.” Then, waving his hands towards the wicket, he added: “It is a draw. What more can I say ? ” Woodfull said: “It is a great pity that rain spoiled what might have been a hard struggle. It is all in the luck of the game.”