THE SECOND TEST

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 151, 28 June 1934, Page 4

THE SECOND TEST

IF there are some people who are not now convinced that cricket is a game of chance, then they are beyond conviction. The second Test was, according to English critics, won on the toss of the coin which enabled the English team to bat first on what is termed a “batsman’s wicket,” while the Australians had to resume, after the week-end, on what is termed “a bowler’s wicket.” The difference in conditions resulted in Verity having all of the advantages. The wicket had been sodden by rain, and a strong sunshine started the drying of the surface. The condition of the ground, therefore, enabled the spin bowler to operate under the most favourable conditions for him. Undoubtedly Grimmett would have been equally effective had the English team been at the wickets. There was undoubtedly a great deal of excitement, and that made for public interest. The fact that conditions favoured Australia in the first Test and favoured the English team in the second Test leaves in doubt the issue as to which is the better team. This is very fortunate for the gate receipts, in which the Australians and the county clubs have a considerable interest. Bodyline bowling did not come into the picture, and the temper of the teams was all that could be desired? There was an absence of barracking, and the victors and the vanquished remained on the best of terms. Indeed, the atmosphere was just as it should have been, which is desirable.