RAIN ROBBED ENGLAND OF CRICKET WIN AGAINST N.S.W.

Wanganui Chronicle, 26 February 1947, Page 5

RAIN ROBBED ENGLAND OF CRICKET WIN AGAINST N.S.W.

Recd. 9.55 p.m. Sydney, Feb. 25. The match between Engand and New South Wales ended in a draw. Honours of the game were even, but rain robbed England of a win.

The visitors were set the task of scoring at the rate of about three runs every two minutes, and they decided to go for the runs- They were well ahead of schedule at the tea injterval, when rain prevented further Play. Compton added to his remarkable record with a faultless 72 not out. In his last eight innings he has scored 789 runs, being twice not out. His average for this innings is 131. The weather was . humid for the final day’s play. the New South Wales batsmen, in an effort to force a decision, attacked from the outset Only seven were added to-day, however, when Lindwall was out to a remarkable catch at fine-leg. Edrich dived and held the ball inches from the ground while at full stretch. After 56 were added in 50 minutes the innings was closed at six down for 262, leaving England 339 to make in 240 minutes to win.

Kissell remained undefeated", having played good cricket for 142 minutes. Smith, though not repeating the success of the first innings, was again England's most impressive bowler. England, in the half-hour before I lunch, scored 25 for the loss of Washbrook's wicket. Upon resuming, however. Hutton and Edrich took up the challenge, and, despite steady attack, swung their bats to good effect. Edrich was particularly enterprising, running to 25 in as many minutes l.ike Washbrook, he paid the penalty for audacity. Hutton and Compton | were then associated in a partnership worth 85 runs made in 38 minutes. 'At the time of Hutton’s dismissal England required 176 runs, with 135 minutes to bat, and seven wickets in hand. Hutton played a grand innings, his cover shots being gems, Compton and Fishlock continued to force the pace and at tea England had victory in sight. She then needed 134 runs in 105 minutes. Just as the players left the field light rain began to fall, and during the interval it developed into a steady downpour. The came was abandoned as a draw at 4 40 p.m. Compton had played a splendid forceful knock. He batted only 63 minutes and hit six fours. England had made 205 in 136 minutes. Scores:— NEW SOUTH WALES. First Innings 342

rusi innings Second Innings. Carmody, c Evans, b Edrich 26 Morris, c Edrich, b Follard . 47 Earnes. c Evans, b Smith . 9 Lukeman e Yardley, b Smith .. 45 Kissell, not out . . . 80 Lindwall, c Edrich. b Pollard 28 Pettiford e and b Smith 23 Extras _ 4 Toi il for 6 wickets (dec.) 2b’? Bowling Analysis. O. M. R. W. \ ore 9 0 54 0 Pollard ... 19 2 70 X 'Edrich 10 1 34 1 Smith 19 0 97 ENGLAND. First Innings .. 266 Second Innings. Hutton, l.b.w., b Johnson . 72 Washbrook, e Saggers, b Lush .. .. 11 Edrich, c and b Pettiford Compton not out . 74 rishiock. not cut . .. .... 11 Extras ... .. 4 Total for 3 wickets . 205 Bowling Analysis. O. M. ft. W. Lindwall 8 0 43 0 Toshack .. 10 J 43 0 Lush 5 0 33 1 Pettiford 10 5 55 1 The match was drawn.