DRAMATIC DAY’S CRICKET AT BASIN RESERVE

Wanganui Chronicle, 11 March 1947, Page 5

DRAMATIC DAY’S CRICKET AT BASIN RESERVE

M.C.C. ALL OUT FOR 176; WELLINGTON FIVE FOR 86

(Press Association) WELLINGTON, March 10 Fifteen wickets fell for 262 runs in a dramatic day's cri ket when the first M.C.C. team to visit New Zealand

for 11 years met Wellington at the Basin Reserve to-day. At stumps the game was in an interesting position, Wel-

lington having made 86 runs for five wickets in reply to

176 by the M.C.C., the fourth smallest score of its present

The outstanding feature was the delightful innings for Wellington by It. Crawford, who played a dominant role in retrieving his side from the disastrous start of losing three wickets for no runs.

Conditions were ideal, but the sharp contrast to those to which the Englishmen had been accustomed in Australia, coupled with the limited opportunity to acclimatise themselves before the match, probably accounted for much of the faulty timing evident in the visitors’ batting. Even Washbrook, top-seorer, had moments when shots failed to flow off his bat with the ease suggested by his stroke making.

But for an excellent stand by Crawford and Caosti.'k, Wellington might have been in a very bad position. Crawford has previously revealed splendid big match temperament. Going in when three wickets- were down for none would be a big enough ordeal for any batsman, but Crawford set about the bowling with apparent complete disregard of any dangers it might possess, driving and cutting with eass. while Capstick was content with an odd well-placed shot for two or three. This partnership was not broken till 65 runs had been added, when Capstick's stubborn innings was ended by Bedser. Shortly afterwards Crawford, who had just reached 50, was also bowled by Bedser. He never seemed to be in any difficulty but had clearly been hurt by a ball before his dismissal, one which rapped him hard above the pads. Bedser was the steadiest bowler. Voce showed much of his old hostility in his first few overs, but later was not nearly as dangerous. Scores are: ENGLAND First Innings Washbrook, c Oakley, b Wilson ..... 68 Fishlock, c Lamason, b Murray 0 Edrich, c Murray, b Gave 20 Compton, c Lamason, b Challies .. 27 Hammond, b Cave 6 [kin, c Tindill, b Wilson 2 Evans, c Cave, b Murray 14 Smith, run out 7 Bedser, c and b Murray 11 Voce, run out 14 Pollard, not out 4 Extras 3 Total 176

From the moment Fishlock was caught at short fine leg by Lamason off Murray’s bowling a degree of uncertainty characterised the English batting. Fishlock played a delightful glide but fell for a rather obvious trap. While Washbrook played the bowling stubbornly, Edrich and Compton gave flashes ot delightful cricket, being always ready to attack the bowling and should thrill New Zealand "Crowds before tlie tour ends. Both were out to poor shots, Edrich flicking an off ball to second slip and Compton failing to get properly over a drive, lofting it to mid-off. OVATION FOR HAMMOND

Hammond received a great ovation. Fourteen years ago he was the star of Jardine’s team during the short tour of this country, making 58 against Wellington, 227 and 336 not. out against New Zealand. To-day only one shot in his short stay was reminiscent of Hammond of those years, a lovely lofted on-drive. Shortly afterwards he failed to cover a good length ball from Cave, which shattered his off-stump. Of the remaining batsmen, Evans

126, 142, 165, 176. WELLINGTON First Innings Tindill, c Edrich, b Voce" 0 Capstick, b Bedser 19 Ongley, b Voce O Lamason. b Voce —— 0 Crawford, b Bedser 50 Heaney, not out 5 Oakley, not out B Extras 4 Total, five wickets for 86 Bowling Analysis

and Bedser gave Washbrook the greatest assistance, and Voce bit a glorious six off Challies. Washbrook’s solid effort for 68 ended when he attempted to force the pace and was caught off a hook shot at deep square leg. The dismissal of the visitors for so modest a total came as a surprise, but the side it nearly capaole of much better. There is also every indication that the visitors will endeavour to provide enterprising batting in this country and a pleasant relaxation front the intense duels in Australia. CAVE’S GOOD BOWLING Cave was Wellington's most hostile bowler, swinging the ball both ways. An occasional short ball was given its desserts, but in the main his attack was full of venom and guile on a responding wicket. The colt, Murray, came through his first major representative match with much credit. Wilson secured two good wickets but his bowling was not up to his earlier standard. The colt, Challies, sent down many good deliveries and also some poor short balls.

Bowling Analysis O. M. R. W. Cave „ 24 6 44 2 Murray ...... 19 7 43 3 Wilson 16 2 50 2 Challies 11 3 36 1 Fall of wickets: 0, 32, 68, 82, 89, 109,

O. M. R. W. Voce 10 2 21 3 Bedser 12 28 2 Pollard ............. 6 0 20 0 Edrich . 3 1 5 0 Smith 2 0 8 0