THE ABORIGINAL CRICKETERS IN ENGLAND.

West Coast Times, Issue 913, 26 August 1868, Page 4

THE ABORIGINAL CRICKETERS IN ENGLAND.

The firsb cricket match played in Europe by aboriginal natives of Australia was commenced on Kcnnington Oval on the 25th May last, when the aboriginal eleven of Victoria met eleven of the Surrey Club. The match appears to have excited great interest. The blacks were deprived of their " great gun," Cuzens, who unfortunately was seized with an. attack of inflammation, and was strictly prohibited by his medical attendant from taking part in the opening match. The Surrey Club having wen the toss, elected to take first innings. When the " blacks," headed by their captain, Lawrence, came from the dress-ing-room, they were received with loud cheers, and on the Surrey gentlemen taking their places at the wickets the '"blacks" gave three hearty cheers, v hiding up with a war-whoop. Play began at a quarterpast twelve, Messrs G. H. Jupp and C. Noble representing Surrey, and Mullagh and Lawrence starting the bowling on tuc part of the blacks. Mi 1 Jupp made a very fine cut off Mullagh for five, and in a quarter of an hour twenty was posted. The first to "go " v. as Mr Noble, whom Lawrence caught very cleverly off his own bowling ; Mr Baggalley followed, and the bowling became steady, seven overs being delivered for one run. Lawrence and Mullagh changed ends after the former had caught and bowled Mr Noble. The second slow ball of Lawrence's got ! rid of Mr Jupp, mho was well stumped by Bulloeky. Mr I. D. Walker only made a single, and then was caught off" Mullagh at point. The disposal of these two " stifT" wickets was a great point in favor of the "blacks," whose fielding was excellent, and elicited frequent applause. The bowling also was good, at one time seven overs being delivered for a single run. Mr Greenfield was caught at* mid-off by Bullocky, who judged the ball admirably. Messrs BaggalJay and Calvert got together, and made runs rapidly for a lime, and the latter was badly missed at point by Peter. When the score was hit up to 124, Mullagh clean bowled Mr Calvert with a splendid ball. Mr Bagg allay, who had proved such a " slicker," at length fell a victim to a " slow," as Bullocky stumped him in a style worthy of Lockyer. IvJr Boultbee's proved the most difficult wicket afterwards, but Lawrence bowled him when he had put on ! 37. Mr-Hibbert, the last man in. played well for his 14, and the innings culminated at 222. The fact that only one extra — a bye — was recorded, is the best proof of the fielding of the " blacks" which can be adduced, and they were frequently applauded all round the ground. On the second day there was a very large assemblage of spectators, and the batting of the " blacks" was very closely watched. Two wickets were quickly disposed of, and then Muilagh and King Cole made a stand. The remainder of the "blacks' " wickets fell without any material addition to the score, so that by a quarter-past one all were out for eightythree runs, which left the "darkies" 139 to the " bad," and necessitated their following on, which they did at five minutes before two. Tbis time Lawrence and Bullocky acted on the defensive, and Messrs Boultbee and Miller were the bowlers for Surrey. Lawrence played very steadily, and with his lieutenant seemed bent on changing the aspect of affairs. The "captain" wrought his score up in twenty-two amidst hearty applause at every addition to the total, when Mr Miller clean bowled him. After dinner Mr Miller delivered four maiden overs in succession, and Mullagh showed some excellent defence and hits. 11 c lost several runs through the ball being stopped by the spectators ; and others owing to the want of activity of himself and partner between wickets. Bullocky made 19, including a three and four twos. Redcap ran out through not following up his hit, and King Cole was well caught by Mr I. D. Walker at points At five o'clock six wickets were down for eightyfour runs. Mullagh continued to show excellent hitting all round, and was rewarded with ringing cheers. When 100 went up there was a general shout, as there was when Mullagh had "landed the talent." Mallagh's mate kept up his wicket, while the former did the hitting, several brilliant cuts and drives being amongst the items. At 120 Mr L p, Walker wept on with

slows, tind Mr Frero tried the Pavilion end. The latter iv Lis sixth over bowled Mullagh, who had been two houi-s and ten minutes at the wickets without giving half a chance. HisinDnings of sevensthree may be briefly described as a highly meritorious one, entitling him to the ovat : on which followed, for he was interrupted on his way to the dressingroom, and carried by the crowd to the pavilion, where the usual talent was awarded to him, amidst the cheers of the multitude. After Mullagh left the end soon came, their being neither hit nor defence in the last three uieii. The innings concluded at half-past six, the blacks being still seven in arrear. There were about 8000 spectators on the Oval when the game finished.