AUSTRALIAN CRICKET.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 13 March 1925, Page 4

AUSTRALIAN CRICKET.

Tlicve is reason to expect trouble when the next Australian eleven visits England, nnd this seems sufficiently clear. Despite the fact that Australia has won the right to retain “the ashes” for a season, there has not been much to spare in securing that retention. On each occasion of the present tour England has crept closer and clos er to victory, until she lias ultimately secured it in no uncertain fashion. And. although we deprecate the bringing ot the question of “luck” into the argument, Australia was remarkably lucky to win that deciding third test at Adclaids. But mainly does trouble loom in the near future unless some as >ct un talked-of precaution is taken to prevent it, because the wet wickets which are so seldom met with in Australia, and when met are so destructive to Australian hopes, are the commonplace of cricket in England. If then, the Australian batsmen fail on such wickets, and the Australian bowlers lack the skill and experience to take the proper advantage which they offer, the deduction is surely logical that the prospect of Australia winning the rubbei of tests in England next season m small. Without practice upon such wickets the Australians cannot learn the secret of their mastery; the practice is impossible upon Australian wickets as a rule. What is the solution ot the trouble? It is difficult even to suggest anv ;lnit at least it might be better to forego a little the present solicitude for the pitches in grade and interstate ,rames, and so create an extra opportunitv now and again of batting on had wickets. There is not a great deal in the suggestion, perhaps; but there is something—nnd every little helps. Both batsmen and howlers will gain by such a change; nnd it is particularly the bowlers that require it. For, apart a - ton-other from the question of wet wicke'ts or dry ones, Australian howlers are showing poor records m these test matches. Mailey, Gregory and Kelleway arc the three upon whom Australia has chiefly relied, and the records show that the last-named of the three, with an average of 11 wickets lor • >-, has ensi \ the best figures. Gregory’s average is 38, "and Mailey’s 41. Finely as* they have played, and consistently and ciaftilv as they have bowled, these are poor results for Australia’s best bowlers to provide. It is a good thing that Grimmett -was given an opportunity in the final game, and that he proved such a success.