CRICKET.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXX, Issue 11789, 13 February 1906, Page 6

CRICKET.

TO-MORROW'S BIG MATCH.

Everything is now well in hand for tomorrow's big match, and the management are working hard to ensure a big success. Cook's Gardens looks better than it has ever done, and has been cut and rolled all over, and looks the picture of a tricket ground. The wicket has been the especial care of Groundsman Muirhcad, and if cutting and rolling will make a wicket, there should be no cause for growling to-mor-row. It is fortunate that the Association went to the expense they did at the beginning of the season in laying down Lonburn soil wickets, as they now have a decent ground to offer. Tho visitors arrive by the express tomorrow, and will be met by his Worship the Mayor, the President of tho Association (Mr \V. Einjwon), the other officials, and all cricketers. They will drh-e to Chavanne's Hotel, where they are putting up, and the game will start at 1.30 p.m. riharp. Th« admission to the ground is Is each day, and patrons will be pleased to hear that there will bo no further charge levied for enclosures or for any other pretext. For those who wish to follow tho game intclllgcntly, an official c»»rii will be on. .»««l<» in the grounds, which, read in conjunction with the scoring board, will supply all information as to the state of the game, as for instance the names of the batsmen and bowlers, tho individual score of the batsmen, the total score, the number of wickets down, and the last man's score.

The only thing now required to ensure success is fine weather.

Commenting on the batting of tho Victorians in their first innings at Auckland, the N.Z. Herald says that Armstrong and Ransford made big scores against Australia's best bowling, and it is therefore no disgrace to our bowlers that they scored 143 between them. The wicket during the afternoon was certainly not perfect for batting, but nevertheless it was not exceptionally difficult. The visitors did not give a vory brilliant display and Ransford, ilthough ho played some nice strokes, mistimed a lot of balls. His leg-hitting and driving were exceptionally neatly executed. On several occasions he narrowly escaped playing on.