THE AUSTRALIAN CRICKETERS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 41, 17 February 1905, Page 2

THE AUSTRALIAN CRICKETERS.

THE MATCH AT WEIXINGTOM

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, this day.

The weather is fine for the opening day of the match, Australia y. Wellington. The game will be played on the Basin Reserve, beginning at 2 p.m.

Coberoft captains the Wellington team. He had the choice and decided to bat. At 2 o'clock the weather was bright, with a fresh southerly breeze. The attendance promised to be large. Later new* will be published ia extra editions of the " Star " as the meormm come to hand. (By Telegraph.—Own correspondent.) WELLINGTON, this day. Tfeere was a large gathering of enthusiasts to meet the Australian cricketers on their arrival from the North last evening. There is not to be any official reception by the Mayor, the only reception the visitors will "attend being the conversazione and smoke concert organised in their honour by ex-Austra-lians now in Wellington. Sir Joseph Ward is to preside over the ga*fche.ring. A good wicket has been prepared on the Basin Reserve, and some attention has been given to improving the eastern portion of the outfield. Caretaker Twist reckons on turning out a fast wicket, which should suit the visitors to a nicety. The Wellington team has been putting in some excellent practice, and should give a good account of themselves. The combination to represent Wellington contains the pick of the city's bowlero and batsmen, the only notable defection being Arnold Williams, who cannot spare the time to take part in the game. In his absence Mahoney will guard the sticks. Either Coberoft or Upham will skipper Wellington, most likely the former. Some comment has taken place in local cricket circles regarding the action of Noble in putting on the non-bowlers against Auckland in the latter's second innings. It is hoped that the same experience will not befall the Wellington team, as cricketers and the public desire to see the visitors at their best in all departments of the game. Mr F. C. Raphael, secretary of thi New Zealand Cricket Council* arrived from the South yesterday morning, and Mr J. Baker, the sole selector of the New Zealand teams "to meet the visitors in Christchurch and Wellington, put in an appearance from Dunedin today.

Messrs J. L. Kelly and W. McLaughlin, of Wellington, have collaborated in writing and composing a topical cricket song, "The Moa and tlip Kangaroo." which is to bt> sung by Mr E. J. Hill, at the conversazione to be given in the Town HaJl tomorrow evening, in honour of the Australian cricketers.