THIRD TEST AT MANCHESTER

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27410, 24 July 1954, Page 4

THIRD TEST AT MANCHESTER

CRICKET

ENGLAND 293 FOR SIX COMPTON MAKES 93 (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, July 22. A fine innings of 93 by Comptan, and some tireless left-arm bowling by Shujauddin, were features of the first day’s play in the third cricket test between England and Pakistan at Manchester today. England, having won the toss, had made 293 for six at stumps. In the absence of Hutton and Simpson, both of whom had been unfit, this was a sound total, but apart from Compton the batting was not of test match standard.

Although heavy clouds and light rain showers were experienced, only 15 minutes were lost. England’s total may prove better than its face value, for, if there is much more rain, Pakistan will possibly have to bat on an awkward wicket.

Shujauddin, who bowled 44 overs during the day, claimed' the ' wickets of Compton. Graveney, and May, dismissing each with the help of the Wicketkeeper Imtiaz Ahmed, who has so far conceded only one leg bye. Fazel Mahmood was not asked to toil ag he did at Nottingham. Mahmood Hussam was an adequate replacement for the injured Kham Mohammad. Kardar, the Pakistan captain, kept a firm grip on the situation and placed his field astutely. Compton did not give the bowlers the slightest encouragement. His defence was impregnable in the two hours and threequarters. He hit 14 boundaries. David Sheppard and Peter May both failed, but the emergency opener, Trevor Bailey, the third amateur in the team, contributed 42 in two hours and a half of a dour but important innings. Graveney played a subordinate part in the stand of 93 with Compton, and did jnot dominate the scene.

Jim Parks, making his test debut, W’as unfortunate to meet Fazel with the new ball early in the innings.

ENGLAND First Innings Sheppard, b Fazel Mahmood .. ... 13 Bailey, run out .. 42 May, c Imtiaz Ahmed, b Shujauddin 14 Compton, c Imtiaz Ahmed, b Shujauddin •• •• -• ~ 93 Graveney, st Imtiaz Ahmed, b Shujauddin .. .. . • .. 65 Parks, c Fazel Mahmood ..15 Evans, not out .. .. .. 31 Wardle, not out .. .. .. 19 Extras .. .. -. .. 1

Total for six wickets .. 293 Fall of wickets: one for 20, two for 57, three for 97, four for 190, five for 217,

PROPOSED DISTRICT SCHEME

ATTITUDE OF CLOSED CLUBS

District cricket in Christchurch is opposed by at least six of the seven closed clubs that belong to the Canterbury Cricket Association. A letter giving the clubs’ views has been sent to the secretary of the association (Mr J. C. Saunders). , A meeting of closed clubs on June 19 fully discussed the association’s recommendations op district .cricket, and it was agreed unanimously “that this meeting does not consider district cricket in the best interests of the game in Christchurch, and that the clubs represented do not propose to be merged, and wish to retain their identity.” The Papanui Technical Old Boys’ Cricket Club had not had the opportunity of having a full meeting, but the delegate present did not dissent, The closed clubs are High School Old Boys, Old Collegians, Technical College Old Boys, West Old Boys, University, Marist, and Papanui Technical Old Boys. Mr I. A. Baxter, who was chairman of the meeting on June 19, said yesterday that the closed clubs certainly wished to play crieket under the jurisdiction of the Canterbury Cricket Association, if at all possible.

six for 261. Bowling O. M. R. W. Fazel Mahmood 33 9 88 2 Mahmood Hussain 26 5 83 0 Shujauddin 44 12 101 3 Maqsood Ahmed .. 1 0 2 0 Ghazali 8 1 18 0