ONLY 59 MINUTES PLAY IN FIRST TEST MATCH

Chronicle (Levin), 1 December 1947, Page 5

ONLY 59 MINUTES PLAY IN FIRST TEST MATCH

(N.Z.P.A.-

— Reuter,

Copyright)

Received Sundav, 7 p.m. BR1SBANE, Nov. 30. There was only lifty-nine minutes' play in the First Test to-day because of tlie rain-soaked wicket. The sky was over east nearlv all day and the wicket had no chance to dry out after the overnight ruins. Bradmau was as sure as ever and was still uneonquered at stumps. The light was iiad from the resumption at 4.50 p.m. to-day, but Bradnmn ignored Aliller's repeated urgings to appeal until 5.50 p.m. when even he, who is noted for eyes like a hawk, must have had the greatest difficulty in seeing the ball. 'Ihe crowd of about 12,000 defied the threatening weather all da^' and waited patientlv for the restart. l,ate in the al'ieniooit their patience wore thin, however, and the umpires were booed at the repeated inspections which were made at II a.m., 2 p.m. 3, 4 and 4.25 p.m. before play was resumed at 4.35. More than 10,000 waited to see the 59 minutes of play. There were near riots at the g'ates about 4 o'cloclc, however, as soiue demanded their money back. The spectators were given tickets on entry entitling them to readmission on Alonday if there was no play to-day. The demonstrations were made by'those who would be unable to come on AlonA feature of tlie batting was a great st raight-dri ven six by Aliller. For tlie most part, howe'ver, it was a grim struggle by the bats men to keop tlieii I'eet on tlie wicket which was still not tit for play. The bowlers also had ditliculty in kceping their foothold. The wicket was not iit for play at any time. IScores: — AUSTRALIA — First Innings. Bradman, not out 3 79 Aliller, not out 39 Extras 5 Total for 3 wicket. s 309 Bowling: >Solioni 0 for 03; Amarath 1 for 00, Alankad 3 for 301, Sarawate 1 for 10, Ilazare 0 for 40, Nayudu 0 for 18.