THE ENGLISH TOUR

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1354, 3 February 1912, Page 6

THE ENGLISH TOUR

MEET VICTORIA. MATCH IN TORRID WEATHER. HEARNE'S CENTURY, By Telegraph—Press Ajsociatlon-OopyTlEht (Rec. February 2, 7.55 p.m.) Melbourne, February 2. The match M.C.C. Touring Team was begun to-day in sweltering weather, tho thermometer registering over 105 degrees in the shade. The conditions were distressing for tho cricketers, while, in the city, some factories ceased work at noon owing to tho heat. The attendance was 1906, and the takings «£6O. Victoria's share of the "gate" is to go towards tho Blackham testimonial. Vine, Kinneir, Strudwick, and Foster stood out of the English eleven, and, for Victoria Seitz supplanted Ransford, who was unable to play owing to his thumb having been injured in tho third Test Match. It. is doubtful if he will be able to play in the fourth Test. The wicket was perfect.

Douglas won the toss, and Hobbs and Ehodes opened tho English innings. They were opposed by tho ' new fast bowler, M'Doualdi and Scott. ■ The batsmen placed with characteristic caution, and, at the end of half an hour, Rhodes was caught low in the slips. Ono for twenty-two.

Gunn was next man in, and, at 27, Matthews relieved M'Donald. Gunn made two nice drives,' and then Hobbs beautifully cut Matthews for the first "fourer" of tho day.

The extreme heat was already affecting the players, and the batsmen frequently walked between the wickets, in order to reserve theii energies. After an hour's play refreshments wero supplied.

Scott, who had maintained a good length, and had sont down nine overs for 18 runs and one wicket, was then relieved by M'Kenzie. '•

Fifty was scored after 54 minutes' play, and at 63 a double change was tried, Brown relieving M'Kenzie, and M'Donald taking the ball from Matthews, who had bowled eight overs for 18 runs. ,

Hobbs presently played a ball into his wicket in trying to hook Brown. The luncheon adjournment was then taken. On resuming, Hearne accompanied Gunn to the wicket. The latter played M'Donald on. He had batted for 61 minutes. Three for 79.

Mc-ad next tried to pull a short-pitched one from Brown, and, missing it, wa. out leg-before.

Woolley was brisk, and, in one DTor he got a cut for three, and "squarelegged" M'Donald ' for a "fourer." M'Donald came off in favour of Matthews, who dismissed the Englishman with a yorker. His innings Bad lasted 23. minutes, and his score includod four "fourers."

Douglas now joined Hearne, who, apparent!.; relishing the heat, was batting stylishly. He reached 50 in <5 minutes. while Douglas was 53 minutes in getting 10. Tho score, at- the tea adjournment stood at 18G. Hearne,. 77; Douglas, 10.

When play recommenced, M'Donald and Brown bowled. Armstrong was not bowling, as he was feeling the effects of ptomaine poisoning at Sydney.

At 198 Spencer relieved M'Donald. The second English century occupied 191 minutes, and the "barrackors" were critical regarding Douglas's slowness. He presently quickened, however.

The bowling at ,tliis stage was weak. Hcarne's rate of scoring lessened, however, but he reached his century after 158 minutes' play. He narrowly escaped being run out on his hundredth run, and many of the spectators wer« dissatisfied with the decision in his favour.

Douglas gained his fifty after 144 minutes' play, and Hcarne'a rate inciensod. He showed many fine eolid strokes—all chancelesa.

Seven bowlers were tried altogether. The fielding was commendable, considering tho heat. The shade temperature increased to 10S degrees. The weather is now very sultry. t

England.—First Innings,

Rhodes, c. Armstrong, b. Soott 16 Hobbs, b. Brown jg Gunn, b. M'Donald 29 Mend, 1.b.w., b. Brown 2 Woolley, b. Matthews 21 Hearne, not out 125 Douglas, not out 53 Sundries 13 Total for five wickets 293 How the Wickets Fell. 12 3 15 22 75 79 90 125