THE TEST MATCHES

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 134, 2 March 1921, Page 5

THE TEST MATCHES

ALL WON BY AUSTRALIA MARGIN OF NINE WICKETS IN FIFTH GAME By Telegraph—Press Association-Copyright. (Reo. March 1, 5.5 p.m.) Sydney, March 1. The last chapter of the fifth Test match was spiritless and uninteresting. With 68 runs required to win, and all the wickets intact, the result was a foregone conclusion, though heavier rain over-night might easily have found Australia scratching for runs on a sticky wicket. The outfield was heavy, as a result of tho rain, and tho wicket was damp, but not troublesome excepting to tho bowlers, who required cawdust to ensure a secure foothold.

Woolley and Parkin opened tho attack, both batsmen adopting astonishingly cautious methods, to the surprise of a few hundred spectators. The first 50 (were registered in 54 minutes, Bardsley’s quota being two to each one of Collins’s. Rhodes and Wilson then endeavoured to effect a separation, but the batsmen watched the ball carefully, as if tho ashes hung in tho balance. With five runs to win, and two for his half-cen-tury, Bardsloy hit Wilson to square leg for a brace, after 92 minutes' play. Both batsmen pottered about for three overs, endeavouring to register the necessary runs, until Collins snicked Wilson into Strudwick’s hands. Collins’s score was 37, made in JOO minutes. Macartney scored two singles, ono each from Wilson and Rhodes. Australia won by nine wickets. The following are the scores:— ENGLAND. First innings 2(14 Second innings 280 AUSTRALIA. First innings 392 Second Innings. Collins, c. Strudwick, b. Wilson 37 Bardsley, not out 50 Macartney, not out 2 Sundries 4 One wicket for 93 Bowling Analysis.—Wilson took one wicke.t for 8 runs; Rhodes, none for 20; Woolley, none for 27; Parkin, none for 32; Fender, none for 2, one no-ball. NOTES ON THE MATCHES. With the completion of this game the last of the Test matches of the tour has ended. Honours lie entirely with the Australians, and never before has a winning side more clearly demonstrated its superiority. At the outset the English papers were unanimous in proclaiming the strength of their side, and in pre dieting their ability to retain the “Ashes/ It has happened before, and will ;io doubt happen again, that too sanguine critics have been proved wrong. The Australian team of 1886, captained by Scott, and the English side, of which Ranjitsinhji was a member, are cases in- point. Tho visiting team, however, was unfortunate in more ways than one. The illness of J. W. Hearne and the loss of the toss in the first three Test games were the most important drawbacks. Some of the men, too, were failures in the early matches. This must always be expected, especially when a touring side contains several new men. Generally speaking, the batting was good, although tho tail again and again did nothing io back up tho earlier men. It was the non-success of the bowlers, coupled with the weakness of the tail, which let the side down. Some of the players have nothing to bo ashamed of, notably Hobbs and Hendren, whilst several of the others need not be downcast. The most satisfaction the Englishmen can extract from the visit is that the tour is bound to give experience and improved ability to the younger men who have this time failed to come up to expectations. This refers especially to th© three bowlers, Parkin, Howell, and Waddington, who aro still on the young side, and whom- *ift (is’ seasonable to ex>pect may yet do big things. Russell and Fender also will no doubt benefit by the trip, and the same remark applies to Dolphin, the reserve wicketkeeper. Although beaten, tho Englishmen have e:;ey reason fa ba proud of th eir display in the Adelaide Test match. That game will stand out for all time, as one of the sternest and most prolonged struggles in the whole history of these classic contests- They had. all the worst of the weather, too, in tho first Melbourne match.

Turning to the Australians, it may be said at once that they observed allround ability greater than was expected. The tour of the Australian military team through England at the conclusion of the war brought out several young players and built up on firm lines Australian cricket. They have much to be thankful for in this connection. It was a great performance to win all five matches. This has never been done before, although Australia has won four games out of the five on three occasions, and England once. When the matches are resumed in England in a few months’ time, it will be found that the weather conditions often upset calculations, and the colonials will have a hard task in front of them to retain the “Ashes.” Their claim to them at present cannot be questioned. The totals in the five Test matches wore as follow-.— Australia. England. Result. First Second First Second Aus-

*For two wickets. tFor one wicket. The following centuries were hit:— Australia: AV. W. Armstrong, 158, 121, and 123 not out; H. L. Collins, loi and 162; C. E. Pellew, 116 and 104; C. G. Macartney, 170; C. Kelleway, 147; J. Al. Gregory, 100. England: J. B. Hobbs, 122 and 123; A. C. Russell, 135 not out; W. Afakepeace, ,117SCENES ON SYDNEY GROUND DEMONSTRATION AGAINST WILSON UNPRECEDENTED RECEPTION , ACCORDED HOBBS. Sydney, March 1. The “Daily Telegraph” says:—“Sydney Cricket Ground habitues will never forget the scenes on Alonday when the crowd in all sections gave Wilson a salutary lesson. It loaves a nasty taste in the mouth that but for the wondrous demonstration accorded Hobbs would be well-nigh unbearable. No one imagined that there would bo a demonstration from the members’ stand, but they literally rose with groans and hoots, and angrily taunted him. Gn returning to tlie dressang-roome Wilson was m«aj<acingly confronted by a critic, necessitating t'he intervention of Alakepeaeo and Noble to prevent fisticuffs. Hobbs had a wonderful reception, which has been rarely equalled. Fonder was first jeered st, but subsequently cheered for his bright cricket.”

In a leaderette., the “Telegraph” states:—“Hobbses welcome wag the best reply to the absurd allegation that ho had been jeered at by the crowd. Unfortunately tho demonstration, which

was honourable to the crowd, was preceded by demonstrations of another kind, Wilson and Fender being almost howled off the ground. In the circumstances this was not unnatural, as they had brought it on themselves." The "Herald" says:—“The unprecedented reception accorded Hobbs must have been, thrilling even to Hobbs. Although inured to enthusiastic applause, it seemed to incite him to brilliancy. His display was all brilliance, but impetuosity led to the loss of his wiener. Douglas set. an example ns captain, playing a- plucky innings, carefully and deliberately. It was interesting to note a reversal of the previous order. Hailey was taken off when Douglas arrived; previously Armstrong invariably sent Mailey to the crease with the advent of Douglas. Mailey deserved the five wickets he secured. On the figures they seem somewhat expensive, but his value cannot be measured by figures. Ho has been the unsettling element throughout. He has established a record, taken most Test wickets, thirty-six, in any one sea, non. With Carter keeping, tho pair should account for innumerable wickets in England.” The "Herald” in a sub-leader, says: —"Monday’s exhibition of barracking should convince all that no man can represent a side and also report the game for a newspaper as an actual player, because a partisan must be an inferior reporter of the game he plays. Quite unconsciously he is himself a barracker. A noteworthy fact of this tour is that those most sensitive to barracking -are ono or two acting as cable correspondents. Legitimate barracking adds life to the game. Neither the Englishmen nor the Australians can look back on the fifth Test with much pleasure, but we trust that any bitterness will be buried at the conclusion of the match.” Wil»o», in a statement, says he was astonished at tho conduct of the barrackers on Monday, more particularly those in the members’ stand. “It is no use my saying anything for publication with tho Press against me. I did not come twelve thousand miles to say any thing untrue. The cablegram referred only to a section of the crowd—those on the hill.” He did not care rihat people capable of such treatment as that of yesterday thought about him. Their attitude was the best answer to tno cablegram. COMMENTS oFeNGLISH PAPERS W-ARNER’S TRIBUTE TO AUSTRALIAN CROWDS. London, February 28. Tho fate of the match was lost sight of in the interest displayed in the cabled reports of tho barracking. Opinion is emphatic that players should be debarred from cabling to newspapers. The evening papers feature the scenes on tho Sydney Cricket Ground. The "Star” states that the question of allowing players to caMe criticisms on future tours will now undoubtedly settle itself. The Australian crowds had not forgotten Wilson’s earlier complaints about an umpire’s ruling. A little tact on Wilson’s part would have saved much. The "Westminster Gazette" says the match was marred by the great deal of barracking. The crowd: was up in arms over Wilson’s and Fender’s cablegrams, but whatever barracking Hobbs may have received, he certainly had a remarkable reception in the second innings. The "Guardian” refers to "this unfortunate tour," adding:—"lt is a consolation to know that the team will shortly be aboard the Osterley." Mr. P. F. Warner said: —"l feel it very much. After all, such incidents, however regrettable, are trifling compared with the glorious history of AngloAustralian cricket.” He said he had always found Australian crowds tho best sportsmen, and they invariably gave the English players a most hospitable and affectionate welcome. Australia could rest assured that the Australian team would bo most cordially welcomed in England, and any misunderstanding would bo forgotten.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

(Rec. March 1, 8.5 p.m.) London, Febrwry 28.

Wilson’s cable message to the "Daily Express” merely says:—"When Wilson was stumped he had a memorable caption, even members hooting him.’ Hobbs had a wonderful welcome, with three cheers, both when walking out and walking in.” —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

WILSON AND FENDER UPHELD. (Rec. March 1, 9.15 p.m.) London, February 28.

The “Daily Express,” in. a leader entitled “A Testy Afatch,” says:—“Good sportsmen will regret the scenes which marred the final Test. Firstly, a section of the crowd jeered at Hobbs’s slow movement, due, as all must know, to an injury. When Wilson made his criticism of this conduct the crowd retorted by subjecting him and Fender to violent barracking. The whole thing is wretched, and the explanation probably is that the attack upon Wilson masked a sense of shame which the crowd would not confess. The ovation to Hobbs in the second innings bears this interpretation. It is important that Marylebone and the Australian Board of Coi> trol should concert measures against such a display of temper. We were well and deservedly beaten. It is a thousand pities that our sincere congratulations to the winners should be mixed with any bitterness. If Test mutches are to continue, 'if cricket is to keep its place as a clean, wholesome game, the decencies of sportsmanship must be preserved all over the ground, not only inside the boundaries.” The “Daily News” says:—“lt is unfortunate that the last Test match, which

nothing but a miracle can prevent ending in the complete discomfiture of the Englishmen, should be accompanied by an exhibition ol ill-feeling towards members of the English team. Fender and Wilson have once or twice mildly criticised by implication umpires’ decisions. They also stated that the spectators rather senselessly barracked Hobbs, who was lame and in pain, for inactiiity in fielding. The Australian cricketing .public, while not exactly fastidious in its own attitude, seems surprisingly sensitive when a little plain speaking is directed against itself or its favourites. We do not think Fender has been unfair or one-sided in his criticism. He bestowed ample praise on the Australians. Besides, there is no rancour in his remarks upon the umpires’ decisions. They are honest, and such as appeal to the daily English Press during the season- One would have imagined that even Australian papers occasionally allow themselves the liberty of saying that an umpire made a mistake. The barracking of Hobbs is in another category. It would be impossible for Fender and Wilson to have made such a complaint if unjustified. Moreover, at least one Australian paper admits that there was some jeering. We need not take such incidents too seriously. Australian barrackers are usually goodhumoured and impartial in their banter. The crowd must not be judged by the less sporting elements. The Australians won fairly and souarely, because they are the better side.”—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.

AN INQUIRY SUGGESTED. (Rec. March 1, 9.55 p.m.) London, March 1

Apart from the “Daily News” and “Daily Express,” which support their correspondents. Fender and AVilson, the morning newspapers give little prominence to the Sydney barracking. lu several cases regular local correspondents set tho events in a different perspective to the “Daily News” and “Daily Express.” Several, including the “Sporting Life" and the "Sportsman,"

urge the Marylebone Club to forbid cricketers commenting on their own games. The latter suggests that the Marylebone Board of Control should hold an inquiry when both teams arrive in England. „ Fender, cabling to the "Daily News,” says: "There were extraordinary scenes, frequently one section oi the spectators barracking hard, while the remainder, who were the larger part, provided a sympathetic demonstration, though even a certain section of members barracked Wilson when out. Hobbs had a great ovation, as also had Douglas.” The "Daily Chronl'le" does not refer to the scenes editorially, but alludes to Fender and Wilson in the news columns as amateur journalists.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn TEAM’S GENEROUS TREATMENT APPRECIATIVE LETTER FROM THE MANAGER. Sydney, March 1. The manager of the English team in a letter to the secretary of the Board of Control thanking the cricket and civic authorities for the kind and generous treatment given everywhere, adds: "I cannot leave Australia after five happy months without congratulating you on tho possession of the powerful side which so handsomely recovered the ‘Ashes.’ ”— Press Assn. HEARNE’S HEALTH IMPROVED ASTONISHED AT ALARMIST REPORT. (Reo. March 2, 0.10 a.m.) Adelaide, March 1. Hearne states that he is astounded at the report that his health is .precarious. He says he will play in Adelaide if required, as already he has much improved.—Press Assn.

intralia nines, nines. nines, nines, won by Sydney ... 257 581 190 281 377 runs Melbourne 499 — 251 151 inninrs and 91 runs > delaide 554 582 447 370 119 rune Melbourne 389 211* 284 315 8 wkts. Sydney ... 392 93t 204 280 9 wkts.