CRICKET

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 63, 8 December 1926, Page 12

CRICKET

FOUR DAYS FOR TESTS ADVOCATED AND SMALLER BALL London, December 6. “The Oval Test was an unqualified success, and proves the necessity tor the allocation of four days for such, matches,” said Sir Edwin Stockton at the annual meeting of the Lancashire Cricket Club. “I personally believe that a settled policy of four days for Tests would be more satisfactory owing to England’s varying weather conditions.” The Australians would fight hard to regain the “Ashes,” especially if more Lancashire players were included in English teams, he added. Overprepared wickets greatly handicapped bowlers, and the small ball was a reform in the right direction. NEW ZEALAND TOUR OF ENGLAND London, December 6. The New Zealand cricketers will play practice games from May 4 to 7, before commencing the real programme for the English tour with a match against Martineau’s Eleven at Holyport on May 9. The list of fixtures, practically as previously published except for the engageents stated above, provides for the final match of the tour being concluded on September 10. SHEFFIELD SHIELD NEW SOUTH WALES V. QUEENSLAND. (Rec. December 7, 9,20 p.m.) Sydney, December 7. The Sheffield Shield match, New South Wales versus Queensland, commenced today. New South Wales, in their first innings, made 287 (Macartney 114, Andrews 62, Ratcliffe 2S not out). Gill took three wickets for 89, Bensted three for 26, Oxenham three for 29. Queensland, in the first innings, had two wickets down for 48 when stumps were drawn. The weather was fine, and there was a good wicket. New South Wales opened badly, losing three wickets for 37. Macartney stoppea the rot, and in partnership with Andrews runs came quickly, Macartney giving a polished display, with all manner of shots on both sides of the wicket. Shortly after he was dismissed, Andrews went, after playing a valuable innings. The remainder of tho side were unable long to survive the exceptionally brilliant Queensland bowling- The fielding also was very keen. VICTORIA v. SOUTH AUSTRALIA. (Rec. December 7, 10.35 p.m.) Adelaide, December 7. In the Sheffield Shield match, Victoria in the second innings, made 430 (Woodfull 84, Hendry . 177 Willis 33). Williams took six wickets for 146. South Australia, in the second innings, has three wickets down for 93 (Schneiider 28, A. Richardson 37). The weather was dull and threatening, but the wicket was good. Woodfull was unfortunate in being run out third ball after the commencement. Hendry played a fine fighting innings, scoring at a rapid rate on all sides of the wicket. He never gave a real chance. (The first innings scores were: viotoria, 315; oSu.th Australia, 481.1 M.C.C. TEAM IN INDIA Calcutta, December 6. The Marylebone team, not taking its second innings seriously against Parsecs and Europeans of Bombay, was dismissed for 135, the first low score of the tour. The match was drawn.—Sydney “Sun” Cable. OTAGO-SOUTHLAND MATCH POSTPONED. BY TELEGBAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION. Dunedin, December 7. The Otago-Southland cricket match could not be commenced to-day on account of heavy rain, and was postponed until to-morrow at 10 a.m. A PROTEST FORM AUCKLAND. BY Telegraph. —Press association. Auckland, December 7. The fact that Auckland is not reoresented on the selection committee to fhoose the New Zealand cricket team to tour England next year, was commented upon at a meeting of the Management Committee of the Auckland Cricket Association to-night. IJ was decided to forward a letter of protest to the New Zealand Council.