FEELING OF REGRET

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 71, 25 March 1933, Page 15

FEELING OF REGRET

The opening of the Test'provided, perhaps, the most sensational five minutes in the history of Lancaster Park, and most people were still settling into their seats when Badcock bowled the first ball and Suteliffe was out (states "The Christchurch Star"). Tho Yorkshireman had the sight screen shifted and took his stance for the first and last time in the innings, and many in the crowd couM hardly believo he was out without scoring. Genuine regret was felt that the chanco to see him in action had been lost.

Paynter, tho diminutive left-hander, looked full of business, but knew nothing about the perfect length ball from Smith, which gave the crowd its' second thrill.

There were'no frills about Hammond at tho crease. A quick pat with his bat a3 the bowler ran up, and then action -with magnificent footwork and perfect timing. His broad shoulders gave promise of fireworks when he got really going. Jardine, with a more awkward-looking upright stance, drove and cut grandly at times, and showed a partiality for a wristy, forcing shot to the on. He was going steadily, much faster than Ms reputation had suggested. From both batsmen everything went along the ground, until Hammond' made a great try for a 6, the ball falling a few yards short. FIRE IN GRANDSTAND. _ Scoring was slow with Badcock bowling at his best, but the gallery shrieked when Jardine touched Badcock for James to hurl the ball triumphantly in the air for a second great catch. So keenly interested, in tho game was a small section in one- of tho stands that portion of the floor smouldering quietly passed unnoticed for some time. Indeed, one spectator had his foot on the spot and had part of the solo of his shoe charred before the small blaze was discovered creeping under the flooring. Some quick work and a bucket or water soon remedied matters.