AUSTRALIAN CRICKETERS

Evening Star, Issue 19792, 16 February 1928, Page 11

AUSTRALIAN CRICKETERS

TOUR OPENED MATCH AGAINST NELSON GRIMMETT SEVEN FOR 64. (Per United Press Association.} NELSON, February 15. The first match of the Australian tour was commenced against Nelson to-day at Trafalgar Park, on a wicket considered by the visitors to be first-class. A shower overnight had taken the sting out of it somewhat, but it became faster in the afternoon. Richardson (the visitors’ captain) won the toss, and sent the local team to the wickets, Neale and Kinzett opening to the bowling of Morton and M'Namee. • The bowling was played confidently until, with the total at 24, Grimmett was put on, when three wickets went cheaply. Neale, in endeavoring to cover--his wickets, was bowled off his pad. Kinzett stepped out and was stumped; and Taylor (the professional), who. it was hoped, would make a good showing, failed to get under one, and was caught, three wickets being down for 33. Kernnitz failed to last, but Eden and Langbeiu were responsible for a useful partnership, which added 43. The century went up for 125 minutes’ play, the varying nature of the bowling and the keen fielding keeping down the runs. Both the batsmen went for the bowling,_ until Langbien was caught at the wickets. Hawkes forced the pace, and added 20 before being sent back to the pavilion. Searell played the liveliest innings _ of the day, knocking up 17 before being run out. Eden continued to play attractive cricket, and was unbeaten with a score of 48 when the innings closed at 161. It is considered that Nelson made an excellent showing against such a strong combination. Grimmett puzzled the batsmen considerably, breaking both ways, while Blackie’s varying pace without apparent effort caused him to be watched very carefully. Morton and M'Narpee were both played confidently. The first-named at times was very fast, and came out with an average of one for 32.

The Australians lost Woodfull early in the game, the Victorian being dismissed leg before after making 9. Kippax joined Ponsford, and, after scoring freely for the first quarter of an hour, both batsmen settled down to steady cricket, taking no chances against good length bowling. Their play was marked with perfect timing and splendid wrist work, but they were in the concluding stages troubled by the bad light, which was appealed against unsuccessfully until 5.30, when stumps wore drawn with a score of 65 for one wicket for seventy minutes’ play. It was apparent that the visitors were out for practice more than for making runs, and the slow rate of scoring was rather disappointing to the crowd. Scores:— NELSON. First Innings. E R. Neale b Grimmett 13 C. Kinzett st Oldfield b Grimmett 6 E. J. Kernnitz c Jackson b Blackie 9 J. Tavlor c Morton b Grimmett ... 1 E Langbien c Oldfield b Morton ... 26 R. Eden not out 48 N. Hawkes Ibw h Grimmett ... 20 J. Newman st Oldfield b Grimmett 4 R, Hope Ibw b Grimmett 0 T Searell run out ... 17 W.’Max c Richardson b Grimmett 6 Extras 11 Total 161 Bowling Analysis.—Morion. 1 for 32; M'Namee, none for 30; Grimmett, 7 for 64; Blackie, 1 for 24. AUSTRALIA. First Innings. W. M. Woodfull Ibw b Hope ... 9 W. H. Ponsford not out ... 24 A. F. Kippax not out ... ... ..." 22 Extras 10 Total for,one wicket ... 65