A SPLENDID STAND

Evening Star, Issue 20062, 31 December 1928, Page 3

A SPLENDID STAND

[By Substitute. 3 i Despite the fact that Richardson and Woodfull, the latter usually so consistent, failed to,Vive Australia a handy start in the third test match at Melbourne, the home side finished up the first day of play with a splendid score on, and six wickets still in hand. Four wickets are down for 270, and as Ryder and Bradman are still associated, there is reason to hope for a large total in this game. The Englishmen may yet find tht the path to victory is not such an easy one as they may have imagined, in view of Australia’s reverses in the previous tests. Australians, be the sport what it may, are always at their best when they are fighting with their backs to the wall, and in this case, the collapse would mean that the fate of the Ashes is definitely decided. At the Australians’ present rate , of scoring, however, it is quite on the cards that the match may end in a draw. The most pleasing aspect of the game is the fact that Kippax has come into his own with a century score, lie has had a bad run lately, but the present score will probably be the turning point. Ivippax’s omission from the last Australian team that went to England caused considerable comment, but prior to the present series the New South Welshman had had ‘■wo test innings, his average being '• 25, with a highest score of 42. Ryder i is not allowing the leadership of the , team to detract from his batting, for i he has been most consistent, and his 1 century on this occasion is his second in test cricket. He made 201 not out at Adelaide in the 1924-25 series. Bradman is one of the youngsters of the team, and in the earlier matches against .the Englishmen he performed with considerable distinction. He is a right-hand batsman, and a most attractive one, too. Larwood has taken three of the four wickets that have fallen, the other falling to Tate, and there is no gainsaying the fact that this pair were in a large measure responsible for England's strong position in the previous tests, though White and Geary have also done their part well. Australia appears to have opened out in-the later stages of the day, but 276 can hardly be regarded as a tremendous total for a day’s play, though it has to be admitted that the rate of scoring in a test game is often just the reverse of what may be expected. The Australians, however, are determined to take no chances, for on the result of this game hinges a great deal. It is impossible to prophesy regarding the fate of this game, but it is safe to assert that Australia’s good start will give added interest over the holidays, and the home side’s supporters will live in hopes of a proportionate improvement in their bowlers. As has been pointed out,' much may depend on A’Beckett, the Victorian fast bowler, while Grimmett, too, is always liable to be dangerous. In fact, the 1 Sporting Globe ’ has little hesitation in calling him Australia’s best bowler to-day. The attack may be stronger than was the case at Sydney, and with a little luck, the Australians may give the Englishmen a tough fight for supremacy.