CRICKET.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 14 December 1901, Page 4

CRICKET.

England y. Australia [per PRESS ASSOCIATON —COPYRIGHT.] Sydney, December 13. A strong south easterly wind sprang up and dissipated the gloomy and threatening weather of the early morning. M'Larcn’s coin gave him the advantage of a perfect wicket. Hobson, M'Gahey and Gornett stood out of the English team. Darling captained [the Austra Jians. The English skipper with Hay

ward faced the attack by Jones at the southern end and Noble at the northern. M'Laren commenced freely, but the bowling induced carefulness in Hayward, Jones bowled full pace, M’Laren making five leg glances. The fielding of the Australians, with the exception of one or two slips by Jones, was brilliant. At 33 Howell relieved Jones, a few runs later Noble giving way to M’Leod. The double change brought about a standsiil in the scoring, M’Laren playing both bowlers cautiously. The half century appeared in 50 minutes and was the signal for both to open out. Hayward, who had been most respectful to the bowlers, made several fine boundary drives and M’Laren made beautiful leg glances.. At 70 Jones replaced Howell. Hayward appreciated the South Australian and got him to the boundary the first two balls. M’Laren; trying to play Jones through the slips, sent one a bit high right into Howell’s hands, but the latter missed him badly. The skipper’s score standing at 46. After lunch the game proceeded slowly M’Laren occupied 88 tninuies compiling his half century, the batsmen taking no risk. Tho century appeared by a square cut for 4 by Hayward after 98 minutes play. At 10 30 Noble replaced M’Leod. Hayward punished Jones with several magnificent drives, both playing the fast bowler with the utmost confidence, Noble being tho only one they faced gingerly. Jones gave way to Trumblo at 115, but the bowling was completely in a knot. Another change at 139 saw Laver tried instead of Noble, M’Laren scored freely off Trumble, but the Victorina had his revenge. He tempted Hayward, who jumped out and lifted him high to raid off to Hill, who got under and hold it. _ It was a faultless innings and lasted just over hours and included eleven 4’s—--1 for 154. Tyldcsley partnered M’Laren, but the Lancashire professional performed badly and gave M’Leod an easy chance at cover point.—2 for 152. Quaife was next.

As tho afternoon tea adjournment intervened the bowling had variety, but there was no sting in it. The fielding especially Gregory at mid off and Noble at point was brilliant.

After tea M’Larcn made a fine drive for -1 and brought his century up, occupy--3 hours and 7 minutes. Laver proved expensive and let M’Leod take his place. Quaifo pursued stonewall tactics, Trumble feeding him with tempting ones, the field close in, but without avail. The Victorian sent down seven maidens in succession, the Warwick man’s play raising ironical cheering. M’Laren, in trying to bring M’Leod across, got leg before. His score included twenty 4’s and he only gave one chance. His brilliant cutting was admired. He was at the wickets 3| hours.—3 for 193. M’Laren received an ovation. Jossop followed. The Australians were as anxious to see the cyclonic hitter bat, as they were to see Rangi, and were promised a sample of his prowess. His stroke is not attractive and at times is dangerous to him. He hit five boundaries with lightening rapidity and then M’Leod beat him all the way—4 for 220. Jones followed, but tipped Noble (who had succeeded M’Leod) into Kelly’s hands. —5 for 235. Lilley came next. Quaife was still stonewalling. His country mate quickly caught up to his score, when Howell with the final ball of the day, clean bowled Quaife. The attendance was 12,000‘ The detailed scores are : Hayward, c Hill, b Trumble GO M’Laren, l.b.w. M’Leod 11G Tyldesley, c M’Leod, b Laver ... 1 Quaife, b Howell 21 Jessop, b M'Leod 24 Jones, c Kelly, b Noble 2 Lilley (not out) 22 Sundries 10 Total for 0 wickets ... 272