Test Comment

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 14, 1 February 1937, Page 7

Test Comment

J. B.

HOBBS.)

ENGLAND 0N T0P O'Reiiiy Bowled Like One Inspired BATSMEN CAUTIOUS

(By

(Copyright in all countries. Reproduotion in whole or any part forbidden.) (Received 1, 10.5 a.m.) ADELAIDE, Feb. 1. England again placed itself ixi a strong position. It was slow play judged by the clock, but 1 found the battle interestiug. I should have preferred to see the ruus coming more freeJy so that England would have finished the day near the Australians' total. The bowling of O'Reilly was tho high spot of the day, closely followed by Barnett's great fighting innings. Fingleton's fielding was brilliant. That dropped catch by McCormick meant such a lot Australia iought hard and kept England tight, but I think that, after two days' play, England is «lightly on top,

1 provided there is no rain and remem- , bering that they will be fourth at tho wicket. England in 40 minutes captured Anstralia's remaining wickets, Chipperfield carrying hfs bat for an extremely valuable 57. He refused to take many singles, but I doubt whether this policy paid, as he scored only 12 raore ruus A score of 288 was by no means the total Australia expected or should have obtained. England wants 150 runs more than Australia. Everyone was surprised to see Verity march out to open with Barnett. His mission was to stay there, and he did it. I doubted the wisdom of putting him in first On tkis wicket it would have been safe for Wyatt to open. I do not think McCormick would have troubled him. Still, once more Allen's unorthodos, but inspired move came 'off, i'or the new paxr exee'eded the highest firstwicket partnership of the series by either country. Barnett has been one of the suocesses of the tour, playing well throughout and proving a reliable opening batsman. O'RejJly bowled like one Inspired. His perfect length amazed me and th« batsmen looked in vain for a looso ball. Fleetwood-Smith too, had a good spell. » The cricket was drearily alow before tea, but one had to give full credit totho bowlers, who stuck to their work well on a hot afternoon. The same might be said of Barnett. In the terriflc heat it needed great resolution to maintain full concentration. It was enough to break a fast bowler's heart and it made me wonder how England got Australia out so cheaply. Pei'haps it was because their fielding is superior. They allowed nothingj to escape, while Australia missed two chances. (Details are on page b.)