GREAT BATTING DISPLAY

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 28, 17 February 1937, Page 5

GREAT BATTING DISPLAY

England on the Map Again (By J. B. HOBBS.) (Copyright in all countries. Reproduction in whole or any part forbidden.) (Received 17, 11.45 a.m.) SYDNEY, Feb. 17. Yesterday was the first occasion this season that I have seen Oldfield produce anything like tho batting form he showed when he was such a thorn in England 's side in the Tests about 1924^ Some of his cover drives were splCndidly executed. Hardstaff and Barnett put English batting back on the map after Monday 's sad display. It was the best batting seen on this tour in an important match. It scintillated with all the strokes and there was brilliant running between the wickets. They kep$ chasing runs as well as running them quickly. The specta.tors appreciated the splendid batting. The batsmen did not merely guide the ball, but hit it with full blooded sniacks. The bowling was never loose and runs were never presented to them. Hardstaff played the best innings I have seen from him in Australia. The wicket was a gem. Perhaps I was rather unkind on the previous day in not making allowance for it when condemning the English batsmen and may be it was not as good as I thought, but the wicket was no excuse for the other failures yesterday. There was a collapse when the new ball was used, England losing four wickets while seoring 20. It Was regrettabla that Barnett and Hardstaff were let down, as their effort deserved to bring England near to victory. I except Ames, who played a forceful innings towards the close. It was excellent cricket and a win or a defeat in this match does not really matter. New South Wales is the only state to beat England. It must be a long time since any State did it twice and I heartily congratulate New South Wales.