CRICKET.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 February 1921, Page 3

CRICKET.

I AUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASBOCIATIONJ FIFTH TEST MATCH. SYDNEY, Fob 25. The fifth test match commenced in ideal weather and on an excellent wicket. Douglas was the toss, and opened with Hobbs and Rhodes. The former "as limping considerably as a result of his recent injury. Both men batted with extreme caution, 45 appearing as the*result of an hour's play. Gregory and McDonald gave way to Malley and Kelleway. Rhodes, when 26, touched a fast hall from Kelleway, which Carter brilliantly accepted.

Hobbs deflected Gregory dangerously close to Mai ley at second slip when 35. Then in the last over prior to luncheon ho stepped in front of the wicket to Gregory, and was out leg before. On resuming Makepeace spooned Mailev to first slip when he was three. Gregory falling forward, took a smart catch low down. In tho following over Hewdren gave Ryder an opportunity at second slip off Gregory which was de- 1 dined. Tn the same over he touched a fast one, and was smartly taken by | Carter at "short stop. I

This dismissal changed the complexion of the game, and conjured up visions of a debacle. Gregory was bowling with exceptional speed, and maintaining an excellent length, and supported bv a brilliant slip field, he threatened to go through the side, whilst Mailev at tlie other end was delivering a minimum of loose ones, and demanded the closest watching. Woolley and Russell now became associated in a useful partnership, the former particularly displaying commendable enterprise and confidence at such a critical juncture. He coolly drove Gregory with a straight hit, and also executed fine drives to the off-boimdarv from Mailev rapidly reaching the 130 before losing his partner who placed

Mailev into Gregory’s hands at first slip. This partnership addl'd 40, whilst the previous four wickets had added only 22. Douglas then joined Woolley, Gregbry meanwhile giving way to McDonald. Woolley proceeded merrily, reaching a Jialf century in masterly fashion in 54 minutes. He seemed well set for a big score, when next over, lie played back to McDonald, bitting his wicket.

Douglas and Fender tnceo iveueway and McDonald the first-named being dropped at first slip by Gregory when 11, the ball flying at an awkward angle knee high. Tn the succeeding over, Gregory made amends l»v one of the finest catches witnessed, Fonder touching a fast one from Kelleway. Gregory was in the same position, and he intercepted a cannon shot with his left hand, whilst the crowd were looking to see the ball speeding to the boundary. The score now was 7—2—164. Wilson notched five before tf ping Kelleway to Carter, who made no mi - f I

After tea, l’arkin cut Kelleway outside deep point, Taylor brilliantly catching him low down. Striulwiek skied Gregory to mid-on, where Macartney waited underneath the hall. The team Logan to file off the field, but to the surprise of everybody. Macartney dropped tlie easiest of catches. Gregory in the next over shattered Strudwick’s stumps, and the innings closed for 204 runs.

Kelleway excelled himself with the •■ball, maintaining a perfect length th roughout. Armstrong handled tin* attack to a nicety, displaying keen judgment in using and nursing tile respective bowlers. The fielding, with the exception of a couple of blemishes, was exceptionally brilliant and considerably enhanced the bowlers’ efforts. Carter’s exhibition behind the wickets .including bis three catches, was the work of a true artist. He is still the foremost ’keeper in Australia. Australia’s innings opened in dramatic fashion. Collins and Bardslev both fell early to fine catches at .second slip by Fender, off Parkin and Douglas. Macartney and Taylor then were associated, and 'they played out time by steady batting, interspersed with crisp strokes. Taylor was dropped by Parkin off Woolley at silly mid-on when 22.

The attendance was seventeen thousand. The scores were ns follows: ENGLAND—FIRST INNINGS. Hobbs, l.b.w. b. Gregory 40 Rhodes, c. Carter Ft. Kelleway 26 Makepeace, c. Gregory, 1). Mailcv 3 Hendren, c. Carter, b. Gregory ... 5 Woolley, b. McDonald 53 Bussell, c. Gregory, b. Mailey ... 19 Douglas, (not out) 32 Fender, e. Gregory, b. Kelleway ... 2 Wilson, c. Carter, It. Kelleway ... 5 Parkin, e. Taylor, It. Kelleway, ... 9 Strtudwick, It. Gregory 2 Sundries 8

Total 204 The wickets fell as follows: 1 for

45, 2 for 70, 3 for 74; 4 for 76, 5 for 125, Vi for 160, 7 for 164, 8 for 172, 9 for 201, 10 for 204. Bowling averages: Kelleway 4 for 27, (1 no-ball), Gregory 3 for 42. McDonald 1 for 38, (one wide and 1 noball), Mailey 2 lor 89. A USTR AIJ A - FIR ST INNINGS. Collins, c., Fender, It. Parkin 5 Bardslcy, c. Fender, b. Douglas ... 7 Macartney (not out) 31 Toylor (not out) 22 "Extras 5

Total for 2 wickets 70 HEARNE’S ILLNESS SERIOUS. SYDNEY, Felt 25. The “Sun” says: Hearne’s temporary indisposition lias developed into a more serious illness. Medical men fear lie has become a victim to lung troubles and may not take the field again.” The paper suggests that instead of making an appeal for an Armstrong presentation fund during the fifth test, it be made on behalf of Tfearne.