CRICKET.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 December 1924, Page 1

CRICKET.

AI.C.C. v. AUSTRALIAN XL [by rELEciurn—rEn ritEss association.] lIIIISRAXF, Dee. 4. Tho cricket match, Australia versus England opened in delightful weather. Since Tuesday, a cool change set. in. which the Englishmen have appreciated as they felt the heat severely in Queensland. There was disappointment at the English team, which omitted Gilligan, Hobbs. 'l'a to, Woolley, and lleanie. The side includes Howell, who is playing his first game since the injury to his leg in Perth.

Collins, not being available, the Hoard of Control allowed the Australian players to elect a captain, and the honour fell to Hendry, who is the only international in the Australian side. Douglas led the Englishmen for the first time on this tour. Hendry won the to-s, and went in to hat on a last wicket. There was a perfect out Held. Four thousand spectators were present during the afternoon;

Australia pul on 299 for live wickets for the day’s play, the scores being : AUSTR A LfA— Ist. Innings. O'Connor. 1.1i.w., h. Ereeman ... o() I’onsford. c. Sandham, I>. Howell SI I! iehardson. 1.1i.w.. b. Tyhlcsley ... .To Kippax. st. Sirmlu iek, b. Tyhlcsley 11 Oxcnham (not out) ... li llcndrv. c. Strudwiek. b. Freeman (is Extras T Total for 5 wickets ... Til'd O'Commr, the Queensland captain, whom ttilligao lias likened to a lirsti lass English batsmen, and I’onslord. the Victorian test match aspirant, made a good opening. Roth played Howell and Douglas easily, ami they sent up dl) runs in Id minutes. At litmli 87 were on. O’Connor being Id. and l’onstord -L. I lie slow howlers, however, constantly troubled them, particularly Freeman, whose length, with good varied balls, was al«ays puzzling, lie broke the partnership after 121 had gone up, by getting the Queenslander leg before. I’onsl'nrd played stylishly. 11 is only weak stroke was at the ball which got him. lie was beaten by it change in

A dashing display was given by Richardson, who sent the slow bowlers ill over the ground, driving brilliantly. After Richardson, who had charmed [lie spectators, the play became dull ill omparison. Kippax was showing good form with a sweet stroke into tin* ■ lips, when Strudwiek, who was wicket levelling ably took advantage of the irst chance of st limping. llcndrv quickly ran into his best Him. and gave the 1110-l stylish cxlii>il ion of the match, lie picked the nose halls in line style, driving and Hilling brilliaiity. Hendry never play'd better cricket before.

The Queenslander. ((xeiihaiii. showed good form, but his strokes lacked the finish of the Australian Eleven man. The bowlers began to tire, and llcudrv. seeing his advantage hit out. scoring with well placed strokes all round the wicket, .lust on time the pair had added 111 for the fifth wicket. Then the Australian skipper retired. As in the Queensland match. the pace of the howlers was not. over troublesome and was played confident !,v. Unwell started by making the ball I iek. but the halsmeli were tmt greatfv tumbled.

The -III" bowlers. Freeman and T.vldesle.v. were treated with great respect. I'Tcrman was alway- dangerous. Ills pace never wavered, and the ball went 'villi :: good flight. SO that runs from him were always diflieillt to get. lie should he hard to leave out of the test iiinii'ln-.. lie was better mi the day than Tyhlcsley. dim.ln let wa - ill good form holmid |h. wo let .. Th" hi -I * vHa earno al

Tl,c lidding "Os always keen, there being no chances missed. Douglas and Chapman dose in. and Rryan. Hcndren nod Sutdiife in the country, were outstanding.