CRICKET.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 December 1924, Page 2

CRICKET.

M.C.C. v. AUSTRALIAN XI. [by TELEQRAFII—FEU PRESS ASSOCIATION.] A Bit! TOTAL. BRISBANE, December 5. Interest lias become aroused in the Australin-Eiighuid match, and a large crowd saw the resumption of play today, increasing l»v three thousand in the afternoon. The wicket was hard and fast, and the howlers were getting little assistance from it. The two Queenslanders, Oxenhain and Thompson, resumed Australia’s innings but the hatting was painfully slow, neifliyr showing enterprise. Howell was troublesome, swinging the kill from the off to the leg. Freeman kept his correct length well, hut while lie varied the halls, ho was not able to swing ill much. The howling was really flattered, and made to look more difficult than it actually was. by the batsmen’s ultra cautious strokes. Oxenhain was two yards out of his crease when he was deceived by one of Freeman's elusive deliveries, and was easily stumped.

The Australians had started will 20!) mi for five wickets, and hv lunclieoi the score was .‘352 for six wickets.

The public's interest was awakened by the appearance of Taafe. the West Australian, who had done so well in the Perth match. He opened confidently, with an easy, swinging style, hut his strokes lacked vigour, and they were tumble to pierce the field. Still considering tlie fact that the surroundings were strange and lie was playing his first really big mat' 11, lie did well, and at least as well as the more experienced Thompson, who is the only Queenslander to score two-centuries ill intor-State mulches. There is still a feeling that the English howlers are not yet up to test standard. Thompson and Taafe were associated in the third-century partnership of the match. The Tlionipson-Taalo partnership was soon figuring as the most productive one of the innings. They collared the English bowling, which was not impressive. The slow howlers were still doing the hulk of the work, the pace men failing on the fast wicket. Thompson, after 185 minutes, passed tlie century mark, and joined the select hand oT Queenslanders, who have made a three-figure score against England. (The last previous one was that by Hnrtignn—llfi-in the third test match at Adelaide ill association with Clem Hill in 1008). Thompson did not give a chance, but played a sound, though, at times, ultra-cautious cricket. The West Australian had now settled down, driving hard and often, but lu s placing was still faulty. Chapman was fielding in great style, stopping and returning the hall brilliantly. Ihe howlers became thoroughly mastered

again. They sent down good, accurate stuff, hut it was without pop. Thompson. when hitting out. wont for a weak stroke to leg. which rubbed Taafe of his chance of reaching the century, as nolmdy else could stay with him. The Queenslanders would like to have seen the Westralian in three figures. His innings was appreciated, for as with Queen-landers, first-class matches are rare for A\ esteruers. laafe was iliicoliquered. and since lunch, he had played finished cricket. Ilis delightful. free style greatly j lea-ed the

spectators. The English fielding was always silperli. no actual chances being missed. Strudw'ick was in great lorn), only one live being recorded. The Australian innings closed at .->. 10 p.m.. ami the Englishmen butted for five minutes, when slumps were drawn. Douglas was missed on tlie third ball. Tbe scores are: AUSTRALIA First Innings. O’Connor. 1.L.w.. b. Freeman ... 50 I’nii-ford. e. Sandbani. h. Howell ... SI Richardson, 1.b.w.. b. lyldcslev ... Kil pax. st. Striulwiek. h. Tyldesley I I Hendry, c. Strudwick. I*. Freeman 08 (lxenhani st. Strudwick In Freeman "it q |„,in|- ..o *. Sutcliffe li. Ft reman 111 Taale (not out) SO I lornilirook In Freeman 10 (it iinuiett. In Freeman 11 Wallace. In Howell \ Extras • Total *-> 2,i Bowling iialvsis.—Howell *_’ lor 1-3. Douglas 0 for 5:1. Kilner 0 I'm; G!). Freeman 0 for 100. Tyldesley 2 for 105. Bryan 0 for 0. END LAND—First Timings. Douglas (not out I 1 strudwick (not out) 1 Extras - Total for no wickets 1