CRICKET.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 January 1925, Page 3

CRICKET.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CAULK ASSOCIATION EX G LAND'S AY ON DEI IF UI. ACHIEVEMENT. (Received this day at 10.2 A a.m.l SYDNEY, January 9.

Commenting on the cricket, the “herald” says that throughout the two matches there has been practically an entire absence of any disposition on the part of the batsmen to lift the ball into the outfield. It is not on account of the fielding strength there, 1 localise, except to the very slow howlers, it has been the habitual practice to do without outfields. Even with slow bowlers operating there have been vast uncovered gaps in the outfield into which the ball might easily have been safely steered if competent batsmen so desired. England’s achievement in carrying the decision of the issue right to the seventh day is a. wonderful achievement worthy of the highest commendation. It might justly he said that though England lost the match she was not beaten. (Received this day at 3.80 p.m.) SYDNEY', January 9. The ''Herald ” critic attributes England’s defeat to the unwarranted adoption of ultra cautious hatting methods against the weary and worried attack and changing and chopping about of the hatting order in Die closing stages of tbe match. He states:—“ A couple of good punches in to the open outfield by Woolley on Wednesday would have set tbe barometer fair for England’s

victory. It was not even necessary lor the batsmen to do that; they had only to play their ordinary game and everything points to the assumption that England must have won.” Regarding the changes in the ’ hatting order he declares; “ Chapman and Tate were wasted when the opportunity was offered to make the best use of l them.”

The critic adds; “A number of leg before decisions against batsmen, especially in the later stages ol the match, all by the same umpire, was quite a noteworthy fact. That at least two of these admitted doubt as :o their accuracy was not as a matter i i opinion hut as a question of Diet. It was a regrettable feature that in the two cases mentioned, that ol Maile* in tin; first innings and of YVc.olley m tne second innings, there seems to 'o

general agreement among those who should know for a certainity that the ball did strike the but first., but rhe umpire, when asked expressed a d:lk»‘out view.” ENGLISH OPINION. LONDON, January 8. “Beaten but not down hearted.' sums itji tin- evening paper comment on the result of the test at Melbourne of which the reports engrossed public attention to the exclusion of everything else throughout the match. The paper emphasises that Australia’s initial innings practically decided the issue, as it is impossible for any batsmen to score the runs necessary for victory on a worn wicket. Sutcliffe. Ilohhs and Tat" are singled nut as great figures in the contest. Tim hope is expressed that Gilligau will win the toss in the next venture, as the British team has shown a capacity to win icsts. COLLINS ON THE TEST. MELBOURNE, January 9. Collins, alter the match, said lie was naturally pleased with the win, hut it was a laird tight. Several times the game was in the balance. The Englishmen fought well. The performance of Sutclille in obtaining centuries al critical times, marked him. as having a test-match temperament. AYe are in a good position with two games in hand. Imt there is a long way to go. The total attendance numbered 2:}S,S]2 and the takings £29,10*9 sterling. HAWKE CI R. NELSON. January 9. Nelson commenced the Hawke tup Miute.li this mornyig against Alanawatu ill perfect weather cm a good wicket. At 12.0 Nelson had lost 0 tor 198 (Neale 111. Eden 19, Jlawkes 1 ->). At the luncheon ndournment Nelson bad lest 9 wickets for 128. (Kremnitz 18.1.

VICTORIAN VISIT. C'M RTSTCI I FRC'-l 1. January 9. There is a probability that a Victorian cricket team will visit N.Z. during this season. D. Reese, the N.Z. Council's representative, is at present in Melbourne where he lias been disous-.-ing tin* prospec tes of a tour with tbe Australian Board of cqiiLroL In a’ cable to the Council, Reese states tbe Victorian Association will decide the question on Monday evening.