CRICKET.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 January 1925, Page 3

CRICKET.

[BY TELEGRAPH—per PRESS ASSOCIATION.] BRITAIN’S INTEREST, f, Received this day at 9.45 a.m.) LONDON, January 29. 1 he “Evening Nows” says that -lever in the history of test cricket has such revered interest been taken in Britain. It could not be greater if played in London. The man in the street tools keenly and sympathetically for the injuries. We are all with them in spirit, and appreciate the sporting "ay in which Collins and the spectators are condoling with the Englishmen. LONDON January 20. Barnes, in the “Daily Chronicle” states: “We ought to get at least our hundred this innings, and if Giliignn can use 1 ii.s lull howling strength victory is still within .England’s power. Ihe standard of pennant matches is much higher than English League cricket practice matches. The wicnets in Australia are so perfect that the coaches are able to concentrate on straight hat defensive tactics with which we are familiar. Practically every member of an important team i.s capable of keeping his end up.” Colonel Trevor says : —“Winning the toss and a big initial score are moral lather than technical advantages. I doubt whether we ever sent a team to Australia more able to hit out it halls asking for punishment, but the Australians’ initial scores have restrained our most forceful batsmen. Under all circumstances Gillignn’s men nave been asked to do the biggest thing yet required in the history of test cricket.” FOURTH DAY COMMENT. SYDNEY. January 21. The “ Herald” commenting on the cricket says.the salient features of the fourth day’s play were the determined resistance of the English team right up to the end of the innings. Very noteworthy was the century innings of Hobbs and the brilliant second innings batting of the Australians with Ryder again occupying the post of honour. With the assistance of tho wind M.niloy was able to make the hull float a little, which added immensely to the course of the In cult he was producing. A wind blowing diagonally in relation ci| the pitch suits Ins howling admiru lj| y. With a judicious interspersion of over spin and a straight bleak he kept the batsmen to the best delensive measures. ilendreu batted splendidly. Throughout he was very solid in defence. hut always eager to punish anything that gave an opportunity Ho is always a breezy batsman, entertaining to watch and lull ot big possibilities, but in playing to the state of game he was forced to curb his natural tendencies, and to exercise a restraint which is foreign to his temperament in all respects. Hobbs completed his ninth century in AngloAustralian test matches and has now made 2,292 runs for England against Australia in tests. No other English player and only three Australians have made over 2,000. The highest aggregate 2,000, belongs to idem Hill. 1" the last fifteen tests Hobbs lias made nine centuries and his average to date is 58.70. Ryder was the chief instru- | meat of aggression in Australia’s second strike, lie took the English bowling by the scruff of the neck and hit rt Till over the field with the utmost impartiality as to the howling and with abandon of power that sent the spectators away filled with delight. It increased his reputation as a highclass batsman infinitely more than did bis double century in the first innings. A DESPONDENT VIEW. LONDON. January 29 The newspapers mosty take the despondent view of the test position. The “Evening Standard” states that there cannot he tho least doubt about the issue whatever feeling lingers in ; he minds of a few enthusiasts. The ‘’Standard” in discussing the probability of Ryder making a double century savs the scoring of two centuries against relatively feeble Wlnig is child’s play compared with Sutcliffe’s monumental task in the S\dnev match. LONDON, January 20

Lord Hawke created a sensation at a meeting in reference: fo Parkin’s newspaper criticism of CilHgnn. Lord Hawke declares: ‘‘lf Parkin had been a Yorkshire professional and the committee held my views he would never play <n another Yorkshire ground. (Cheers). A voice: “He slinuUln’t be dlowed to plnv if. Lancashire again.” Lord Hawke: “It is a pity the newspapers should ask a cricketer to write a criticism of Gilligan or u.yone in Yorkshire. I am heart and soul with Gilligan and sympathise with Ins losses ~,,<1 bad luck. A more popular skipp' r never went to Australia. For a « »" calling himself a cricketer to attack Gilligau is beneath contempt T _P' God that no professional wi s'' ol <• 1 tain England.”