CRICKET.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 May 1926, Page 3

CRICKET.

(Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.] LONDON, April 29. The scores in the Minor Counties’ 31 atcli will itot he included in the averages for the tour. Kelleway in the “ Daily Express ” emphasises that the match provided a practise for the Australians and scarcely gives any guide to future performances. A feeling of holiday spirit was abroad, and everybody thoroughly enjoyed themself, not particularly troubling about high scoring. Many fine strokes would have reached the boundary on a drier ground. The Australians 179 was easily equal to 2(30 under better conditions. Falcon has obviously given the English selectors something to think about. Though .Macartney frequently troubled the batsmen, Griminctt was easily played on the slow wicket, as evidenced by the fact that three sixes were knocked off him. Trevor, in the “Daily Telegraph,” says Falcon’s success after lunch was due to good length and change of pace. With the exception of Ryder none of the Australians could deal with Falcon. The hatting was disappointing, even when the fullest allowance is made for a start on a dead wicket. .Macartney troubled the Counties at first and they treated him with great respect, ft would be unwise to draw confident deductions regarding the Australians. Neither tlie batting or howling was more than moderate but tlie fielding was first rate. Warner, in the “ Morning Post.” states Bardsley and Ryder were the host of the Australians. The former was sound and resourceful ns over. Ryder, after an uncertain start, hit with power and certainty and impressed me considerably. Woodfull obviously possesses a strong defence and ran hit a loose hall. Falcon cleverly accommodated his .pace to the state of the wicket. He was in .splendid physical condition and howled with great determination. Tlie wicket was too slow to suit Grimmett hut he can spin the ball and his deliveries make pace off the ground. T imagine he will he a difficult howler to drive, as he does not give the hall much air. Richardson made the ball turn from the off hut there are litany bowlers like him in Britain. I venture to think the Aus-

tralian howling is not going to he very formidable though 1 may have to eat

Mr Littloworth. writing in the Daily Chronicle, nays: The opening batsmen. Collins and Bardslev, Macartney and Taylor wore sorely troubled doing strokes, because tho hall came off the turf at so slow a pace. Nevertheless. they lacked enterprise, particularly Bardslev, whose whole innings was characteristic, because the Australian

missed so many opportunities to store from halls on the log. side which used to he his forte. Ryder showed a great command of nytity strokes, and the true spirit of adventure. Richardson, had a greater variation in length, flight and spin than any of the other Itowlers.