CRICKET.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 July 1926, Page 3

CRICKET.

[Reuter Telegrams.] AG A INST WORCESTER. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, July 7. From the Australian team Hendry, Collins, Ryder, Everett, Woodfull were omitted. From the Worcester team Pearson and Gibbons were omitted. /File weather was dull after rain overnight and wicket soft. Bardsley won the toss. Root and Wilson opened the attack. The only store in the first three overs was boundary lives. Then Richardson straight drove Wilson for three. In Wilson’s next over Richardson was bowled and in the next over Macartney guided a rising hall straight into the hands of second slip. ‘AUSTRALIA--Ist. Innings. Ricliardsoii. b. Wilson Macartney, e. Wilson b. Root U Bardsley. I>. Bowles 35 Andrews, r. Tarbox b. Root 14 Taylor, c. and b. Root 12 Ponsford, c. Jewell b. Bowles 33 Gregory, b. Wilson 30 Oldfield, b. Root 32 Ellis, b. Tarbox 1 Grimmett, c. Ashton b. Bowles ... 24 Mailey, . (not out)’ 4 Extras 9 Total 197 Bowling.—Boot 4 for (51, Wilson 2 for 54, Rogers 0 for 21, Tarbox 1 for 10, Bowles 3 for 42. WORCEST ER—First Innings. Jewell, b. Macartney 4 Wright, c. Richardson b. Macartney 1 Tarbox, b. Macartney 1 Fox, (not out) 9 Hopkins, l.b.w. Macartney 0 Foster, (not out) 28 Total for 4 wickets 47 Stumps were then drawn. THE PLAY DESCRIBED. LONDON, July 7. Root is apparently becoming more difficult every time lie meets the Australians. To-day ho was getting a splendid swerve in tile heavy atmosphere trapping the batsmen. Andrews opened briskly. He gave a chance at nine which Foster at the wicket fumbled. He was magnificently caught by Tarbox on the run at dec]) squire leg. The total was then 29 for 3. Taylor was in much improved form, cutting and driving in his old style, but the third bail after lunch bo made a tame return to Root. P'.msford played attractively making a

speciality of the late cut and on drive. Bardsley who had been batting patiently ami soundly, opened out, but Ponsford did most of the scoring. 'I ids fifth wicket partnership yielded fortyeight tho total being 104 when Ponsford misjudged a break .and was well held by mid-ou. Five runs later Bardsley was late in attempting to turn a ball to leg and his leg stump was shattered. He had hatted 135 minutes. Oldfield when three had a lucky escape from Root’s leg trap, i'ox failing to hold the ball. Gregory vas aggressive and drove Root and Bowles powerfully. This pair carried the score to 145 before Wilson secured Gregory’s wicket. Oldfield gained runs from a nice leg glance. Griiumclt and Mailey made a minor stand getting many sharp singles. I he. howling throughout was of high order. Wilson and Bowles .alternated effectively and Root provided a great variety.

Worcester opened hmllv. Ihe batting was not enterprising. Four wicktcs fell for eight. Richardson and Macartney were difficult to play. I' ox and Foster livened the game up. Both wore good on the leg side and also cut effectively, playing confidently till time.