CRICKET.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 August 1926, Page 1

CRICKET.

r [Reuter Telegrams.] comment on play. LONDON, Aug. 16. The Australian fielding comes in for special appreciation by the critics. Colonel Trevor, in the “Daily Telegraph,” says: “One has notFing but unstinted praise for the wonderful fielding of the Australians. You could not get a ball through the fieldsmen unless it was hit hard quite clear of them, while from the long-field, Bardsley gave Oldfield catches at the top of the hails with unfailing accuracy.” Referring to the dismissal of the Australians, Colonel Trevor says:—“To be perfectly frank, I cannot attribute this to good bowling. Tate and Larwood howled too short, and Geary was wild. Tate never looked like getting anybody out. W r oodfull, the unmovable, always remained unmoved. He never does look like getting out. When ho is, one is always surprised.” Mr Warner says: “The wicket was not easy, despite what has been said to the contrary.” He plays a graceful compliment to Oldfield, stating: “The wicket-keeping was delightful, both in its extreme excellence and its frills. Grimmett’s fielding at sillypoint and mid-on reminded one of one’s boyhood. Nevertheless, at the end of England’s innings, Andrews was two up. Finer and braver fielding than his it is impossible to imagine. Indeed, throughout, there were few instances of misfielding, while the throwing was a delight to behold.” Mr Warner adds: “Macartney began in a manher which England’s supporters viewed with the gravest apprehension, but when the great Macartney went, so early, the crowd could hardly believe it. But there is a long way to go before this match is over.” Mr Faulkner, the critic, writes in “The Gazette”: “The Australian batsmen’s unaccountable loss of grip leaves England very much atop; but it would -lie rash to contend that Australia is yet “in the cart.” She has too many stubborn, skilful batsmen to dismiss, but England bas the chance of a lifetime. She only needs the slightest piece of luck to gain a commanding first innings lead.” The “Daily Mail” critic declares: “Hobbs went out to one of the worst balls of -his long, career. Chapman’s captaincy was gratifying. He consulted nobody. He did everything off his own hat.”

“The Times’ ” critic highly praises Chapman’s captaincy, and says that Mailoy’s was the finest exhibition of slow bowling he has ever seen, or is over likely to see.’'