CRICKET.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 March 1928, Page 3

CRICKET.

) AUSTRALIA V. XEAV ZEALAND. HUGH SCORE. I {By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) 1 AUCKLAND, March 24. ' The first test match between the Australian cricketers and the New Zealand reps, was commenced at Eden Park to-day, under excellent conditions. Winning the toss, the visitors occupied the hatting crease all day for the fine total of 41G runs for two wickets. A feature of the play was an excellent display given lit- Wood full, who went in first with Ponsford. and was still unbeaten it t the drawing of stumps, with 250 to liis credit. Ponfsord and Woodfull. by solid batting, gave their side an excellent start, and IS4 appeared on lhe hoard before a separa - tion was made. Ivippax failed to get going properly, but Schneider and Woodfull played out time. Woodfull gave a great chain eless exhibit inn. Commencing ratliei slowly, he was nol seen at liis best until after registering the first century. Afterwards lie scored freely with masterly-placed shots. Ponsford was a little more aggressive than Woodltill. and. its usual, showed a liking lor a powerful on drive. Lowry had a trying time with the bowlers, but he managed liis attack well. Kinlayxon bowled with remarkable accuracy the first time he went to the crease, while the other trimdlers all bowled steadily, although Alert'll t. failed to get any nip off the pitch. Woodfull was a real thorn to the Now Zealand attack. There was tin attendance ol about 13,(411). and the spectators were treated to some very fine cricket. N-oros: — AUCKLAND. .'Alareh 20. Tim match re-opened sensationally. Einlayson dropping Woodlul from the second ball oil’ Read and Schneider was dropped at the wickets in Read’s third over. It took 7 overs to add 32 runs (in 2() minutes). In Badeock’s fourth over Schneider was well caught by the wicket-keeper. 44.8—3'—08. The advent of Richardson and appearance ol Merritt at the bowling crease heralded a period of attack hv batsmen, and .Merritt was soon knocked off, AloGirr succeeding him. He did not keep the rate of scoring down, though Badcock had both Woodfull and Richardson quiet. AfeOirr. however, had liis revenge with the first hall of an over, dean howling Woodfull. 41)0—-3—281. Richardson and Jackson went after runs in bright style. Finlayson relieved Rndc'Ock at 51 I and the scoring slowed down for a. while. .Merritt wont on again at 52G. both balsmen using their feet to hit him regularly for singles. Hooking Finlayson for three Richardson readied 50 fur an hours’ play. The batsmen bad a go 20 minutes before lunch. Lowry meeting the situation by putting .Dempster on. They knocked eight oft' bis first, over, then .Inckson standing across a twisty one from .Merrill mis-hif and was caught by the howler. 573—5- 35. Richardson tHon declared at the adjournment. AUSTRALIA.- -First Innings. Ponsford. <■ Lowry, h Finlayson ... a G Woodfull, b AfelTirr 2ts4 Kippnx, e Lowry, b AfcClirr 16 Schneider. <■ Lowry, h Badcock ... 68 Richardson (not out) 65 .Tack“on. e. and li. Alerritt 35 Extras IJ> Total for 5 wickets Bowling analysis. -ArcCjirr. 2 lor >6; Badcock. I for 121 ; Merritt, 1 for 121 : Finlayson. 1 for 62; Read. 6 for 102; Mill.-. 0 for 6; Dempster. 0 for 21.