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Hokitika Guardian, 1 November 1928, Page 4

t liiciCKT as between England an<l AusIralia has become something of a fetish. The All Kurland XI now touring Austraha is playing tin: first serious match of the tour at Adelaide, and judging hy the play in the first innings the South Australians have shown an ability to hold the hope of England, it will he recalled with what fervour the team was sent off on the tour, and how the press writing cricket experts spread themselves as to the ability of the team to account for the much coveted ashes. The comment of the I ondon dailies on the surprise presented hy the South Australians in their first innings, indicates that the experts are quite nervy, and as a consequence it may be expected the cable will be crowded not only with comment, hut also hypothetical explanations. Both Hammond and Chapman made fine scores for England. Cheat things arc expected of the former, not only as regards hatting, but also as a howler. The names of the English players at the head of the team are all of high repute, and much will he expected of them as tlie games proceed. By the time the first test is due interest is sure to ho worked up to fever heat, and the fortunes of the games will he followed w,ith great interest. On tlie South Australian side Richardson lived up to his great reputation as a batsman by passing into the second century. Pritchard likewise passed over the century boundary. The deadly Grimmett was in form with the hall and took six wickets for 109. which was a goad record in those times when,batsmen have tin* facility for ready scoring. The performance stamps Grimmett as a howler to he respected and Australia will hare a great asset in this player for the test matches. The play lias opened well in this the first of the high class matches, and it is evident that the Australian public—such devotees of cricket as they are—will ho well entertained throughout the tour. It would appear that the cricket also is brighter. Wo must not forget that the Now Zealand tour at Home did something to brighten up the play and make the game more interesting to the onlookers. The fight for the ashes will therefore be something out of the ordinary on this occasion, for each side has its share of champions and the cricket loving public: will he in for a rare entertainment in the successive matches constituting the games for the tour of Australia.