CRICKET

Hokitika Guardian, 1 December 1928, Page 5

CRICKET

FIRST TEST MATCH.

SLOW ENGLISH BATTING

(Australian Press Association) (United Service).

BRISBANE. Nov. 30,

The weather was ideal lor the opening of the first test match. The attendance at noon was 20,000. Ryder, the Australian captain, spun the coin at 11.30 and Chapman won the toss. -Many officials and players with cameras faced the two captains. The wicket had a bleached appearance, and it was hard and fast. The outfield was very fast.

There- were forty pressmen present, including Fender (England), Macartney, Alai ley, Clem Hill and W. AV. Armstrong as special correspondents. The match began at 12.-I. Hobbs, with a green lined hall, opened the hatting with Sutcliffe, who was bareheaded.

The game was without incident mini a few minutes before luncheon, when off a short-pitched hall from Gregory, Sutcliffe was caught brilliantly by Pons lord at dec]) leg. Eightv-fivc runs had then been scored, taking 85 minutes.

The Australian fielding at this stage was only moderate. Grimmett’s bowling was collared. The wicket was unsuitable for slow bowlers. Gregory’s fast balls were rising high. There was a strong off-field for Kellcway, who was hovling for Gregory’s traditional slips. Many singles was the outstanding feature of the Hobbs-Siitcliffe partnership, which was not attractive because of the over-cautious display by these two batsmen. Ironmonger’s bowling kept the batsmen steady.

Wlien tin- batsmen were trying for a thi.ril run off a stroke by Mead. Bradman returned the ball to Oldfield from (lie off, and Hobbs was run out. His sop re was -19, these taking 95 minutes. Hi- hit only six fours.

Ihe entry ol .Jardinc, wearing an Oxlord Univensitty Harlequin cap, of quartered pink, buff and blue, provoked cheers. He is a graceful batsman, with artistic strokes. His cap earned him a sure “rainbow.”

I ron monger, the left ha nder, was treated cautiously by the batsmen. Although of medium pace, bis bowling has an excellent length, with both break and spin. The field was placed on the off side in a semi-circle for him. One hundred and fifty runs took 103 minutes to record.

Kellcway was bowling consistently throughout, sending down 1] overs for 18 runs.

DULL PLAY

Between luncheon and tea, the game was deadly dull and the spectators became impatient over the monotonous exhibition. The batsmen were not enterprising, allowing even loose balls to pass them off Grimmett.

Oldfield failed badly to stump Hammond when that batsman was 38. T he score was 3 for 100 at the luncheon adjournment.

Hammond gave an easy catch to AYoodful at point shortly after tea, and was caught for 11. His runs took 03 minutes to compile, including two fours.

I here are indications of si ale cricket the play not being marked hv one bright stroke. Jardinc promised well with hi.s opening strokes, but lie became seized with somnolence.

Jlciidren, on joining Jardinc, livened up matters for a brief interval. Constant change's were being made by transferring the howlers from end to Ci.d. not more than six overs being bowled in succession. Hondren reached 21 runs while .Jardine had scored only seven. Summed up. the game was not spectacular, but it was sound cricket. The Australian bowling was well managed, with the field rather skilfully placed. The batsmen went carefully, but they were playing according to strict rules. There was no outstanding brilliance individually in the field. It was an even .standard in every department.

Two hundreds runs took 226 minutes lo score. Jardinc was then 29 and Jlrndren 28. Jardinc went when

Chapman, the captain, had a wonderful reception - when following Jardino, who took 123 minutes for his 35.

Gregory’s howling gave Chapman trouble. His pace occasionally was terrific, with the ball rising fast. The light was treacherous. At 5.15 o’clock the stand shadow was crossing the wicket. Two successive fours by Chapman. after Hondren had given a fine display, were loudly cheered. Sujhsequointly bolh of the batsmen gave a fine exhibition, both scoring at a. good rate, and on all sides of the wicket.

The peak of the attendance was 25.000. Scores: — ENGLAND—First Innings. Hobbs, run out 49 Sutcliffe, c Ponsford. b Gregory ... 38 Mead, l.b.v. b Grimmett 8 Hammond, e AATiodfiill. b Gregory 44 Jardinc. c AA'oodftill, b Ironmonger 35 Hondren. (not out) 52 Chapman, (not out) 39 Extras* 7 Total for five wickets 272 ENGLISH CAPTAIN. LONDON. Nov. 30. The news that Chanmnn had won the toss was received at 1.45 this morning. The “Dailv Express” simultaneously published an amusing o"Lle ft-mo Ben Travers, to the effect that the English mail, which had just arrived at Brisbane, contained one solitary letter for Chapman, and this was from the income tax authorities, demanding an increase in his assess-