CRICKET.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 December 1928, Page 5

CRICKET.

TEST CRICKET.

PRESS COMMENT.

(Australian Press Association)'.

(Received this day at 12.25. p.m.) SYDNEY, December 21.

Commenting on the test cricket, the “Herald” says, Australia viewed the English accomplishments against the States without misgiving. Tho latter showed excellent form and the man in the street reckoned the pick of Australia, anyway, would hold their own. Then came the debacle of the first test, which loft us stunned and bewildered, if that was the best our men could do tho rubber was already decided and tho “Ashes” were Enlgand’s again. Australia, however, recovered her poise, and remembered all men had weak moments and hoped the second test would redeem the position. Their hope was dashed, however. Australia made a dramatic recovery in the second innings, but tho English howlers again mastered the position. The non-inclu-sion of a fast bowler in the Australian side was condemned in many quarters. This department should he strengthened. A test team without a fast howler was analogous to Hamlet minus the Prince. There are still three matches to play and we have not abandoned hope, despite tho initial reverses. The “ Telegraph ” says those who hoped the Australians would make the Englishmen fight for victory were disappointed, but the batting of the home side was of sufficient quality to give added zest to future contests.

The “ Telegraph ” states Oxenham, the Queensland all rounder, has been requested to go to Melbourne.