CRICKET

Hokitika Guardian, 22 December 1928, Page 5

CRICKET

ENGLISH TEAM. (Australian Press Association) (United Service.) X I-] W(’ASTLE, Dec. 21. A inatcli between England and n Xev.ca -i !e-I[unter Diver eleven was commcm-ed in cool, but dull weather, on a perfect wicket. Tlie XewcastleFTunier Diver district team won the toss, and opened Llieir innings in ilie pre>eiic<‘ of about two thousand people. Dr E. Harbour captained the home side. Leyland was twelfth man for England. This is the first time that an English team has played at the Xewoitstlo cricket ground for twentyfivel veal's, the* last occasion being the match against “Plum’’ ’Warner’s team. The Munter District, will bat 12 men, but will liehl with only eleven. The Xewcastlc-I I unter Diver hatsmen cave a bright display. Ihe chief interest was in Bettingtnn’s exhtbitio!i. He hit a number to the .boundary. (Island and 'Henderson took liberties with the 1 English bowling, and they railier surprised I lit 1 spectators, l''rei|Uc‘nt chanties were made in the bowlers, but: the fielding of the Englishmen was loose. Tan-wood to-day was not given a turn with tin 1 ball. Apparently he is being spelled. The match was held up for fifty minutes owing to rain, the wicket being covered during that period. The Nowcastle-Tlunter Diver team hit tin 282 to-day for seven wickets. X EWC ASTI >E-IT l XT ED DIVED XI First Innings. Osloud. c Tate, b White "d Cummins, h Tate o Alov, run out Henderson, st Ames, b Hendren ... OH D. IT. Mett iugton. b Hendren ... 53 Harliottr .b Freeman -- oo Djivis. (not out) ••• tHrammle. c Hendren. b Freeman 16 Extras - Total for seven wickets 252 COMMENTS AX!) PREDICTIONS. LONDON. Dec. :U. AY arner in the “.Morning Post” says the Australians on this occasion seem to have mash&red Larwood hut the Melbourne ground is more a fast bowler's wicket. Tf Australia wins tbe loss. I shall he hopeful of Larwood snicking out one or two batsmen at the beginning of the gttine. r l he Australians will fight the remaining matches to the last ditch, hut I believe our splendid side is destined to retain the Ashes.

The •• Daily Express” editorially hopes Australia will overcome her had lack at Melbourne. “It is the strongest team of the Commonwealth, unItadieapped by injured men, wo "uni to beat litis time.”

Clem IT ill says there should be six certainties for the next test. Woodfull, Oldfield, (Irimmett and V. Richardson seem to be an automatic: selection. The last named is a pivot of inspiring example to fieldsmen. I should not hesitate to give him the captaincy, leaving Ryder minus the cares of the captaincy, and free to play his natural game. He and Hendry should be included for all round ability. Nolhling must be dropped. His bowing is classless, Blackie should n l.so be omitted and Rradman included. Tf we lmd two W'oodl'ulls, one at each end, tbe danger of Larwood’s bowling would vanish, after which tho English howlers would not be dangerous. Tbe best team would be: Richardson. Wood full, Hendry, Ryder, Oldfield, Orimmett, Bradman, Ironmonger, A’Bcckett, Kippax, or Andrews. The “Daily Herald,” in an editorial says the second test will go down to history as showing Australia’s capacity to fight hack in the face of terrific odds. The English bowlers have been shown to lie lfot invincible. The third tost may be a nearer balanced struggle than ilio first two. Tt would be foolish to imagine that Australian cricket is in such a parlous state as England’s runaway victories would suggest. Tho second test was not without shocks to England. White was mastered; Sutcliffe was nothing like up to form; Jardine was painful but correct; and though Larwood is potentially the finest bowler of either side, there scorns room for experiment when tho next team is chosen.