CRICKET

Hokitika Guardian, 23 February 1931, Page 6

CRICKET

M.C C. V. S. AFRICA. FIFTH TEST. . (United Press Association—By EJectrio Telegraph.—Copyright ) DURBAN, February 21. Play in the first test match, which commenced to-day, was curtailed to eighty minutes, owing to rain. Chapman won the toss, and put in South Africa on a drying wicket. Fortunately, the wicket dried slowly, and was on the easy side. The start was delayed for twenty minutes because the bails were of an incorrect size owing to the manufacturers’ mistake. It was •found that every combination of the bails available made the wicket 9.} inches wide, instead of the regulation nine inches. Finally it was decided to cut down the bails.

Chapman lodged a complaint with the South African Board of Control, who acknowledged that the complaint was legitimate, as the delay might have had a serious effect on Chapman’s tactics.

Chapman relied mainly on his spin bowlers, who were supported by such good fielding that Siedle and Mitchell were able to score 1 only twenty-seven runs in an hour. ’Fate l was the most dangerous bowler. South Africa scored .‘l2 without the loss of a wicket, Mitchell making twenty-three, and Siedle nine. Rain then stopped play and stumps were drawn. The English team is—Chapman, Wvatt, Hammand, Leyland, Hendren. Turnbull, Farrimond, Tate, Vaco, White and Peebles. The South African team is:—Cameron, Bell, Christy, Cochrane, Dalton, McMillan, Mitchell, Siedle Taylor, Viljoen and Vincent. CAPETOWN, February 22 The South African Cricket Board of Control is said to be seriously considering the position created by the Australian rate of exchange in view of the forthcoming Australian tour. It is feared that if the tour is a financial success there will be serious loss in getting the money back to South Africa.

INDIES V. N.S.W. SYDNEY, February 22. Bright snappy batting on a perfect wicket and in genial sunshine marked the West Indies first innings on the Sydney Cricket' Ground to-day, in their match against New .South Wales. The.N.S.W. bowlers, with the exception of McCabe and Chilvers, were not impressive, and the fielding was loose. Very many runs were given to the visitors from overthrows. The heldsmen were badly placed. Roach, . Headley and Constantine gave the ten thousand spectators many thrills while stealing runs by splendid running between the wickets. Headley, however, at last lost his wicket iy, this manner. Rain occurred at -5.40, and the New South Wales innings did not commence, play ceasing for the day. The scores at the drawing of stumps were : WEST INDIES—First Innings. Roach, b . Theak 55 Martin, b McQuirk 8 Headley, run out 70 Grant, c Davidson, I) Hunt OR Sealy, b McCabe 58 Constantine, b McCable 41 Wight, run out 4 Barrow, c ICippax, b Chilvers 29 Scott, c Hunt, b Chilvers 17 Francis, st Davidson, b Chilvers 0 Griffiths, not out 1 Extras 14 Total 339 Bowling analysis: Tlieak 1 for 95. McQuirk 1 f0r.44, Hunt 1 for 53, Chilvers 3 for 55, McCabe 2 for 02, Rennett 0 for 15. SOUTH AUSTRALIA V. VICTORIA. ADELAIDE, February 21. In the Sheffield Shield match against Victoria-, South Australia scored 330 for seven wickets (Lonegain not out 151, Waite 74). Ironmonger took 1 for 94. ADELAIDE. February 22. In the Sheffield Shield match against Victoria, South Australia in the first innings scored 439 (Lonegain 159). Ironmonger look seven wickeds lor 135. Victoria in the first innings lost three wickets for 152. Woodfull made 83 not out and Rigg 50.