CRICKET

Hokitika Guardian, 26 June 1933, Page 5

CRICKET

THE FIRST TEST ENGLAND V. WEST INDIES. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). LONDON, June 24. The cricket test match, England v. West Indies opened to-day at Lords. England won the toss, and batted. The weather was dull. Rain twice stopped play during the morning, and prevented a resumption after lunch. England in the first inning, 3 scored 43 lor no wickets.

The West Indies team is: Roach, Barrow, Headley, Hoad, Grant, Dacosta,, Merry, Achong, Martindale, Francis and Griffiths.

The Australian Press Association's special representative at Lords s ys: ' Without Constantine, whom the Nelson J Club have refused to release, the West Indies had the misfortune to lose file toss. Walters, the Worcestershire caPtaln. playing his first test, partnered Sutcliffe on an easy wicket. The fast bowlers Martindale and Francis (the latter borrowed from the Lancashire League) kept the batsmen quiet for the first half hour, but after the rain had caused a twenty minutes’ adjournment, there. wa s a slippery ball, which rendered the l bowling ineffective', and scoring., was considerably easier. Waiters p’aved neatly and confidently, timing the ball well. The rain again commenced at 12.40 p.m., causing a long delay. Tho King arrived during the rain, ,f,rid lie conversed with the players. The rain continued during the afternoon, nr.d play was abandoned a ; t 4.30.

The bowling thus far has been orthodox, with packed slips. The ball barely .rose high. Fifteen thousand attended. The minimum charge (for admission was two shillings. which meant a costly morning’s cricket.

At stumps the score was : ■ ENGLAND—First Innings. ' Walters, not out ... 24 Sutcliffe, not out 19 Extras ... .... .... ••• ••• . 3 Total for , n o wickets : 43 MERRITT TO PLAY RUGBY LEAGUE (Received this day at; 10.25 a.m.) LONDON, June 25. The Wigan,Rugby League has signed on W. E. Merritt. .. . . BLUNT TO PLAY IN. AMERICA. LONDON, June 25. The New Zealander, Blunt',‘lias been cliosen by Sir Julies Cairn, for a tour of Canada and America, in August. The team includes Robins and.D. P. Morkel.