CRICKET TEST OUTLOOK

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 37, 13 February 1937, Page 14 (Supplement)

CRICKET TEST OUTLOOK

LIKELY TO BE AN EVEN FINISH HARD TO PICK WINNING SIDE BRADMAN AND HAMMOND ARE BIG FACTORS (By “Batsman.”)' All the indications suggest that the final and fifth cricaet Test between England and Australia, which is to bo opened at Melbourne on Friday, February 26, will be an even tussle. It happenings had been planned beforehand matters could not have trended better from a financial point of view. Competent critics aver also that the gamo has been well served by the fluctuation of fortune, first towards England and finally towards Australia. Others have been inclined to crlticiso the determination to play each test to a finish, and they would have preferred to see time made one ov the real hazards of the game.

It has come to be recognised by most followers of the game that tne real stepping stones to victory in tne respective teams are the two batsmen, Bradman (Australia), and Hammond (England). Englishmen sign with relief when Bradman’s wicket falls. Likewise there is a slackening of tension in Australia when Hammond walks back to the pavilion. But there is vitally more in the game than just Bradman and Hammond. Each may nullify the other ana leave to the remainder the task of deciding the issue. Bradman may go cheaply on both occasions, Hammond may share a like fate. One may make a score and the other do likewise. The disturbing element rises only when one beats the other and when that happens the vast wickering public Is often too apt to praise the batsman who succeeds and forget the bowler who skittled his real opponent's wicket. After all, like any other game, cricket boils itself down largely to a man for man business. From a batting point of view Bradman ana Hammond are rivals In direct line one with the other. If one makes a good score the supporters of the other side look to their man to equal it. But cricket is not a game which can be relied upon to make good every expectation. Each match differs from its predecessor that it is dangerous to rely upon the past too much. Winning of the toss in the third test meant much to Australia. Winning It in the fouth was expected to repeat the good things of the days departed. But expectations were doomed to little fulfilment. Englana nullified what advantage there was supposed to be. England’s bowling was on Its length, and in the early stages of the match Australia owed much to the dogged fight of McCabe and Chipperfleld to save the side from the plate-glass position they found themselves in. The toss had not been of great advantage. Australia finished the first strike with 288. England’s reply, on a wicket which was not likely to become so great a hazard as those played on In the first and second tests, was a comfortable 330. A lead of 42 gave the Englishmen encouragement, even though in small measure. They had n nose in front and the cricket world settled back to a neck and neck tussle. Australia’s second strike, played In an atmosphere of intense excitement, gradually lifted Australia’s cause. Bradman’s glorious double century (212) went down into cricket history and the stands of McCabe and Gregory helped the position. Gradually there emerged from an atmosphere ot uncertainty and doubt just how much Australia was relying on her beloved Don. Australia’s Innings closed for 433 and England, In reply, compiled 243, giving Australia a win by 148 runs. The teams were then on even terms in the battle for “The Ashes” and the fifth and deciding test yet to be played!

Recounting all that will help little in respect to the fifth test. No man can predict with certainty who will win. England stands as big a chance of success as Australia. It is true that, from the point of view of public interest, matters could not have turned out better than they have done. That has prompted some of the ultra “wise” to shake a head and wonder ’'if anything was done” beyond the accepted channels to create such a position. That really does not matter now. What does matter is that the fifth test will indeed be a test of tests and the team which wins can be acclaimed true victors. Many in New Zealand would like to see England win, ana it is on the cards that they will. Several have already written the resun. up as an Australian victory, but the whole thing lies in the lap of the gods. One thing only can be predicted—the match will occasion tremendous public interest!