HARD PUT

NZ Truth, Issue 1214, 7 March 1929, Page 14

HARD PUT

England Meets Matchv BOWLING FIND (By Cable^--From "N.Z. Truth's" Melbourne Rep.) - • •.".'. For the first time during the tour the English eleven has found itself m difficulties against a' State team. A SURPRISINGLY good stand by the Victorians placed them definitely m the ascendency. . * . The fact that England was not able to get . within 269 of Victoria's' first innings score is testimony of the sti-ength of the local attack, oust as the State|s score of 572 was an indication of the greatly improved batting. England fielded a very strong' side against the Victorians, the, on- | ly 'bowler of Test match calibre absent being White. -. This fact makes the performance of the" Victorians all the more meritorious. Features of„ the pme haA'e been Woodfiill's magnificent innings of 275 not out, a feat which' makes him "the only batsman m Australia to carry his bat throughout, an innings three times m a seasort m big' cricket, the demonstration against , , Larwood and -the bowling of Alexander., .... y ; '.'. j The Victorian colt bids fair to de- | velop into a: 'second Gregory. The Larwood affair xoiild have .■ been avoided,: had Ch a P'T>^T , e ' e P^> ' ■ ed not to take any. notice of the small but noisy^ section .which, set out to make itself objectionable. The feeling is that the English captain's action 1 m stopping the game ; was untactful. -•■-:• Alexander is already 'rspoken of asa Test possibility , and ;it' is suggested that he be included in' the next Australian side vice A'Beckett, whose right arm was injured when struck by a ball from Larwood. ,' Alexander, is twenty-two years • of age and has a lot to learn, but ; he. develops just; as much pace, at times as Larwood. •' The ball. ■ with which he Hammond on-' Monday, Avould. have taken any. -wicket; m -:the world. ■ ,