RAIN-SOAKED WICKET

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26632, 1 December 1947, Page 5

RAIN-SOAKED WICKET

RESTRICTED PLAY IN FIRST TEST* BATSMEN’S GRIM STRUGGLE Rec. 9 p.m. BRISBANE, Nov. 30. There was only 59 minutes play in the first test'to-day because of a rainsoaked wicket. The sky was overcast nearly all day and the wicket had no chance to dry out after overnight rains. Bradman was as sure as ever and was still unconquered at stumps. The light was bad from the resumption at 4.50 p.m. to-day, but Bradman ignored Miller’s repeated urgings to appeal until 5.50 p.m. when even he, who is noted for eyes like a hawk, must have had the greatest difficulty m seeing the ball. A crowd of about 12,000 defied the threatening weather all day and waited patiently for a restart. Late in the afternoon their patience wore thin, .however,. and the umpires were booed at their, repeated inspections. Inspections were made at 11 a.m.. 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. and 4.25 p.m., before play resumed at 4.35. More than 10.000 waited to see 58 minutes of play. There were near-riots at the gates about 4 o’clock, however, as some demanded their money back. Spectators were given tickets on entry entitling them to readmission on Monday if there was no play to-day. Demonstrations were made by those who were unable to come on Monday. A feature of the batting to-day was a great straight drive for 6 by Miller. For the most part, however, it was a grim struggle by the batsmen to keep their feet on the wicket which was still not fit for play. The bowlers also had difficulty in keeping a foothold. Scores:— ' Australia First Innings Brown, c Irania, b Amarnath .. 11 Morris, hit wicket, b Sarwate .. 47 Hassett, b Mankad 48 Bradman, not out 179 Miller, not out 19 Extras 5 Total for three wickets .. 309 Bowling Analysis.—Sohoni, 20 overs, 3 maidens, 63 runs, no wickets: Amarnath, 33, 2. 66, 1: Mankad, 32, 3, 101, 1; Sarwate, 5,1, 16. 1; Hazare, 9, 1, 40. 0; Nayudu, 3,0, 18, 0. * -———————