THE ENGLISH AND AUSTRALIAN CRICKETERS.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1272, 10 February 1883, Page 2

THE ENGLISH AND AUSTRALIAN CRICKETERS.

Referring to the recent cricket victory by the English team, the “ Sydney Morning Herald says :—The Hon. Ivo Bligh’s expressed intent to gather up the ashes of the English cricket strewn in Australia has so far been fulfilled. He has beaten the provincial Eighteens and the Colonial Elevens, and in two out of three test matches has come off victorious when pitted against the Australian Eleven. And now, that contest being ended, we acknowledge an all-round defeat, but naturally look about for the causes which have produced it. The first to appear is the losing of the toss. The Englishmen won that chance, and went in to a magnificent wicket. They made only an average score upon it; but the Australians began their uphill fight in sodden turf and drizzling rain, and played at a disadvantage throughout the innings, yet still contrived to come within 29 runs of tho first score of their opponents. In the seeord innings the Englishmen went to a wicket unspoiled by play, however damaged by rain, and were disposed of for the mean total of 123. Then it was thought Australia had a chance. Only 153 runs to win 1 Murdoch and Bannerman alone might accomplish so much, but Murdoch and Bannerman, with all their fellows, went for a trifle over half the number required, leaving the Englishmen victors by well nigh half an innings. There is much to plead in extenuation of such a result. The Englishmen had an innings with every circumstance in their favor. The Australians played their first in a slough, their second on a claypan. The toss won the victory, according to earliest predictions. Other rumours of course arise around the defeat (what defeat was not the source of many rumor ?). We know that the Englishmen prepared for the battle by much discipline and patient self-denial. It is said that

the Australians deemed themselves capable of living pleasantly, and yet winning gloriously. If so, they will have learned a lesson which should prevent a similar error in the future. It is fortunate that we shall have another chance. The English team stands pledged to meet another Australian Eleven, and in that contest, if proven ability is backed by perseverance and discipline, we may hope | for the victory, which has now Deen so unexpectedly snatched away.