THIRD TEST ENDS IN A DRAW

Rotorua Morning Post, Issue 5296, 8 January 1947, Page 5

THIRD TEST ENDS IN A DRAW

(Press Assn.-

E'NGLAND SEVEN POR 310 VISITORS' LAST HOPE OF WINNING SERIES

—Rec. 9.80 p.m.)

MELBOURNE, Jan. 7. The third Test has ended in a draw, and with the drawing of stumps at the Melbourne Cricket Ground this evening went the Englishmen's last chance of taking the Ashes back to the Old Country. Even if they succeeded in winning the next two games, the nonours . would be evenly divided. Although the Englishmen's chances of winning this Test were almost impossible, after Australia's mammoth sccond innings score, at no stage today did they even appear threatening, and their batsmen struggled hard to gain 310 for 7 wickets at the close of play. The English openers were steady on a goC'd wicket in fine weather. After an hour, Hutton, never on top, skied the ball and was caught by Bradman. His 40 took 181 minutes and included three fours. Washbrook, much more confident, reached 90 with a good glance for four. Edrich was quickly into his stride and touched a delightful cover four off Dooland. He then hit Toshack just over Bradmam's head and snicked the next ball dangerotisly, dragging up 150 in 190 minutes. Washbrook cut Johnson's first delivery to reach his hundred in 193 minutes. It was an excellent display. Just on lunch, McCool dismissed Edrich, l.b.w., and M.C.C. was now in trouble. Compton was badly heaten by McC(;ol and was lucky to scramble home hel'ore the bails were olf. He was foolishly run out in the next over, Miller returning well. Hammond was elmost bowled in the same over by Johnson. He opened with a sweep to the fence off -McCool. Washbroc-k failed to reach the pitch off a faster ■spinning leg break, and his off stump was shattered. His was a solid hardfighting innings, his 112 taking 247 minutes, including 8 fours and one six. Rain aided the harassed batsmen at 3.15 p.m. and stopped play for 15 minutes. The slippery ball affected the spinners. Ikin mis-timed r. ball and was easily caught after 32 minutes. Yardley hit Miller straight to The fence and snicked the next delivery dangerously through the slips for four. Betails: — AUSTRALIA — First Innings — 365 Second Innings — 536 ENGLAND — First Innings — 351 Second Innings Hutton, c. Bradman h. Toshack 40 Washbrook, b. Dooland „ „ 112 Edrich, l.b.w. b. McCool 13 Compton, run out .. .. „ 14 Hammond, h. Lindwall _ „ 26 Ikin, c. Toshack b. Miller .. - 5 Yardley, not out .. „ 53 Bedser, l.b.w. h. Miller .. 25 Evans, not cut 0 Extras „ ... 22 Total for 7 wickets ~ — 310 Bowling: Lindwall, 1 for 59; Miller, 2 for 41; Dooland, 1 for 84; Toshack, 1 for 39; Johnson, none for 24; McCool, 1 fcr 4'1. The wickets fell at 138, 163, 186, 197, 221, 249, 294.