England Lauds Larwood

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 501, 2 November 1928, Page 1

England Lauds Larwood

NOT YET BOWLING HIS FASTEST Cricketers’ and Critics’ Paen of Praise (United P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) Reed. 1.45. p.m. LONDON, Thursday. IN striking contradistinction of the gloom that followed the Adelaide match, the morning papers continue a paean of praise of Larwood, who took seven Victorian wickets in the first day of the match at Melbourne.

Nottingham was so delighted that the excitement actually eclipsed that of the Municipal Elections. When loud-speakers ail over the city called on them to vote for their particular

candidate the crowd shouted, "Our vote goes to Larwood.” This was taken up until the city was ringing with the. cry. Cricketers and critics join in elaborate praise. “Plum” Warner, in the “Morning Post,” issues a warning that Larwood undoubtedly received assistance from the pitch, but must have bowled finely. He recalls the fact that fast bowlers have proved awkward to Australia, particularly in Melbourne after rain. The “Daily Express” declares, “Larwood bowled as England knows he can. The Australians were completely baffled." Tt has been suggested from Austrc.. “ that Larwood is not yet bowling his_ fittest. If so. it is asked what will happen when he begins to bowl in earnest? I knew Harold would show them,” was W. W. Whysall’s comment.

The first stages of the game wore remarkable for the sensational bowling of Larwood, who with a swinging delivery, took three wickets for 34 runs. At the luncheon interval Victoria’s total was 60 for three wickets. Tate also showed glimpses of his best form. Rain fell during luncheon,

and the two captains agreed that the wicket should be covered. The game was resumed at 3 p.m. and again sensational bowling by Larwood was witnessed. He captured three more wickets off four balls in a maiden over.

Woodfull batted defiantly, but it was difficult to score off the English bowlers, all of whom kept a good length. Soon after tea Larwood secured his seventh wicket, Blackie making a poor stroke. Rain fell at 4.30 p.m. and caused another adjournment, the players being off ihe field for half an hour. The weather turned very cold. Woodfull scored 50 in 150 minutes. Although the bowlers were hampered by the greasy ball for some time they were very accurate and made scoring difficult. Ironmonger hit the only six of the day. Larwood was in fine fettle and bowled faster than he did at Adelaide, swerving the ball deceptively. Woodfull was not well. Victoria’s first 100 was made in 92 minutes. The score included no extras: Details: VICTORIA First Innings WOODFULL, not out 66 PONSFORD, b Larwood 14 HENDRY, b Larwood 8 RYDER, b Larwood 25 HARTKOPF, b Larwood 13 S.CAIFE, c White, b Larwood .... 0 ELLIS, c Chapman, b Larwood . . 0 BLACKIE, c Chapman, b Larwood 3 EBELING, st. Duckworth, b White . 4 MORTON, c Duckworth, b Tate .. 1* IRONMONGER, not out 16 i Total for nine wickets .. •• •• ... 163