THIRD CRICKET TEST IN AUSTRALIA.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 321, 31 December 1936, Page 6

THIRD CRICKET TEST IN AUSTRALIA.

MELBOURNE MATCH.

Can Australia Yet Regain the Ashes?

The third T&st cricket match commences at Melbourne to-mor-row, when Australia wilt battle to avenge the two defeats already inflicted by England. To retain the Ashes, the Australian team has now to win the remaining three Tests —a formidable task not yet performed by any other side in the history of the Tests.

To strengthen the attack, Australia has added another bowler to her team. This is L. 0. B. Fleetwood-Smith, a left-hand spin bowler from Victoria. He bowls an unsual type of ball—a googly delivered with the left hand, so that it becomes a leg-break to a right-hand batsman. It has been urged against him that his length is inconsistent, but his admirers say that he has now improved in this respect.

THE HOPE OF AUSTRALIA. Bradman, Australia’s hope, may yet pull the ashes from the fire by a big score. So far his average for four innings in the present Test series is 30.0, the lowest of his career. But Melbourne is his lucky ground, for it is‘ there he made 103 against Jardine’s team and 112 and 123 against the previous side led by A. P. F. Chapman.

When he met Jardine’s team at Melbourne four seasons ago-be was bowled first ball by W. E. Bowes in the first innings. The delivery has been described as the worst that ever got a good batsman in a big match. It was a long hop outside the off stump. Bradman shaped to pull it. failed to get it properly, struck it only with the inside edge of his bat, and deflected into the stumps. Two days later, however, he scored his 103 not out and placed his side in a winning position, the only one of that series won by Australia.

A Left-hander. L. S. Darling, also a Victorian, has been included in the side. He is a smart, forcing left-handed batsman and a good outfield. The Australian team is (including 12th man): *W. A. Brown, D. G. Bradman, J. 11. Fingleton, S. J. McCabe, C. L. Badcock, L. S. Darling, L. P. O’Brien, L. O. B. Fleetw r ood-Smith, E. L. McCormick, W. A. Oldfield, W. J. O’Reilly, and F. Ward.