CRICKET.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 171, 23 August 1909, Page 3

CRICKET.

■AUSTRALIA t. KENT. By Gable.—Press Association.—Copyrigi London, August 20. The weather was dull and the wicket firm when play was resumed this morning, but after six deliveries rain caused a short stoppage, though the pitch was undamaged. Hartigan, alter two lucky strokes off Fielder, played him on to his wicket Two lor 41.

Ransiord joined Bardsley and lively cricket followed, fifty appearing on the board in as many minutes. A double change of bowling was made, Mason and Can- going in in place of Blythe and Fielder, but it failed to check tlie scoring.

The century was hoisted in 80 minutes. Woolley then took the ball from Carr, three of whose overs yielded 2!). Play was bright all round, and several more bowling changes were made. At the luncheon adjournment, when the partnership had been in operation for <is minutes, the score was 151.

More rain fell in the interval and. [resuming, the pitch was easy. ; In the third over Bardsley lost his wicket while attempting to pull a ball off his body, He batted for 111) minutes, giving a faultless and steady display.—Three for I«'2. When stumps were drawn Australia had lost three wickets for 332, Hansford not out 175 and Armstrong nut out 74.

After Bardsley's departure rain delayed play for twenty-five minutes. The weather was cold and cheerless, and two further stoppages for rain delayed play fifteen and twenty minutes. The batsmen completely captured the bowling, which underwent numerous changes. .Ransford was brilliant all round, and reached his century in 105 minutes. He gave an awkward chance to Prest at 153, and Blythe nearly caught him in the slips at 167. Armstrong at first was careful, then punished the bowling, knocking 10 olf I one over of Mason's. He reached 50 n 05 minutes.

The second century was reached in IGO minutes and the third in 215 minutes.

The attendance was meagre. Scores: KENT. First Ihnings 319 AUSTRALIA.—First Innings. Whitty, c Huish, b Fielder .. .. 3 Hartigan, played on, b Fielder .. 25 Bardsley, b Fielder ... .. ..48 Ransford, not out .. .. .. 1/75 Armstrong, not out 74 (Three wickets for 332 AUSTRALIANS NINE FOR 522. ..Received August 22, 5.5 p.m. London, August 21. Ransford, c Mason, b Humphreys 189 Armstrong, c and b Woolley .. 107 Trumper, c Humphreys, b Woolley 20 Noble, c Blythe, b Mason .. .. 13 Hopkins, b Mason 27 Macalister, not out 43 Cotter, stumped Huish, b Seymour 1 Carter, not out, .... .. 35 Sundries 11 Total for nine wickets 522 Bowling analysis:—Fielder three for 93, Carr none for 62, Blythe none for 56, Mason two for 75, .Woolley two for 80, Humphrey one for 70, Seymour one for 45, Day none for 30.

The attendance was small. Heavy rain all night saturated the wicket, and play was not started till after three o'clock.

Ransford played a masterly game all round, his score including 24 fours and 5 threes. His partners/hip with Armstrong lasted 140 jminutes.—Four for 354.

Trumper nit up 20.—Five for 381. Armstrong played a free, strong game. He batted one back to the bowler. He hit 11 fours.—Six for 420.

Many changes were tried in the bowling. Noble and Hopkins got together, but the skipper was disposed of after making a few. Hopkins was cyclonic. His score consisted of 1 six, 5 fours and a single.—Seven for 420, and eight for 445.

■ Cotter was stumped after scoring a single.—Nine for 450. McAllister and Carter gave a free and lively exhibition up till the drawing of stumps.