The Fourth Test.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 194, 14 February 1912, Page 8

The Fourth Test.

ENGLAND . WINS "THE ASHES." AUSTRALIANS SOUNDLY DEFEATED. BY AN INNINGS AND 225 RUNS. SUPERIOR ENGLISH BOWLING.

By Cable —PrSss Association—Copyright. Received 13, 6.45 p.m. Melbourne, February 13.

There were slight showers in the early morning, but the wicket was unaffected. Rain was threatening all day. There were 3000 present at the start. Foster and Barnes attacked. Kelleway snicked a rising ball in Barnes' second over and was caught at the wickets. I—l2.

Bardsley opened cautiously, the fielding being keen and the bowling line. Twenty runs were scored in 40 minutes, mostly by singles. Bardsley was beaten by the pace of a fast one off Foster which upset the middle stump. 23 —20. Trumper was next, and Douglas and Hearne bowled. The former was troublesome, but Hearne was easier. Trumper, an erstwhile smart scoTer, was again extraordinarily weary and was 57 minutes in reaching double figures. Then he gave two fine flashes for four 'off Hearne. Carter was going steadily, and at the ad-1 journment the score was two for 7ft— Carter 38, Trumper 20. On the resumption of play, Douglas and Barnes bowled. Off Douglas' third ball Carter was easily caught at third | slip. He had batted 103 minutes, and hit two fourers. 3—38—76.

Hill had another great reception. The spectators in 'the outer stand gave three cheers. Douglas was bowling with r; markable accuracy, and Barnes also troubled the batsmen. Trumper hit across one from Barnes and was bowled, after batting 71 minutes and hitting three fourers. 4 —28—86.

Armstrong, who was next, began freely,and brought up 102 after 135 minutes' play, but he was clean beaten and bowled by Douglas. s—l5 —11—101. Douglas had an average at this stage of eleven overs, four maidens, two wickets, 15 runs.

Minnett joined Hill, who, when 10, was missed at mid-off off Barnes, the fieldsman losing sight of the ball in the sun. Hill was dismissed by Douglas in the next over in attempting to pull a good length ball. 6—10—112. Douglas had taken three wickets for .21 runs. Ransford had made four when Minnett was bowled, the ball keeping low. 7—7 —ll7. Douglas' figures now read, 14 overs, six maidens, four wickets, 21 runs. On Cotter's appearance Foster relieved Barnes. Cotter was caught:, at mid-off. 8—8—127.

Matthews succeeded and Ransford magnificently legged and back cut Douglas successively for two fourers, bringing 150 up in >lB3 minutes. At 154, Woolley relieved Douglas. Matthews hit across one from Foster and was bowled. o—lo —156.

Hordern and Ransford played out to the tea adjournment. Ransford was neat and effective for 26 and Hordern 4.

On resumption Foster and Douglas bowled, Hordern being caught at second slip off Douglas' fifth ball. The innings lasted. 205 minutes. England won by an innings and 225 runs. The attendance was 11341, and the takings £420, making the attendance for the match 73,997 and the takings £3019. Scores:—

ENGLAND. I First Innings 589 AUSTRALIA. First Innings 101' Second Innings., Kelleway, c Smith, b 8arne5....;... 5 Bardsley, b Foster 3 Carter, c Hearne, b D0ug1a5.......; 38 Trumper, b Barnes 28 Hill, b Douglas 10 Armstrong, b Douglas 11 Minnett, b Douglas 1 Cotter, c Mead, b Foster 8 Matthews, 1) Foster 10 Ransford, not out ..." 29 Hordern, c Foster, b Douglas 6 Extras 18 Total i7Q Bowling analysis.—Foster, three for 38; Barnes, two for 47; Douglas, five for 46; Hearne, none for 17; Woolley, none for 7. ,

AFTER THE TtATTiT/EL

THE BETTER TEAM WON.

Received 13, 7.30 p.m. Melbourne, February 13. Subsequent to the match the Cricket Association entertained the players. Governor Fuller presided. Warner, in responding to the congratulations, said that although Australians criticised the team at the outset, the methods of selection had proved, sound. The team had been chosen with particular reference to the conditions, and where the matches were played to a finish he thought that England won on its merits. The spectators were splendid and cheered both sides impartially. He hoped that Hill would be in England next tour. Hill said that Australia was fairly beaten in every department. He thought that Barnes and Foster were the two greatest living bowlers. It would not be for want of trying if Australia was not victorious in the triangular contests.

THE MANAGEMENT QUESTION.

Reaeived 13, 11 p.m. Melbourne, February 13. Negotiations are pending for the settlement of the dispute between the Board of Control and players. It is considered probable that a satisfactory agreement will be reached.

HELL'S POSITION.

Melbourne, February 13. A Victorian delegate on the Board of Control, characterised the statement that Hill had not been invited to join the team for England was an absolute lie. The board had still to deal with the matter.