THIRD TEST.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 January 1921, Page 5

THIRD TEST.

FIRST DAY’S PLAY._ I AUSTRALIA 313 FOR SESSN. COLLINS MAKES 162. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Jan- 14, 9.5 p.m Adelaide, Jan. 14. When the third Test match between Australia and England was started today the weather was threatening, with heavy clouds in the sky, but later the sun came out and the day was bright. The proverbial luck of Aimstrong (Australia’s captain) stuck to him, and winning the toss he had first use of a perfect wicket, Collins and Bardsley opening to Howell and Douglas. The batsmen began carefully, the first noteworthy hits being two successive braces credited to Collins off Douglas. Bardsley secured the first four by smacking Douglas to leg, and Collins treated Howell similarly. In the next over Bardsley turned Howell sweetly to the ropes. Collins’ late cutting was exquisite. Bardsley got out to an easy one from Douglas, and was stumped by Strudwick. He was batting 37 minutes and hit two fours.—1 —32—14.

Kelleway followed, but he hardly made a decent stroke before he hit Parkin high and was caught in the slips by Fender.—2^—4s—4, Taylor’s life was equally short. Collins late cut Parkin, which was smartly returned by Hendren. Taylor ran carelessly half way down the pitch, and Strudwick took the ball cleanly, and Taylor’s career was at an end.—3 —54 —5.

This was generally regarded as l a disastrous start. Armstrong then jo\?ed Collins. Australia’s captain had a great reception, and started by making a beautiful on drive, which reached within an inch of the boundary. Meanwhile Collins continued his pretty late cutting. At 91 Douglas came on again, and off him Collins reached 50 in 93 minutes. Armstrong, who was going leisurely, tapped an easy one! from Douglas, which Strudwick held.—4—96 —ll.

Pellew filled the vacancy. At 53 Collins had a lucky escape, skying one to long field, which Rhodes failed to hold. With a new bat Collins drove Douglas for four, bringing up 103 in 111 minutes. Collins was again narrowly missed at 61 by Hendren at third man. Pellew thanked England for his companion’s let off by hitting Howell to the boundary, and then he fluked a two past Hendren. Howell was bowling well, but unluckily runs now came spasmodically. Off Parkin Collins glanced i two fours, and then touched one uppishly, which the Lancashire man (Parkin) just failed to reach. One hundred and fifty was posted after 170 minutes’ play, and this was a signal for Collins to drive Woolley high to the boundary, making his score 88. Pellew livened up •with a brace off Parkin and a four off Woolley. Fender came on again, and Pellew appreciated him, scoring ten off his over. At the tea adjournment Pellew was 35 and Collins 96.

Pellew did not long survive on resuming, being run out owing to an unfortunate misunderstanding. Collins played Rhodes hard to the third man, remaining stationary. Pellew ran, but failed to get back in time to save his wicket.

Gregory signalised his appearance by hitting two fours off Rhodes, and his combination with Collins was the brightest of the afternoon. Collins hit Rhodes to square/jleg, the ball reaching the boundary and bringing his score up to 119. The next ball Gregory was caught by Strudwick off Fender, and a promising partnership was cut short.— 6—209—10. Ryder succeeded, and Howell and Douglas took up the bowling. Collins recorded 132 by pulling Howell to leg. His late cutting was a superb feature of the match. Ryder drove Douglas straight down the ground, the ball eluding Makepeace and Parkin. Collins hit high a loose one from Fender right to the fence. He was giving a glorious display, and went on to his 150 in 248 minutes, getting his runs everywhere. With his score at 162 Collins attempted to lift Parkin to the boundary, but Rhodes took a clever catch.—7 —285 162. Collins played a masterly innings, his on-side hooking being superb. He was batting 258 minutes, and hit 19 fours. Oldfield joined Ryder, and the young wicket-keeper shaped vigorously till the end, and scored twice as fast as his companion. The estimated attendance was sixteen thousand. Details:— AUSTRALIA. First Innings.

Collins, c Rhodes, '*0 Parkin .... 162 Bardsley, s\t, Strudwick, b Douglas 14 Kelleway, c Fender, b Parkin 4 Taylor, run out 5 Armstrong, c Strudwick, b Douglas 11 Pel lew, run out Ou Gregory, c Strudwick, b Fender .. 10 Ryder, not out 36 Oldfield, not out .... ..i;;.. . 2-2 Extras . .,,. 14 Total for 7 wickets 313 —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assqi. REMAINING MATCHES. - IM. January 21. —v. Geelong. January 25.—v. Tasmania. January 28.—v. Tasmania. February 4.—v. Victoria. February 11.—Fourth Test, at Melbourne. February 18.—v. New South Wales. February 25.—Fifth Test, at Sydney. March 6.—v. Alburv. March 7.—v. BenellaMarch 11.—v. South Australia, at Ade« laide.