FOURTH TEST MATCH.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 July 1921, Page 5

FOURTH TEST MATCH.

NO PLAY ON SATURDAY. WICKET NOT FIT. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copy Received July 24, 5.5 p.m. London, July 23. The effart of the fourth test match be- ! tvyeen England and Australia was postponed owing to a soft wicket. On arriving at Old Trafford the teams found the covered stands well occupied in spit; of the rain, which had been coming down steadily throughout the night. The wicket was inspected and it was found that the top was softish, and would take a finger impression easily, but it was hard below. Spooner, Foster and Tennyson inspected it at 10.45 a.m., followed by Armstrong, Collins and Pellew. There was light rain at eleven o’clock, and it was decided to inspect the pitch in an hour’s time, and after a ; further inspection it was decided that ; play wa? impossible. At 4.45 a rdieulpiH rumor-.was current ■that Tennyson was willing to play but Armstrong was not. The latter, interviewed, stated that the rumor was wholly unfounded. In an interview I Harry Foster stated the English eleven 1 had not been chosen, nor was the Au«1 tralian team chosen. Rumors amor / ! the six thousand spectators were probably excusable. When the captains and umpires decided that play was impos sible an official denial was given to the suggestion that the Australians did not desire to play; the unanimous decision was that the wicket was absolutely unfit. There was a remarkable- scene twenty minutes after the captams’ inspection. Spectators from all parts, of the ground [walked to the wickets, end some knelt I on the wicket testing the ground, whereI upon many policemen walked out and nersuaded them to leave Others shouted for the umpires.—Aus.-N.Z. Gable , Assn.