THE CHANCES OF CRICKET.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2976, 29 August 1878, Page 2

THE CHANCES OF CRICKET.

The old saying that " a game of cricket is not.lost till it's won" is receiving fresh, corroboration every day. There have been times in the recent big matches between the Australians and our best elevens when victory inclined to either side. The fall of wickets of the Middlesex eleven to fourteen runs in the'last great match at Lord's promised to bring the Australians more strongly, to the front than ever. But the prowess of a single hand, promptly changed the state of 'affairs. Mr Lytteltoh's splendid .score of one hundred and thirteen somewhat abated at what one time promised to be an overwhelming triumph for the Australians. These chances and changes warrant the inference that our cricketers may yet do something to retrieve their laurels before the season is ended. It becomes more and .more plain that, the Australian strength is mainly in the/bowling and fielding. As to the former, Mr Spofforth's skill is extraordinary—he appears to be .one of, the players who can supplement tremendous speed with the astutest and coolest of minds. 'It is true he is not always iv the best " form," and when off his play his bowling gets handsomely knocked about. But then his team can replace him with others little less effective than himself. Again, in fielding, the agility of the Australians is quite wonderful. Batting^ alone appears a weak point, and perhaps this may in the long run bring them and their opponents nearer together.