ENGLISH CRICKETERS

Waikato Argus, Volume XI, Issue 1127, 18 December 1901, Page 2

ENGLISH CRICKETERS

THE PRESS ON THE MATCH

Melbourne, December 16. The, Age, commenting on tho test match, says it was undeniably a great win, achieved by sheer merit. Tho visitors’ superiority was shown in every department of the game, and it is useless talking about a batting failure. Credit must be given unstintedly to the expert bowling and fielding by which such a failure was brought about. The Argus suggests that a cable should be sent to Lord Hawke assuring him that no anxiety was felt over the absence of Rhodes and Hirst. No real plea was producible in mitigation of tbe Australians’ defeat, if Australia hopes to beat the redoubtable visitors a new eleven should be picked immediately to enable them to train together. (Received December IS, 9.28 a.m.) Sydney, December IS. MacLaren, interviewed, said he was exceedingly proud of the victory. He considered the Australian team the best that could have been picked, excepting Clarke, who was. unable to play. They played the game as it should have been played, but fortune did not favour them. The conditions were equal on both sides. His team wore all in the very best of condition, and won cu tho bowling. The batsmen were dismissed, not because they batted badly, but because the bowling was perfect. The newspapers are flooded with criticism and suggestions. It is generally admitted that tho Australians were out-captained and out-played in all departments. Re the selection of tbe new team there is a universal demand. One authority sums the defeat up as follows ‘ The Australians appeared awed and paralysed, and their neive gone. Tho only explanation was sheer bad batting.’