Cricket 1912

J an . 27, 1912. CRICKET: A WEEKLY RECORD OF THE GAME. Cricket in Australia. T h e M e l b o u r n e a n d A d e l a id e ” T e s t s ” w o n b y E n g l a n d . I n t e r -S t a t e M a t c h e s . LTHOUGH they had lost, first tho ser­ vices of their captain, and, afterwards, the toss, the Englishmen, so far from losing heart when they entered the field in the second Test match (at Melbourne), performed so well that they had six of their opponents out for 38 runs. Barnes bowled beautifully and obtained five of the wickets for only six runs ; at one time his analysis was four for a single. He kept a perfect length, and, swinging-in from the off and turning back, had all the batsmen in trouble. How difficult a task run-getting was is evident from the fact that so free a scorer as Trumper took 44 minutes to make 13. In part explanation of the collapse Mr. Tom Horan, the famous batsman of other days, said that on a dull morning the Melbourne wicket always had a bite in it, even though it looked in perfect condition. But the fact remains that Haines bowled as even ho has seldom bowled before, and that the fall of Australia’s elect will always be considered due primarily to his attack. But, although the early players were disposed of so sum­ marily, the rest, Australian-like, effected a good recovery, the four last wickets, in fact, taking the total to 184, Ransford and Hordern added 42 for the seventh partnership, and the latter and Carter 43 for the ninth. Hordern played sound and plucky cricket for 49, and during the two hours and a quarter he was in made several good strokes, the most remunerative of which were half-a-dozen 4’s. Barnes came through with five wickets for less than nine runs each, and the English fielding—particularly Smith’s, at the wicket—was of a high standard throughout. The total of 184 was not a large one to go in against on a good Melbourne wicket, but for obtaining a lead of 81 the tourists owed almost everything to Hearne and Rhodes, who made 175 of the runs between them and put on 127 together for the second wicket. Certainly no one else on the side showed any real mastery over the bowling, and in the latter part of the innings the batting became rather wearisome. Rhodes showed excellent all-round cricket for two hours and a quarter for 61, in which were six 4’s. His running between wickets was splendidly judged, and the same remark applies to that of Hearne. The latter’s innings of 114 was a brilliant effort, unmarked by a mistake ; it was closed by a clever catch at the wicket after lasting three hours and three-quarters, and contained eleven 4’s. Hordern, who had long been ineffectual, came on with a rush at the finish, his four wickets being taken whilst only four runs were made off him. At times the Australian fielding was loose, but there were many brilliant individual efforts. W ith so many great batsmen available, the arrears of 81, with which they found themselves faced upon going in the second time, should not have proved a difficult matter for the Australians to wipe off. But again the early players failed, and when Bardsley, Kelleway, Hill and Trumper had been got rid of for 38 the outlook was rather black. For the second time, however, the later players rose to the occasion in characteristic fashion, the chief honours belonging to the Victorian captain. Arm­ strong is probably one of the men least likely to suffer from nerves at a critical time, and on this occasion he did all that could reasonably be expected of him. Barnes and Foster compelled respect and were fired with success, but Armstrong, with Ransford to assist him, pulled the game round. In 100 minutes the pair put on 97 runs, the left­ hander, who made 32 of the number, hitting three 4’s in his most valuable effort. Hordern, after being missed when 2, saw a further 33 added, and then lost Armstrong, who was yorked for 90—a faultless display which lasted just under two hours and a half. Although beaten once or twice near the close, the Victorian offered no chance, and included in his hits were fourteen 4's, the majority of which were excellent drives. Minnett, after an uncom­ fortable start, played well for 34 ; Hordern made 31 by steady and valuable crick et; and Cotter, who made a 6 (off Barnes) and five 4’s, hit hard for 41. Foster’s bowling was spoken of most highly, and his figures (good though they are) do not flatter him. In the final stage of the game, wherein England obtained the 219 runs set them to win for the loss of but two wickets, Hobbs was seen at his best. His 126 not out was a superb and faultless display, which lasted three minutes under three hours and a half and contained eight 4’s. Ho was master of the attack throughout, and his runs were made in his usual artistic style. Rhodes, by sound and attractive cricket, helped to make 57 for the first wicket, and Gunn remained whilst 112 were added for the second. The latter’s 43 was a valuable, defensive innings, and after his dismissal Hearne kept Hobbs company until the rest of the runs were obtained without further loss. During the four days 96,000 persons watched the play, the receipts amounting to £4,345. The tenth match of tho tour was restricted to a couple of days with fifteen of Geelong as opponents, and was left unfinished. The Englishmen were not at full strength, and room was found for Capt. W. .1. H. Curwen, of Oxford and Surrey, who is now aide-de-camp to the Governor of Victoria. Geelong, who fielded thirteen men, won the toss and sent the tourists in, as the weather was threatening. By fairly consistent batting 285 were made for eight wickets and then the innings was declared. When the home side went in, Liddicutt gained note by scoring 129—- a sound, defensive innings without a mistake. There was never any likelihood of a definite result being reached, and the end came when tho Englishmen had four wickets down for 118 in their second innings. In some respects the third Tost match was very like the second. In each the Australians made a bad start on a good wicket after winning the toss ; Hobbs played a brilliant three-figure innings in each game ; and, at Adelaide as at Melbourne, Warner was kept out of tho match by illness. Furthermore—most important of all— both games were won by England by a good margin. It is dangerous to use superlatives, but it may be doubted whether better bowling has ever been seen on a perfect wicket at Adelaide. Foster varied his pace cleverly, and at times made the ball get up in awkward fashion. It was unfortunate that Ransford should have received a severe blow on the thumb from a ball bowlod by Foster, especially as it occasioned his retirement and handicapped him in the later stages of the game. It is worthy of record that, when bowling Minnett, Foster broke the middle stump. A t that time his figures were five for 23, and, although he met with no further success, his five wickets cost but 36 runs. Everything on the second day was dwaifed by the batting of Hobbs, who made 187 of the first 323 runs in five hours and 34 minutes. He hit sixteen 4’s. It is said that he gave five chances, but that only one—offered near the end—was easy. Be that as it may, the fact remains that he hit sixteen 4’s and rendered his side the greatest service. Hhodes played watchful cricket for 59, and helped his partner to put up 147 for tho first wicket, and to those two was tho fine total of 327 for four wickets at the end of the day chiefly due. Subsequently Douglas played a steady and resolute game for 35, but Foster, though slow at the start, scored freely later and made his 71 out of 132 in 134 minutes without a chance. Six 4’s wore numbered among his hits, and he and his captain added 85 for the sixth wicket. W ith Woolley and Smith making double figures, the total reached 501. It was whilst Woolley was in that an unfortunate accident hap­ pened. The 11 1aver named made a drive for two off Armstrong, and Trumper, in fielding the ball, received a serious blow on the knee. He was obliged to retire, and, when his side batted again, went in last. It was very hard luck for Australia to lose the services of their most brilliant batsman, and it speaks volumes for the strength of the side’s batting that, with Ransford injured in addition, a total of almost 500 should have been obtained. It was, too, by consistent lun-gotting that tho largo score was made, nine players reaching double-figures and the highest individual effort boing Hill’s 08. There wero