CRICKET.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6053, 15 December 1897, Page 3

CRICKET.

. 1 STODDAET'S TEAM. THE TEST MATCH. United Press Association— Electric TelegraphCopyright. i Beceived Dec. 15, 9.48 a.m. SYDNEY, Dec. IG. The weather is fine. Xefctierday _ score was the highest ever compiled in Sydney by a visiting English team, and the highest yet made by Englishmen in a test match in Australia. It comes second to the famous 586 that the Australians put up in the first test match three seasons ago. Curiously enough, it corresponds with the 551 of the fourth Australian Eleven against England in 1894. A feature of the Englishmen's batting was Kanjitsinhji's innings. Under any circumstances it would have been a splendid display,, but considering, that he had spent the greater part of tho last fortnight in bed, and had had no practice, it was sensational. This is not all, as before goinpon to the ground yesterday morning he underwent a minor operation in his throat, and suffered severe pain for hours. Before lunch he exhibited many signs of weakness, but afterwards increased in vigour. His play was distinguished by ease, grace, judgment and brilliance, and towards the close was said to be equal to anything shown in England. He was batting three hours and three-quarters, scoring at the rate of about a run per minute, including twenty-six fours. The only possible chance he gave was one which injured M'Leod -hand. Hirst's was a fine, aggressive innings, and included eight fours and a five. Richardson's contribution came as a surprise, and was obtained by really sound batting, another proof of the all- j round strength of the English team. He j broke his own previous iecord of 22. Considering the length of time, the Australians' fielding was by no means bad, but faulty catching gave away several wickets. M'Leod takes the bowling honours. Trott and Trumble bowled better, and the figures signify • that each had a chance missed off him. A feather in Kelly's cap is that so large a total did net include a single bye. The collapse of the Australians is difficult to account for. Darling and Trott justified the report that they were out of form, and excepting Gregory, judging by their play, a similar remark might be applied to others. Lyons paid the penalty for departing from his usual aggressive style and adopting watchful tactics. But the collapse was not all due to the batsmen. The bowling was exceedingly fine, and incomparably better than in the match against New South Wales. It is difficult not ta suspect that the Englishmen then played with a good deal up the sleeve. Doubtless the blow that Iredale received contributed to his downfall, and M'Leod's burst finger is likely to interfei _ with his batting. The drawing of the stumps mercifully delivered the Australians from the swelling indignation of the hostile crowd. Giffen - absence was often regretted during the day, and the opinion was freely expressed" that affairs, both as regards the Englishmen's score and the Australians' failure, would have worn a different aspect had he been present to steady the team. It will probably 'lead to something extra being clone to secure his services in the remaining engagements. The official figures show that the attendance for the two days totalled 40,500, and that the takings amounted to .£I6OO. Received Dec. 15, 2 p.m. Six wickets for S7. Gregory not out 18, Kellv l Received Dec. 15, 2.33 p.m. Six wickets for 133. Gregory 41, Trumble Received Dec. 15, 12.20 p.m. LONDON, Dec 14. Great excitement is displayed over the test cricket match, the newspapers publishing hourly reports.