CRICKET MAGAZINE

Volume II, Number 23: Friday, March 16, 1883

HON IVO BLIGH

Mr Bligh, from his descent and associations, could hardly have failed to take a keen interest in cricket. It may fairly be said of him that he was born a cricketer. Three generations of the family had in turn been actively identified with the game, and it would have been contrary to the fitness of things had he not been imbued with the same tastes.

The name of Bligh can be traced far back in the annals of the cricket field. The fourth Earl of Darnley was a great supporter of the sport at the close of the last century, and one of the earliest records in 'Scores and Biographies' is of a match at Lord's between Kent, led by Lord Darnley, and Hampshire, commanded by the Earl of Winchelsea. His brother, the Hon Edward (General) Bligh, was considered one of the best gentlemen bats of that period, and some good scores were attached to his name. History tells us how on Sept 5, 1791, he played H Hopkins and J Gilbert (two of the Nottingham cracks) alone at single wicket, and won easily, scoring 85 to 45.

Mr Bligh's uncle, Hon Edward Bligh, also figured prominently in the cricket of the next generation. He was one of the Oxford eleven of 1850, and did good service for Kent about ten years later. Mr Bligh's father, the present Lord Darnley, has always been an enthusiastic supporter of cricket. He was president of the Marylebone Club in 1850, and only last year occupied the same position in connection with the Kent County Club, with which the family has been so long and closely identified. Mr Bligh's elder brother, Lord Clifton, was in the Eton elevens of 1868 and 1869, and it was at Eton that he himself first made his mark as a cricketer.

Though Kentish in every way by association, Mr Bligh cannot claim that county by birth. He was born at Bruton Street, in London, on March 13, 1859, but it is with Kentish cricket that he had alone been associated. In 1875, when only sixteen years old, he showed his abilities as a cricketer by an excellent innings at Gravesend for Eighteen of North Kent against the United South Eleven. On that occasion he scored thirty-five against the bowling of Southerton (who got three wickets with successive balls), W G Grace, G F Grace and Lillywhite, and the excellence of his play then stamped him as a batsman of the highest promise.

In the following year (1876) he was one of the victorious Eton eleven at Lord's, and a year later also found him one of the Etonians opposed to Harrow. Leaving Eton for Cambridge, his batting showed a great improvement, and his powers of hitting, in conjunction with his brilliant fielding, at once secured him a place in the University eleven . the eleven which under the command of the Hon Edward Lyttelton had such an uninterrupted run of success, winning every one of its eight matches.

The season of 1879 witnessed his debut for the Gentlemen against the Players at the Oval, and in the following year he was selected to represent the Gentlemen in both matches at Lord's and the Oval. Unfortunately illness considerably interfered with his cricket in 1881, when he occupied the important position of captain of the Cambridge Eleven, and, indeed, he only just recovered in time to take part in the Inter-University match. He was appointed one of a triumvirate to manage Kentish affairs in the following season, but the state of his health unfortunately again prevented his participation in the game, and he was unable to take part in one match for the county.

During the summer of 1881, the idea occurred to him of taking a team, mainly composed of amateurs, to Australia during this winter, and the remarkable success which has attended the party just returning has been in no small measure due to his efforts. If he has not been able to play as much as he would have wished, his tact in the general conduct of affairs has been most conspicuous; and the ability with which he has managed the team, marked.

As a cricketer, Mr Bligh has had, of course, great advantages . he is well over six feet in height, and his great reach has been of considerable service to him. He bats with confidence, and, with plenty of driving powers, has always been a very dangerous batsman if allowed to get set. As an outfield he was always brilliant, covering a great deal of ground and never failing to hold a catch. During the last two or three seasons though he has come closer to the wicket, and with quite the same success. At point, indeed, he has few, if any, superiors, and wherever he may be in the field he may be counted on as sure and reliable.

It is not only, though, as a cricketer that Mr Bligh has made a reputation. In 1876 he was the Racquet Champion at Eton, and three years later saw him in the same position at Cambridge, for which he was successful in the Inter-University match. He has played football with fair success, but tennis has had greater charms for him, and he is estimated as one of the best tennis players of the day. In 1879 he won the tennis handicap at Cambridge, and in the same year represented the University in the tennis match with Oxford. All round there are few better or more popular athletes than the Hon Ivo Bligh.

THE AUSTRALIAN ELEVEN AT HOME

AUSTRALIAN ELEVEN v EIGHTEEN OF BENDIGO

On the following morning the Mayor of Sandhurst gave the Australians a cold luncheon at the town-hall, and after several pleasant speeches had been made, the Eleven drove down to the Back Creek ground, to open their match against Eighteen of Sandhurst.

The local team, having won the toss, went first to the wickets, and owing to the good bowling of Spofforth and Boyle were dismissed for 123. G Mackay 24, Campbell 19 and Beswick 13 played well, especially the first-named. The Australians at call of time had lost 7 wickets for 162.

Play was resumed on the following day, and the innings soon closed for a total of 186. Murdoch 49, Giffen 26, M'Donnell 24, A Bannerman 20, Bonnor 21, played well, and the crowd were greatly pleased by the fine hitting of Bonnor, M'Donnell and Giffen. The bowling of the Sandhurst team was very fair, but their fielding was not good except in a few instances.

The Eighteen, in their second effort, made a feeble resistance against Palmer and Garrett, and the innings closed for 79, leaving the Eleven 17 to get to win. Garrett and Palmer got the number in quick time, and at twenty minutes past four the match, which was a very pleasant one, terminated in favour of the Australians by 10 wickets. On the first night of the match the Bendigo team gave the Eleven a banquet in the City Family Hotel.

(Potted scores, not first-class) Eighteen of Bendigo 123 (Spofforth 10/56, Boyle 7/37) and 79 (Palmer 10/18, Garrett 5/18). Australian Eleven 186 (Murdoch 49; W E Midwinter 4/69, P McAnulty 4/27) and 19/0. Australian Eleven won by ten wickets.

THE ELEVEN v EIGHTEEN OF BALLARAT

Spofforth and Palmer were in great form with the leather, and, the wicket not being in the best condition, the batsmen fell so rapidly that in less than two hours the whole of them had fallen for the very small total of 55. Cooper made 14 and Lawler 10, each by good play, especially as regards Lawler, who plays with plenty of confidence, and in a style that was much admired. Spofforth took 11 wickets for 35 and Palmer 6 for 17.

The Australians started their innings shortly after half-past two, and when the stumps were drawn at six o'clock, 6 wickets had fallen for 218, of which Giffen, by a splendid display of hitting, combined with excellent defence, made 69. Giffen was ably supported by Horan, who contributed 68 without a chance; by Alick Bannerman, who put 32 together with unwonted briskness; and by Percy M'Donnell, whose contribution of 26 was the outcome of correct and brilliant cricket. Both Giffen and Percy were especially severe on E Figgis, whom the former hit twice clean out of the ground for 6.

On the following Monday, at noon, play was resumed, but the remaining Australian batsmen made a feeble stand, and the innings closed for a total of 226. Of the tail-end, however, Palmer deserves special mention for a creditable 16 (not out). Of the Ballarat bowlers Worrall and Duffy were the most successful, the former, who uses his head well, securing 5 wickets for 49, and the latter 3 for 30. The fielding, with two or three exceptions, was only mediocre.

In their second essay the Ballaratians made only a slight improvement on their first attempt, and at half-past three the innings closed for a total of 71, leaving the Australian Eleven victors by an innings and 100 runs. Palmer, who was in grand trim with the ball, secured 10 wickets for 25, and Spofforth 7 for 42. The attendance altogether numbered about 3,000.

During their stay in Ballarat, the Eleven passed a very pleasant time, notwithstanding the heat. They were much gratified with the hospitality shown them by the Ballarat folk generally.

(Potted scores, not first-class) Eighteen of Ballarat 55 (Spofforth 11/35, Palmer 6/17) and 71 (Spofforth 7/42, Palmer 10/25). Australian Eleven 226 (Horan 68, Giffen 69; J Worrall 5/49). Australian Eleven won by an innings and 100 runs.

THE SOUTHERN CROSS IN DARKNESS

"A London contemporary, the Daily News, will rejoice to hear that there is no reason for its supposition that 'the Southern Cross has gone out in darkness'. On the other hand, it may be saddened by the knowledge that, contrary to its anticipations, 'the pride of the colonial cricketers' has not 'been humbled'.

"As to the astronomical phenomenon predicted, we have to report that the somewhat overpraised Southern Cross continues duly to perform its (apparent) gyrations, accompanied by the brilliant Alpha and Beta Centuri, by the mysterious 'coal hole', and by the striking clouds of Magellan, the whole constituting a pleasing and familiar spectacle, from which we could not bear to part.

"The Australian Eleven is all there also. As Palmer, the premier bowler of the team, has recovered from his injury, it is not too much to say that the eleven is in better form than it was when it met Mr Hornby's selection for England on the Oval. Indeed, it has shown this by defeating the fine team captained by the Hon Ivo Bligh by nine wickets.

"The English team is pronounced by cricketing experts the most dashing we have had out here, and everyone is pleased that it is acquitting itself with general credit. If the Daily News limits its remarks to the provinces, it can make out a fair case for saying that the 'Hon Ivo Bligh's team has been as successful in the colonies as Mr Murdoch's Australian team was in England'. But all that the remark means is that a picked English Eleven will beat second and third rate colonial teams as readily, or nearly as readily, as a picked Australian Eleven will defeat similar teams at home. No one would think of denying such a proposition.

Our relative population prevents us bringing anything like as many first-class teams into the field as are to be met with in England, and all that we can venture to assert is that when we put together our best eleven it is remarkably hard to overcome. But the formation of that eleven is a drain upon the colonies, and as it took no part in the contests prior to the New Year's Day match, the Hon Ivo Bligh had little difficulty in disposing of scattered towns and weakened colonies.

Victoria was what Lancashire would be is the six leading players were taken from the county team, and New South Wales was what Yorkshire would be under similar conditions . and we have no other cricketing provinces. With the New Year the English eleven ceased their promenade, and began a series of matches in Melbourne and Sydney with the cricketing strength of the colonies in unified and in separate elevens. These will fairly test the strength of our visitors.

Australia has made an auspicious commencement, but there is no undue exultation amongst cricketers. Our players know that in the English cricketers they have redoubtable foes, and we are glad to report that the British team is as personally popular as it is professionally respected.

Reverting to astronomy for an illustration, we may prophesy that the comments upon any victory the Hon Ivo Bligh may achieve will display the friendly influence of the Cross rather than the grudging auspices of the Bear.

ENGLISH ELEVEN v EIGHTEEN OF NORTHERN TASMANIA

This match was commenced at Launceston on Monday, January 8, in beautiful weather, and before a large number of spectators, owing to a general holiday being given in the town account of the fixture. The ground is very prettily situated, and the wickets are good, though not so fast as the Englishmen had been used to play on in Australia.

The home team, having won the toss, elected to go in, the captain sending Douglas and Martin to face the bowling of Steel and Bates. Douglas, who scored more rapidly than his partner, gave Bligh a very difficult chance at point, which he was unable to hold. At 17 Martin was well taken at point, and the next three batsmen gave so little trouble that the fourth wicket was down for 24.

Stubbs then joined Douglas, who was playing fairly good cricket. When the score was raised to 30, C T Studd took the ball from Steel, and shortly afterwards Stubbs was well stumped by Tylecote off Bates. (35,5,2.) W Martin took the place of Stubbs, and when the score had been raised to 44 the adjournment for luncheon was made.

After the usual interval, the bowling was entrusted to C T Studd and Barnes, and Douglas was caught by Read in the long-field, having made 29 by free cricket (47,6,29.) H Watson, the captain of the Eighteen, scored 17, and Hobkirk 12, but no one else got double figures, and the innings closed for 144. Barnes took six wickets for 25 runs. Praise is due to Mr Tylecote, who kept wicket in his best form.

The Englishmen commenced their innings at half-past four. The English captain and C T Studd opened the defence, being opposed to the bowling of Kendall and Mansfield. The former, who bowls left-hand medium with break, should have accompanied the first Australian Eleven to England, but owing to some unfortunate circumstance was prevented.

He bowled the first over, and with his third delivery should have caught and bowled the English captain, but failed to hold the ball. This gave the Tasmanians some trouble. At 26 R Sams relieved Mansfield, but at 40 gave way to his brother. As the latter failed, Mansfield tried again, and shortly afterwards a round of applause greeted the downfall of the English captain, who was clean bowled by Kendall after scoring 34 in good form. (57,1,34.)

Barlow joined Studd, and the score advanced steadily to 89, when the latter was missed by Oldmeadow. Pennefather now replaced Kendall, who had bowled from the commencement of the innings, and the two batsmen played out time. The only change was that Oldmeadow replaced Pennefather at five minutes to time, and when stumps were drawn, the Englishmen had lost one wicket for 98, Studd being (not out) 43 and Barlow (not out) 17.

The play was resumed on the following morning in beautiful weather to the bowling of Mansfield and Pennefather. At 100, Kendall relieved Mansfield, but the bowling was not effective, and the score soon reached 120, when Kendall changed ends, Mansfield again trying his hand. This latter change had the desired effect, as Kendall, in his second over, clean bowled Barlow, who had played a very patient innings of 26. (126,2,26.)

Barnes, who came next, soon commenced scoring, and at 137 L Sams relieved Mansfield. C T Studd here hit Sams splendidly out of the ground for 6, and the score was 150 when R Sams relieved his brother. Still the batsmen continued to score, till at 169 Barnes was taken at the wicket by Martin off Sams, having scored 15. (167,3,15.) After Read had filled the vacancy, Oldmeadow was tried in place of Sams, and at 182 Read was well taken at long leg by Archer off Kendall. (182,4,9.)

Bates then joined Studd who was playing in his best form. Kendall had bowled exceedingly well up to this period, and was doing a great deal with the ball. Studd here was unfortunately run out, having only one more to make his 'century', through some misunderstanding with Bates, having played an excellent, though not faultless, innings of 99 (195,5,99.)

Tylecote now joined the Yorkshire professional, who had commenced hitting with great vigour when the time came to retire for lunch. On play being resumed, the bowling was entrusted to Kendall and Pennefather, and when 217 was telegraphed Bates was well taken by Stubbs in the long-field, having knocked up 25 in quick time. (217,6,25.) Steel joined the Kentish wicketkeeper, and when 230 was telegraphed, Mansfield relieved Pennefather. Kendall still occupied the other end, but runs came, till at 247 Kendall clean bowled Tylecote. (247,7,16.) G B Studd joined his Cambridge companion, and at 260 Oldmeadow again replaced Mansfield. This had the desired effect, as G B Studd, after scoring 8, was caught at the wicket by Martin. (270,8,8.)

Vernon came next, but failed to score, being caught at point by Croft off the same bowler. Cobbett, who kindly offered to take Leslie's place, as the latter was unwell, also failed to score, being bowled by Oldmeadow in the first over he received. Thus the innings closed for 270 at a quarter-past three, Steel carrying out his bat for a well-placed 30. A word of praise is due to Kendall for the excellent way in which he played up during the innings. His bowling was very good though his wickets were rather expensive. Oldmeadow's analysis is also good.

The Eighteen commenced their second innings in a minority of 156 runs, Martin and Arthur first facing the bowling of Barnes. Stubbs played well for his sixteen, but the batsmen generally could do nothing with the bowling of Mr Steel and Bates, and they were all out for 81, thus leaving the English Eleven the victors by an innings and 75 runs. Steel's analysis is particularly good; he obtained 10 wickets for 33 runs.

(Potted scores, not first-class) Eighteen of Northern Tasmania 114 (O G Douglas 29; Barnes 6/25) and 81 (Steel 10/33). English Eleven 270 (C T Studd 99; T Kendall 5/104, P G Oldmeadow 3/17). English Eleven won by an innings and 75 runs.

ENGLISH ELEVEN v EIGHTEEN OF SOUTHERN TASMANIA

The home captain (J G Davies), having won, the toss, elected to bat, going to the wickets with G Arthur, the English bowling being entrusted to Steel and Morley (who had not taken part in any match since Castlemaine). As Davies hit freely, at 27 Bates relieved the amateur. Barnes also replaced Morley, and from the Nottingham player's second delivery Davies was stumped by Tylecote, having made 23 out of 27 . a rather lucky innings. Butler joined Arthur, but in the Yorkshireman's fifth over Arthur was clean bowled for 8. (31,2,8.)

Arthur's place was taken by Chapman, and when 4 runs were added to the score Butler was very badly run out (35,3,1.) Gatehouse having joined Chapman, Steel relieved Barnes, who had bowled well, and the new comer was taken in the slips by Barlow off Bates. This over of the Yorkshireman's was very successful, as his third delivery clean bowled Maxwell, who had taken the place of Gatehouse. (4 and 5 for 37.)

E Butler, who will be remembered as playing for the South against the North at Prince's some years ago, having joined Chapman, the score was carried to 44, when the new comer was stumped by Tylecote off Steel. (44,6,4.) Boddam joined Chapman, who cut Steel for 3, and hit the Yorkshireman in the same direction for 2, bringing up the 50 on the telegraph board. At 52 Boddam was stumped by Tylecote off Steel. (52,7,3.)

Macleod became associated with Chapman, but when he had made 3 he was bowled by the amateur. (58,8,3.) Stuart came next, and after scoring 4 was bowled by Bates. (63,9,4.) Brownell and Chapman were now together, but the former was soon bowled by Steel. (64,10,1.) Bayly came next. At 74 Chapman, who had played good cricket for 19, was run out, Morley having just relieved Bates. Two runs later Morley clean bowled Bayly, who had a short but merry time at the wicket. (76,12,10.) The innings then came rapidly to a close, as the remaining 5 wickets only scored 6 runs, the total being 82 . a total decidedly less than was expected by their partisans.

Precisely at three o'clock the Englishmen commenced their innings. Hon Ivo Bligh and Barlow faced the bowling of Bayly (very fast right hand) and Kendall (medium left). Bayly opened with a maiden. The English captain drove Kendall for 4 to the off, and two or three maidens followed, until a round of applause greeted the downfall of the wicket, Barlow being caught and bowled by Kendall off a full pitch. (6,1,1.)

Leslie joined Bligh, but was unfortunate to be given out 'lbw' to Kendall. Steel joined Bligh with the score at 8, and the result of half an hour's play was only 10 runs. The scoring was still very slow, and at 27 Steel should have been stumped by Davies. Bligh having made a single off Bayly, this bowler was replaced by E Maxwell, and still runs came with difficulty, owing to the good fielding of the Eighteen. When 53 was telegraphed, the Lancashire amateur was well taken by Kirby off Kendall, having played fair cricket for his 21. Read joined Bligh, but only succeeded in making 2 before he was bowled by Kendall. (57,4,2.)

Barnes came next, and Bligh was well taken at mid-on by C J Maxwell off Kendall. The Captain had made 32 by good cricket, being at the wickets nearly two hours. Tylecote took the place of the English captain, but he was soon bowled by Bayly (76,6,8.) Bates then joined the Notts professional, and was missed in the long-field by Stuart off Bayly. This mistake, though, did not cost the home team many runs, as, after giving another chance of being caught and bowled by Bayly, he was well taken by Arthur off Kendall at mid-off . a good catch. (83,7,6.)

G Studd replaced Bates, and runs were obtained with great difficulty, Kendall bowling especially well. E Maxwell here relieved Bayly, and the hundred soon appeared amid applause. At five minutes to six Barnes was caught in the slips off Maxwell, for a patient 15. Stumps were then drawn for the day with the score at 105.

When play was resumed the following morning, Vernon joined G B Studd, opposed by the bowling of E Maxwell and Kendall. The fourth ball of Maxwell bowled Vernon, and with three added, Studd was well taken by Chapman, who had previously missed him, at mid-off. The innings thus was brought to a conclusion at 110, Morley not receiving a ball.

The Eighteen being only 28 runs to the bad, commenced their second innings, Davies and Arthur facing the bowling of Steel and Morley. The latter, with his first delivery, clean bowled the Tasmanian captain, and when the luncheon bell rang, the score was 61 for 12 wickets. On the resumption, Steel and Morley disposed of the remaining wickets, and the innings closed for 95, or 67 runs to the good. Morley's analysis is worthy of note; he bowled 148 balls (18 maidens), 40 runs, 9 wickets.

After the usual interval the Hon Ivo Bligh and Barlow commenced to knock off the number of runs required. A very disastrous start, though, was made, as the former played one of Kendall's on, and Leslie, his successor, was bowled by Bayly without scoring. Two of the best English wickets were down for 6 runs, when A G Steel joined the Lancashire professional.

The amateur, having already scored, sent Kendall grandly to the off for 4. Kendall and Bayly here changed ends, and runs came very slowly, till when the score had reached 34 Barlow was bowled off his pads by Bayly. (34,3,16.) Read joined the Lancashire amateur, and some careful play followed. The Eighteen, desirous of obtaining another wicket if possible, tried a change, E Maxwell taking the place of Kendall, while the latter resumed his old position, vice Bayly.

These changes were not effective, as the batsmen put together the requisite number (68) without losing their wickets. Steel played a good not-out innings of 30, while Read was 14 (not out), including two good drives off Maxwell for 4 each. The English Eleven thus won their second contest in Tasmania by 7 wickets.

(Potted score, not first-class) Eighteen of Southern Tasmania 82 (Steel 6/42, Morley 4/17, Bates 4/19) and 93 (Steel 7/41, Morley 9/40). England Eleven 110 (Bligh 32; T Kendall 6/56) and 68/3. England Eleven won by seven wickets.

ENGLISH ELEVEN v MURDOCH'S AUSTRALIAN ELEVEN

The number of spectators who witnessed the first day's play did not exceed 6,000, but on the second day the ring presented a much more respectable appearance, and there were quite 15,000 present. On Saturday afternoon all the large business establishments in the city close at two o'clock, and large numbers avail themselves of the recognised half-holiday to indulge, during the summer season, in all kinds of outdoor sports, in which cricket plays a leading part. It is for this reason that all grand matches, such as the one under notice, are commenced on a Friday, in order that the most interesting portion of the play may fall on the Saturday afternoon, and thus attract a large proportion of pleasure-seekers, for it cannot be denied that, equally with England, cricket is the national pastime of Australia, and first-class exhibitions of the game will always attract large and enthusiastic crowds of spectators.

For some days prior to the commencement of this match, the weather had been exceedingly warm, the thermometer ranging from 90 to over 100 deg. in the shade, and this circumstance pointed to the fact that an exceedingly fast wicket would be the result. Fortune on this occasion favoured England in the toss, and the Hon Ivo Bligh, of course, elected to bat.

Morley, who for some considerable time past has been suffering from indisposition, had sufficiently recovered to take part in this match, and Mr G F Vernon stood out. The members of the Australian team who were omitted were H F Boyle and Jones, and the action of the selection committee in excluding Boyle's name from the list of players gave considerable offence to the Victorian public, the general opinion being that on a batsman's wicket his services as a bowler would certainly be required before the termination of the match.

Play was commenced at twelve o'clock, Mr C T Studd and Barlow taking the wickets, opposed to the bowling of Spofforth and Palmer. The first 10 runs, strange to relate, were made by Barlow off Spofforth, but in increasing the score to 20, Studd was the principal contributor. The same batsman then drove Spofforth hard to the off, the ball being misfielded by Massie close to the chains, 4 runs resulting. With the score at 28, Palmer clean bowled Studd's middle stump, this batsman being credited with exactly half the runs on the scoresheet.

Mr Leslie joined Barlow, and the latter then played one of Spofforth's up in front of point, but Bannerman, who had been brought close in for the 'stonewaller', just failed to reach it. Leslie, who was suffering considerably from the enervating influences of the Australian climate, was not playing with his accustomed vigour; but, nevertheless, his defence was perfect. He at length got Palmer away for a single, and then hit Spofforth to the off for 3, bringing 30 on the board. With the score at 35, Barlow was bowled by a beautiful break-back from Palmer, the Lancashire professional having contributed exactly the same number as his predecessor, 14.

Mr A G Steel now partnered Mr Leslie, and, notwithstanding that both gentlemen were suffering from indisposition, a very long stand was made. As a rule, the play was characterised by considerable caution, but on the other hand, no fair opportunity of adding to the score was allowed to pass. For the reason already mentioned, however, several runs were lost, owing to the inability of the batsmen to force them. Leslie, who did not seem quite at home to the bowling at first, soon settled down to his work, and treated the spectators to some excellent defensive cricket, combined with an occasional dash of brilliant all-round hitting. Mr Steel did not play with his accustomed vigour, but still fifty soon appeared, principally through his hitting.

At 52, Giffen took the ball from Spofforth, whose bowling did not prove effective on the fast wicket. Leslie hit one of the new bowler's hard to square leg, and started for a run, but the ball was splendidly fielded by Horan, and returned to Blackham, the batsman just managing to regain his crease. At 68 and adjournment took place for lunch.

On resumption at twenty minutes past two o'clock, runs commenced to come more rapidly, Leslie being credited with a fine on-drive for 4 off Giffen. At 86 Spofforth replaced Giffen, and Leslie hit Palmer grandly to leg for 4, bringing 90 up. At 97, and with his score on 48, Leslie drove one hard back to Palmer, which he failed to hold; this was the first and only chance recorded against him. A single to Steel, and two to Leslie off Spofforth, and the century appeared, amidst considerable cheering.

When six more had been added, however, Leslie's time had come. He played one hard to the off, and started for a run. The ball was fielded by Spofforth, nearly square with the bowler's wicket, at which he took a shot, and, although it was like throwing at a single stump, he nevertheless succeeded in hitting the wicket, and Leslie was run out. The last partnership had been productive of 71 runs, Leslie having scored 54 by an excellent display of batting.

Mr W W Read took the vacancy, and Garrett replaced Spofforth with the ball. The new comer commenced proceedings with a brace off Palmer, Steel hitting Garrett nicely to the off for 3. (110 up.) At this stage the bowling was very good, several successive maidens being recorded. The fielding was also of the finest description, well up to the very best form of the Australians in England, Bannerman being especially effective at mid-off.

Runs came slowly until 120 appeared, when the batsmen commenced to play with more confidence, and 130 was quickly registered, at which stage Giffen relieved Palmer. The new bowler change proved effective, for in his second over Steel played one up to mid-on, which was accepted by M'Donnell, and the batsman retired for a well got 39. 4 for 131. Steel's innings was not characterised by his usual hard hitting, but his cricket was nevertheless correct, and his runs were obtained without the shadow of a chance.

Barnes was the next comer, and another long stand was made. Both batsmen played freely, and the bowling evidently became plainer. The 150 quickly appeared, principally through the exertions of W W Read, who was batting in splendid form. A change was again deemed desirable, but despite that Spofforth and Palmer were substituted by Garrett and Giffen, 160 was quickly telegraphed. A succession of maidens followed, until Read got Palmer well away to the off for 4, followed by a straight drive for 2, Barnes, in Spofforth's next, hitting that bowler grandly to the on for 4. (170 up.)

Read then played one of Spofforth's into the slips, and Barnes called for a run, which Read refused, and both batsmen were at the one wicket. Horan, who had secured the ball, threw it badly to the bowler's end, and Spofforth being unable to reach it, Barnes got safely back to his own wicket. The batsman then signalled his escape by hitting Palmer to leg for 4, and in Spofforth's next over he secured 4 and a brace, both for leg-hits. (180 up.)

Giffen again relieved Palmer, but Read drove him for 4 in his first over, and 190 was quickly reached. Read at this stage had scored 31, and in hitting round at one of Giffen's he skied it to short-leg, but the ball fell just beyond the reach of Spofforth. With 5 runs added to the score, Barnes was clean bowled by a beauty from Giffen, which just touched the bails. The professional's 32 were well put together, and the even character of the scoring may be judged by the fact that the partnership produced 64 runs. (5 for 195.)

Tylecote stepped into the vacancy, but, after read had hit Spofforth to the chains for 4, the new comer was clean bowled by Giffen without scoring. Six for 199 was the record as the Hon Ivo Bligh left the Pavilion. Garrett here relieved Spofforth, and the first ball of Giffen's next over proved fatal to the English captain, who was bowled with the total unaltered.

Bates, who came next, hit the first ball from Giffen up to long-off close to the chains, and was missed by Horan, the run scored bringing up 200. Bates then commenced to make things lively, and in Giffen's next over the professional drove him twice for 4, and once for a brace, bringing 210 on the board. With the total at 216, Blackham missed an easy chance of stumping Read, whose score then stood at 42.

The scoring now became rapid, both batsmen hitting so freely that the next two overs saw 220 hoisted. At 234 Palmer replaced Garrett, but without effect, for when the stumps were drawn for the day the score stood at 248 for 7 wickets.

The morning of Saturday was very close and sultry, and the clouds which obscured the sun gave promise of a downfall of rain during the afternoon. One or two very slight showers had fallen throughout the previous night, but were not sufficient in any way to affect the wicket. The light was certainly none of the best throughout the day, but otherwise batsmen had but little to complain of.

The game was resumed at twelve o'clock, Giffen and Palmer bowling. Runs came fast, principally through the agency of Read. When the Surrey amateur's score had reached 63, he drove one hard back to Giffen, but the bowler failed to hold it, and the batsman in return hit Palmer grandly to leg for 4. At 286 Palmer changed ends, and Garrett took the place at the wicket he had vacated. The change proved successful, for in Palmer's next over Bates came out to a ball well up, and drove it high in the air to long-off, where it was this time secured by Horan. That fieldsman's previous miss in the same place had cost his side 55 runs from Bates alone, the total having now increased by 88.

Eight wickets were down for 287, as G B Studd filled the vacancy, and, with 6 more added, Read played one back to Palmer, and had to retire, for a well played innings of 75. (9 for 293.) Morley was last man, but G B Studd, after adding 1 to the total, was clean bowled by Palmer, and the innings closed for 294.

The wicket having been rolled, the English Eleven took the field at ten minutes past one o'clock, Massie and Bannerman being the first two Australian representatives. C T Studd started the bowling to the former, who hit his second ball to the on for 4. Massie also drove the third for a like number, and 2 byes resulting off the fourth, 10 went up off the first over.

After Morley had bowled a maiden to Bannerman, Massie got Studd to leg for 4, the next to the on for a like number, followed by a single off the next, which, with a leg bye, brought 20 up in seven minutes. Off the next over, Massie got a brace, and 3, and the first of Morley's next the same batsman hit grandly to square-leg for 4, having thus put together 26 runs in 13 minutes. With 30 up, Barnes relieved Studd, and after Morley had bowled a maiden to Massie an adjournment was made for luncheon, Bannerman not having scored a run.

Upon resuming, Morley changed ends, and Bannerman scored his first run off the first ball. Massie was nearly run out in attempting a second run for a leg bye, the ball being well fielded by C T Studd. With the score at 48, Barlow relieved Barnes, and only eight more were added, when Massie, in hitting at one well up from Barlow, was clean bowled, for a freely hit 43.

Murdoch came next, and, after narrowly escaping a run out, played a maiden from Barlow. The bowling was excellent, and was ably backed up by the fielding. Maiden after maiden followed, and Murdoch was twenty minutes at the wickets without scoring. It was now deemed advisable to try a change, and Bates took the ball from Morley, starting with a maiden to Bannerman. Some brilliant fielding was shown at this time by G B Studd at mid-off. Murdoch then gave a chance to Steel at point, which was not accepted, and off the next ball scored his first run, having been just half an hour at the wickets.

Barnes at 70 took the ball from Barlow. A slight shower now commenced to fall, but it did not stop the play. Bates in his next over clean bowled Bannerman, whose score had reached 14, 2 wickets being down for 72. Horan took the vacancy, the light at this time being anything but good. The second ball Horan had from Bates he hit to square-leg for 3, but from Barnes's next he was caught and bowled, off a hard drive, which the bowler just managed to reach with one hand over his head, an exceedingly good catch.

Three for 75 was the record as M'Donnell took the vacant wicket, and he commenced with a cut for 3 off Barnes. The first ball he received from Bates, however, proved fatal, as he failed to guard his middle and off stump (4 for 78). Giffen came next, but the first ball he received from Bates he played back to the bowler, and had to retire (5 for 78).

More disasters for the Australians had still to come, for Bonnor, who was next, played the first ball from Bates quietly into Read's hands at mid-on, close in, to the great satisfaction of the field, Bates having thus taken three wickets with successive balls. Blackham followed, but with 7 added the Australian wicketkeeper was bowled by Barnes (7 for 85).

Garrett came next, and the play became more lively. Murdoch placed Bates nicely to square-leg for 4, and the same number were added for an overthrow. A drive for 3 by Garrett brought 100, but 4 runs later the same batsman, in endeavouring to treat Bates in a similar manner, came out to the pitch of the ball, missed, and was clean bowled (8 for 104).

Palmer followed, and soon hit Barnes nicely to square-leg for 4. After a single had been scored, Palmer gave Tylecote a chance for a catch at the wickets off a bumpy one from Bates. The miss, though, cost nothing, for Palmer immediately afterwards hit over a 'yorker' from Bates, and was bowled (9 for 114). Spofforth was last man, and after Barlow had relieved Barnes, the demon was bowled by Bates, and the innings closed for 114.

The excellence of the bowling and fielding may be imagined, when it is stated that Murdoch, who went in first wicket down, carried out his bat for 19 runs only. It is only fair to the Australians to say that the wicket on which Bates bowled had been somewhat treacherous, and the light during the afternoon was anything but favourable to the batsmen.

Morley bowled well, but not effectively; of his twenty-three overs, sixteen were maidens, and only 13 runs go his debit. Of Barlow's twenty-two overs no less than eighteen were maidens, 9 runs being scored off him for one wicket. Bates, however, carried off the palm, and his bowling was extraordinary, 26.2 overs, 14 maidens, 28 runs and 7 wickets.

Being in a minority of 180, the Australian eleven had to follow on, and at half-past five o'clock Murdoch and Bannerman took their places at the wickets, Bates starting with a maiden to the latter. Murdoch then got Barlow into the slips for 3, and hit Bates to square-leg for 4. Some rapid scoring followed, but with 21 up Murdoch, who had made 17, was bowled by Bates. The score was increased to 28, when the stumps were drawn for the day.

The match was resumed on Monday, January 22. The weather, which had an unsettled appearance, continued fine, and no rain fell between the Saturday and Monday. The ground was therefore in fair order, and the day, though cloudy, was bright and clear, with plenty of light for both batting and fielding. A cloudy day in Australia, in fact, is more suitable for cricket than when an intensely bright sun is shining, which not only casts shadows, but is most trying to the eyes, and is frequently the cause of a high, long catch being misjudged.

Bates and Barlow started the bowling, and the first ball from the latter proved fatal to Blackham, who was bowled (two for 28). Bonnor, who took the vacancy, hit Bates to the on for 4, and the next ball in the same direction over the chains for 5. Bannerman then gave a chance to Bates in the slips off Barlow before he had added to his score (5) of the previous Saturday. Bonnor again hit Bates clean out of the ground for 5, and, after scoring a single off Barlow's next, treated Bates to another 5 over the heads of the spectators.

With the score at 55, Morley replaced Bates, who had been considerably punished by Bonnor. The giant drove Barlow straight to the chains for 4, but the third afterwards he placed into Morley's hands at mid-on, and had to retire for a quickly-got 34. (Three for 66.) Horan came next, and with the disposal of Bonnor, Bates again took the ball from Morley. Bannerman got his first to square-leg for 4, but the third went up to Blight at point, and Bannerman retired with 14 to his credit. (Four for 72.)

M'Donnell followed, and, after Horan had sent Barlow to the off for 3, the new-comer hit Bates up to long-off. Steel made a splendid attempt for a catch, but just failed to reach the ball, which only touched the ends of his fingers. The scoring now became more rapid, and 80 and 90 quickly followed each other. At 93, and with his score at 15, Horan hit a straight, low catch to Morley at deep mid-on, which was held, this being the fifth wicket to fall.

Massie joined M'Donnell, but after quickly knocking up 10, he hit Barlow up to long-on, and was splendidly caught by C T Studd. (Six for 101.) Giffen took the vacancy, but at 113 M'Donnell failed to play one from Bates, and was clean bowled for 13 (7 for 113). Garrett came to Giffen's assistance and an adjournment was shortly afterwards made for lunch, the score then standing at 122.

Upon resuming, 10 runs were added, when Giffen cut one off Bates hard to point, and was beautifully caught by Bligh. Giffen's 19 were exceedingly well put together, against the most excellent bowling and perfect fielding. Eight wickets were now down for 132, and the end was evidently near. This was the more apparent when at 139 Garrett, who had been joined by Palmer, came out at Bates and hit him up to long-off, where the catch was cleverly taken by Barnes (nine for 139).

Spofforth, the last man, came in and the 'demon' played with a confidence which would have done credit to several of those batsmen who had preceded him. He commenced by driving Barlow straight for 4, and in the same bowler's next over he made two grand drives in succession for 4 each, the ball bounding back from the Pavilion fence. The score had reached 153 when Palmer stepped out to Bates, and drove him very hard to mid-off, where G B Studd effected a splendid catch.

The match thus terminated in favour of the English Eleven by an innings and 27 runs. Upon retiring to the Pavilion the English Eleven were called out in turn by the spectators, and loudly cheered, the Hon Ivo Bligh being exceedingly well received. Bates, for his splendid bowling performance, came in for special applause.

After the match, the teams met in the Pavilion, when the healths of both were drunk in champagne. The Hon Ivo Bligh, in responding, said that both his team and himself were delighted with the reception accorded them, and the kind congratulations expressed on all sides made him think that he was actually in the committee room at Lord's, instead of on the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Mr Murdoch, in responding for himself and team, said that he congratulated the English Eleven on their victory, but, at the same time, hoped to reverse the verdict at the match to be played at Sydney, and his friends could depend that the best exertions would be used in order to support through credit of Australia in the cricket field.

The Melbourne Argus has the following practical remarks on the victory of the English team in this match:

The result of the second of the three matches between the Australian and the English Elevens appears to have taken the public and the players also by an unaffected surprise. As Mr Murdoch's Eleven won the first game with nine wickets to spare, it seems incomprehensible to many that the Hon Ivo Bligh's team be hailed victors with an innings and twenty-seven runs to the good.

Yet the match is simply but one of a thousand illustrations of the impossibility of predicting the issue of a game between two elevens which are about equal in strength. We had an abundance of instances of the kind in the career of the Australian Eleven in England.

The three most important matches the Eleven played were against the Gentlemen of England, the Players of England and the Combined Gentlemen and Players at the Oval. They defeated the Gentlemen with an innings to spare; they were as easily defeated by the Players, and they just snatched a victory from the united team. Thus in no instance did the result of the one leading match indicate the termination of the other. A small thing suffices to turn the scale, and to turn it altogether.

In the present instance it may be pleaded that the English Eleven enjoyed the smiles of fortune to some extent. It was a distinct advantage to bat upon a day when the sunshine was brilliant and the ground fast, whereas the Australians had cloudy skies and a ground upon which heavy rain had fallen. But while allowing for this circumstance, there is not a shadow of a doubt that the team which was most fit for the contest won.

The English Eleven has worked into brilliant form. It is no exaggeration to say that such fielding as they exhibited has never been seen on an Australian ground before, and the bowling was of the first class also. Every nerve was strained by the Eleven. The players were strung up to concert pitch. On the other hand, the performance of the Australian team conveyed the impression that the men had underrated their foes somewhat; had not practised to the last; had not set their every thought upon winning as had their opponents. The general impression was that their form was below their best.

This criticism may be unjust, but it is a fact that among the experts such remarks were freely indulged in. And there can be no doubt whatever of the circumstance, that the Hon Ivo Bligh's eleven worked hard for their victory, and that, brilliant as it is, they fairly earned it. The concluding match remains to be played, and cricketers will hope that, at Sydney as here, the palm will go to the team which, by fitness and merit, may deserve the final triumph.

The Melbourne Age has the following very impartial criticism on the play of the two elevens:

Bates was beyond all doubt the lion of the match, and the young Yorkshireman has indeed done yeoman service for his country's prestige in the cricket field. In addition to his score of 55, which was marred only by one chance, he secured no less than fourteen wickets for 102 runs, his share yesterday being seven for 74, and on Saturday seven for 28.

Barlow was his assistant throughout nearly the whole of the second innings, and a right useful one he proved. Although Barlow only captured three wickets for 67 runs, he bowled splendidly, and with abominably bad luck.

That the Australians were unfortunate in losing the toss there can be no doubt, just as they were lucky in winning it in the first match. That throughout the three days they were a long way below their usual form is equally certain, for in batting and fielding especially there was a marked falling off from the brilliancy which has on all previous occasions characterised the champions' play.

Horan on the first day fielded perhaps better than ever he did before, showing continued and amazing dexterity. This was, however, unfortunately quite nullified by the two glaring mistakes that he made during the afternoon. It is quite a new experience to have to record that Blackham behind the wickets was not quite himself, but such was the case in the match just finished. The one man who distinguished himself in the field was Bannerman, who is one of those rare but invaluable cricketers to whom good or bad luck makes little or no difference.

As to the Australians' batting, its failure has been ascribed to the wicket assisting the bowling of Bates to an unusual degree. The excuse is quite an imaginary one, and the brilliancy of Bates's wonderful performance should not be tarnished by such assertions. It has been stated that the fact of nearly all the wickets being got at one end is positive proof that 'there is something in it', whereas in the last match Palmer secured his wickets at the end which was universally admitted to play splendidly, and even the 'demon' could not succeed on the other, which really was 'doing a little'.

The collapse no doubt was so remarkable that all sorts of explanations are perhaps excusable, but beyond ascribing it to the proverbial uncertainty of the game no other explanation can be made than that it was one of those 'frosts' which, in the very best matches, have often occurred before and will do again.

Although the result, bracketed side by side with past records, by non means proves the Australians inferior to their opponents, it is fair to admit that on this occasion at least the bowling fairly beat the batting, and that the winners, by playing very much superior cricket to that displayed by the vanquished team, thoroughly deserved their splendid victory.

The Australians have, however, probably been convinced of the correctness of the advice tendered them before, that it was foolish to risk meeting such a powerful batting team with only four bowlers. It can never of course be known what effect Boyle's inclusion in the team might have had. His absence necessitated Palmer being worked almost to a standstill, simply because Murdoch, knowing his team's weakness, dared not take him off.

The first match was a lucky pull through, well played and won no doubt, but still fortunate in that another bowler was not required. Encouraged probably by their success, the match committee repeated their mistake, and the result of the match has been more disastrous to them than the previous one was to their opponents.

The only unpleasant feature in the match was a cowardly attempt made by a small knot of roughs to prevent Barnes catching Garrett, by jeering at the fieldsman as he was preparing for the catch. But that these small-souled fellows were alone in their unmanly behaviour was clearly evinced by the hearty, even boisterous way in which the mass of spectators cheered the winners.

Every member of the team was called forth on to the pavilion balcony and cheered to the echo, Bates, of course, coming in for a great ovation. Mr Bligh was so impressed by this generous treatment that he declared to his friends inside that a finer acknowledgement of victory could not have been accorded an English team by English people on an English ground.

EDITORIAL: THE LAWS OF THE GAME

As a matter of fact, for some weeks past the committee of the M.C.C. have been busily engaged in revising the code of rules now in force. We have ourselves so strenuously advocated the necessity of modernising the laws of the game with a view to greater completeness, that we hail the action of the Marylebone authorities, tardy as it has been, with unmixed satisfaction.

The imperfections of the existing code are so numerous, and have been so frequently pointed out, that the continued disinclination of the law-makers to introduce reforms so obviously necessary has been the morning surprising. It has certainly been a little anomalous that the written laws contain no provision of any kind for some of the most essential points in the conduct of the game.

It would hardly appear to be credible that there should be no explanation of how a run is obtained, nor even the mention of a bye in any one of the forty-seven rules which have served to regulate the game of cricket for so many generations. The present code, in fact, teems with errors and discrepancies which only a long experience is able to reconcile. We could, without difficulty, point out numerous irregularities calculated to trouble and vex the minds of even the cleverest students of cricket lore.

To be of universal value, a code of laws for a game so complex as cricket should be clearly expressed, so as to be thoroughly within the comprehension of those who are learning as well as those who have learned the game. What faults there are at present it will be admitted are faults of omission rather than those of commission, but still they are defects which tend to reduce the practical utility of the rules.

A few amendments to legalise points which really figure in the unwritten though not in the written laws would materially improve the code as a whole. The labours of the committee of revision will have to be submitted to the general meeting of the Marylebone Club for approval, but, before the end of this month, or early in April at the latest, they will be published for the information of cricketers.

Everyone will be glad to hear that the committee of the Marylebone Club have taken the matter in hand, and the result of their deliberations will be awaited with confidence. The alterations required in no way affect the working of the game; indeed, the known conservatism of the old club is sufficient guarantee that there will be no radical change in the rules themselves. The reforms necessary rather point to an official notification of the laws written . as well as unwritten . than any modification of or variation in the practice of the game.

We fully expect that the new code, carefully analysed as it has been by a representative and capable cub-committee, will meet the general approval of cricketers. Even if it fails to give universal satisfaction, there is a certainty that it will approach nearer to perfection than that which has governed the game for many years.

Public opinion is strongly against any change tending in the smallest degree to alter the grand old game which Englishmen are proud to claim as their national inheritance. Everyone, though, will hail with pleasure the forthcoming revision, if only on the ground that it will make the laws more easy of comprehension and certainly of more real practical value than they undoubtedly are at the present time.

PAVILION GOSSIP

It is strange that no accounts of their doings in the colonies have been received since their match against United Australia at Melbourne on February 16. Their programme included, among other fixtures, return matches with New South Wales and Victoria, but no news of any kind has, so far as I know, reached England of these or other engagements subsequent to February 20.

That they should have won the rubber against Murdoch's eleven will be intensely gratifying to English cricketers everywhere. Both on and off the cricket field they have thoroughly upheld the reputation of English sport, and their return with the 'ashes' ought to ensure them an enthusiastic welcome.

*****The Laws of cricket are at last under revision. A Sub-Committee appointed by the Marylebone Club has been for some weeks engaged over the by-no-means easy task of elucidating the laws so as to make them fairly explanatory of the game. The incoherence of the existing code has been certainly a reflection on the legislative body, and the revision might well have been undertaken years ago.

As it is, the work of the committee has been confined more to rearrangement and technical additions than to any alteration in the game itself. The new code prepared by the sub-committee will have to be submitted to the general meeting of the Marylebone club in May, and from the care with which it has been discussed there is every reason to believe that it will, as it should, form a complete treatise on the conduct of the game.

I have some reason to believe that the laws specially relating to bets will be expunged altogether. It is difficult to understand why they have been allowed to remain for so long a blot on the entire code.

*****Talking of powerful hitting, which has found such a prominent place at different times in these stray notes, I am reminded of a feat of Mr C I Thornton, which I do not ever remember to have seen in print until a recent issue of Harrow Notes.

A few years ago the big hitter, being at Harrow, was invited to take part in a sixth form game. The Old Etonian, whose grand drive over the Pavilion at Lord's in the Eton and Harrow match of 1866 had not yet been forgotten, went first to the wicket, and, before he left, had hit the ball six times over the elms, and twice far above the topmost bough of the highest tree.

When the first wicket fell, the telegraph showed the following:. 129 1 112. This may be fairly called tall hitting.

*****The sentiments expressed by Mr H G Turner in proposing the health of the English team at the complimentary banquet in Melbourne on Jan. 4 will be read with interest on this side. There is a genuine ring about them which sounds pleasant to English ears. Certainly no one can charge the Australians with want of gratitude for the lessons they received in the past from the cricketers of the old country. Mr Turner said:.

That any gathering such as the present in the Australian colonies was always ready to give an enthusiastic welcome to English visitors . no matter whether they come, like Anthony Trollope, to pick flaws in the national character, or, like Archibald Forbes, to stir their military ardour. This was a young community, and had its aesthetic teeth yet to cut. It had not had time to acclimatise its moneyed and leisure class.

The people worked very hard at subduing the wilderness, and as a counterpoise to their toils, they turned to sports of various kinds with great heartiness. In cricket particularly they took great delight, and they were ready to receive with open arms the representatives of the game in England, the land that taught them all they knew about cricket.

Australians were young and 'cocky'. It was very gratifying to them to read in the Argus about 'marvellous catches', 'perfection of wicketkeeping', 'catapult bowling' and 'iron endurance', but they were apt to forget that they inherited these characteristics from men who, before Melbourne was ever heard of, had made a universal reputation in cricket at Lord's.

England was the birthplace of cricket. Eton and Harrow had proved to be admirable nurseries, and the game had been admirably ripened at Oxford and Cambridge. Mr Murdoch would be especially aware of the fact as regarded the latter place. That English people loved cricket was proved by their sending first-class teams to Australia, and by their reception of the Australian teams sent to the old country. He, as well as everyone else, wished them all the success they deserved, and hoped they would receive a genuine colonial welcome wherever they went in Australia.

*****Most English cricketers will remember that one portion of the complaint made by the Australian team in respect of their certainly rather brusque reception at Nottingham, in the first match of last season, was that no hotel accommodation had been secured for them by the local authorities. To judge from the records of the recent meeting of the New South Wales Association, these little civilities are not always strictly attended to even in the Colonies.

At that meeting, B Hiddlestone stated that when he arrived in Melbourne as one of the New South Wales representatives at the late international match, he and D Gregory were shown into a room at the Oriental Hotel, about 10 ft by 8 ft, with a kitchen chimney going through it. The atmosphere was at fever heat, and failing to find more suitable accommodation at the Oriental Hotel they went across the street to Trump's Hotel, where they found comfortable rooms.

This is all very sad. The captain of the first Australian eleven reduced to the indignity of a room disfigured by a kitchen chimney. It's really too awful.

*****New South Wales, a Colony rich in such bowlers as Evans, Spofforth and Garrett, appears to have given birth to another trundle, who is likely to come to the forefront of Australian cricket. For a youngster making his first appearance in a big match, Cleeve's play in the recent Inter-Colonial between Victoria and New South Wales seems indeed to have been something much out of the common.

"I must not forget," writes an Australian critic, "to give credit to young Cleeve for his really magnificent bowling in the second innings. In this, his first Inter-Colonial match, he, though only a mere lad, bowled with a judgement and nerve not excelled even by the experienced 'Demon', and it is evident that in Cleeve New South Wales has a bowler who, if he sticks to the game, will be a mainstay for his colony for years to come. Garrett, Scott, Allan, Midwinter, Evans, Spofforth and Bruce all bowled well, but to my mind Cleeve was by far the best of the lot."

No small praise, is it? The public will be justified in expecting great things from this colonial prodigy.

*****In the third match between the Englishmen and Murdoch's team, A Bannerman got a double prize, for the highest score on the Australian side, as well as the highest in the match (94). Six runs more, and he would have received a gift of £100 promised if he had got into three figures. The sum given to Bates for his brilliant bowling in the second match, according to the Argus, amounted to £100, towards which the English team contributed, it is said, one half.

*****A peculiar incident during the course of the third match between the English cricketers and Murdoch's eleven is worthy of notice. Just as the first innings of the Australians was about to commence, Murdoch lodged an objection against Barlow playing in the match with large spikes in his boots, which the Australian captain alleged tore up the wickets. The spikes complained of were, according to an Australian paper, heavy steel blades fastened across the sole of the boot, and Barlow, acting under the orders of his captain, at once removed them.

According to the correspondent of the Sportsman, the spikes were small clamps, and it is said that they are the same as worn by the Lancashire professional for the last year. Under any circumstances, considering the systematic and businesslike way in which Spofforth was wont to tear up the pitch for the other bowler during the Australian visits to England, the objection sounds just a little funny.

NOT DEAD YET

ENGLISH ELEVEN v MURDOCH'S AUSTRALIAN ELEVEN

Besides the cricket match in question (the day being regarded as a public holiday), there was a large regatta on the Parramatta River, a good day's racing provided at the Randwick Course, and numerous picnic parties, which visited many of the numberless nooks and corners of the handsome harbour of Port Jackson. Notwithstanding all these counter-attractions for pleasure-seekers, they failed to detract from the interest taken in the Anglo-Australian cricket match, the attendance at which was the largest ever witnessed at the Moore Park Ground.

The Pavilion reserves were closely packed with spectators, whilst the handsome Grand Stand . built by the Association at a cost of £8.000, and capable of seating 2,500 people . was also without an unoccupied seat, and the extensive sloping lawn in front . which is covered with a dense growth of buffalo grass, and when closely mown gives one the idea of walking on a velvet-pile carpet . was thronged with eager sightseers. The outer ring was occupied by nearly 17,000, who had paid for admission, and altogether there could not have been less than 23,000 spectators present.

The weather was most suitable in every respect for cricket, the bright, warm Australian sun being tempered with a cool breeze from the sea. The turf on the playing ground is covered with a closely grown and small variety of couch grass, which, however, does not produce the same reliable wickets which are to be found when English ryegrass and clover form the component parts of the vegetation. For outfielding, however, the couch grass is really excellent, and when cut close, the ball travels as on a billiard table.

When I say that the wickets are not so good, I do not infer that they are bad, but they do not have the same lasting properties as those covered with ryegrass and clover. This difficulty was, however, got over to a very considerable extent by the arrangement that each side should have their own wicket. Under these conditions the winning of the toss was only an advantage so far as the weather was concerned, and as the Hon Ivo Bligh won the choice, he, on such a fine day, of course elected to bat.

The first to take up a position at the wickets were C T Studd and Barlow, Giffen and Palmer being entrusted with the bowling for the Australians, each starting with a maiden. The Lancashire professional for once went out of his ordinary groove, and did the lion's share of the scoring, the 20 being announced when Barlow got a fourer to leg off Giffen.

With the score at 26 Spofforth relieved Giffen, and very few runs were obtained off him. Palmer, however, was receiving a fair share of punishment, principally at the hands of C T Studd, and the total having reached 38 a change was deemed desirable, Garrett going on vice Palmer. With 40 up, Studd gave Murdoch a difficult chance at point off Spofforth, which was declined, but in Garrett's next, the batsman was splendidly caught by Blackham at the wickets. This batsman played exceedingly good cricket for his score of 21, his forward play being hard and true.

One wicket for 41 was the record as C F H Leslie filled the vacancy, and Barlow then drove Garrett to the off for 2. In Spofforth's next, Leslie was clean bowled, through failing to negotiate a fast 'yorker'. (Two for 44.)

Barlow was joined by A G Steel, who at once commenced work. Both Steel and Barlow were now very busy, and Palmer replaced Garrett with the ball. The scoring, however, continued, but the last ball prior to lunch proved fatal to Barlow, who was exceedingly well caught at point by Murdoch, with the left hand, off Spofforth. Barlow's contribution of 28 was well put together, his careful play being relieved by several brilliant hits. A G Steel at this time had 17 to his credit, the total standing at 67.

Upon resuming, W W Read joined Steel, but the adjournment had a bad effect upon Steel, who was bowled by Garrett without adding to his previous score, four wickets being down for 68. Barnes was the next comer, but with 8 runs added to the total, he was caught at the wicket by Blackham off Spofforth. Five wickets down for 76 made things look exceedingly promising for the Australians.

Read and Tylecote now got together, and this partnership resulted in the stand of the innings. But little fault could be found with either the bowling or the fielding of the Australians, and Spofforth, Palmer, Garrett and Giffen all had a turn with the ball, changing ends in their endeavours to effect a separation, but all without avail. Hits followed each other in rapid succession, and the Australian bowling was fairly and unmistakably collared. Ten after ten appeared on the board with amazing rapidity, and the score was taken from 76 to 185, when, as a dernier ressort, Bannerman and M'Donnell were put on to bowl.

A separation was effected in M'Donnell's first over, as Tylecote, playing a ball to short-leg, started for a run; and was several yards out of his ground when his wicket was put down by Blackham, to whom Horan had smartly returned the ball. This was a most unfortunate mishap for the English wicketkeeper, for the innings was one of the best he has played since reaching Australia. His score of 66 was compiled by a most brilliant exhibition of safe all-round hitting, without giving a possible chance.

With Tylecote's departure the score stood at 191, his partnership with Read having been productive of 115 runs. Bates joined W W Read, and Bannerman and M'Donnell received some severe punishment, more especially the latter. The 200 was posted amidst considerable cheering, but at 223 Read hitting to leg at a short-pitched ball from Bannerman was caught at square-leg by Massie.

Strange to relate, Read and Tylecote were together with 43 each, and when Read was caught he had just reached Tylecote's total, viz., 66. Read's batting was a fine, vigorous, all-round display, and he fairly earned the well-merited applause which greeted him upon his return to the Pavilion. Seven for 223 was hoisted as G B Studd took the vacant wicket. But 1 run was added when Bates came out at Spofforth, who had replaced M'Donnell, and lifted him to long on, where the deposed bowler, M'Donnell, effected a neat, clean catch. (Eight for 224.)

On the appearance of the Hon Ivo Bligh, Bannerman handed the ball to Palmer, and several maidens followed. The English captain then commenced to play with more vigour, and the total was increased by 20 runs, when Spofforth got one past the captain, which clean bowled the wicket . nine for 244. Morley was last man, but in Palmer's next over G B Studd was bowled by a splendid ball, and the innings closed for 247.

The fresh wicket having been well rolled, the Australians commenced their first innings at va quarter to six o'clock. Giffen and Bannerman were the first representatives, Bates and Morley having charge of the bowling. At the call of "Time!" no wickets were down for 8 runs.

Several light showers of rain fell during Friday night and Saturday morning, which, although rendering the wicket somewhat dead, did not otherwise affect it . so that even allowing the state of the ground to be against the batsman in the matter of rapid scoring, still the bowlers had nothing the best of it with a slippery ground and a 'greasy' ball.

Play was resumed shortly after twelve o'clock, the sky being still cloudy, with every appearance of more rain. Bannerman and Giffen resumed to the bowling of Barlow and Morley. The scoring was at first slow, but as runs began to come more quickly, at 34 Bates took the ball from Morley. This somewhat lessened the run-getting, as the wicket at the northern end, to which Bates was bowling, had become a little rough and bumpy, and great care had to be exercised in order to keep him down.

At 48 Barnes relieved Barlow, but this bowler received considerable punishment, and the score mounted much more rapidly, Bannerman playing with unusual freedom. At 63, C T Studd took the ball from Bates, and at 76 Giffen, with 41 to his credit, gave Bates an easy chance at mid-off off Barlow, which he missed.

During the luncheon hour a smart shower of rain fell, and upon resuming, Giffen, playing forward to one from Bates, was very smartly stumped by Tylecote without having added to his previous score of 41, One for 76. The South Australian played very good cricket for his runs.

Murdoch now joined Bannerman, and when the new-comer had scored 5 he hit one off Bates straight into Leslie's hands at mid-on, and the Australian captain was given an unmistakable life. With the total at 88, out of which Bannerman was credited with 39, this batsman played one up to short leg off Bates, and another miss had to be recorded, this time to Morley.

Just after 100 appeared, rain commenced to fall, causing an adjournment at a quarter past three o'clock, and the game was not resumed until a quarter-past five, the wicket being in a very sloppy condition, and requiring an unlimited supply of sawdust. Barlow and Bates commenced the bowling, but it soon became evident from the slippery nature of the turf, that accuracy was out of the question, consequently the scoring progressed apace.

At 117 C T Studd went on vice Bates, and a little later A G Steel took the ball from Barlow. Off the latter's first ball Bannerman was missed in the slips by Barnes. Six o'clock having arrived, the stumps were drawn for the day . Bannerman (not out) 68, Murdoch (not out) 17, total, for one wicket, 133. The fielding of England was not at all up to form, Bates, Leslie, Morley and Barnes having each to be debited with a very bad miss, all of which should certainly have been taken.

During Sunday heavy rain had fallen, and the wicket was exceedingly dead and heavy, and cut up considerably on Monday. Murdoch and Bannerman resumed to the bowling of Bates and A G Steel. In the first six overs but three singles were scored, and with 140 up Murdoch was had, lbw to Steel, for 19. This batsman has not shown anything like his true form since his return from England. M'Donnell took the vacancy, but without scoring was clean bowled by Steel. (Three for 140.)

Horan came next, and at 149 Barlow replaced Steel. At 162 Barnes took the ball from Barlow, but as runs came quickly, Morley relieved Bates, and Steel Barnes. With the score at 176 Bannerman played one up off Morley into the slips, and was caught by Bates, having played a grand innings for 94 on a difficult wicket. (Four for 176.) Massie filled the vacancy, but without increasing the score, the new comer was caught at point by Bligh off Steel. (Five for 176.)

Bonnor was next to appear, but after Horan had added a brace, the 'giant', in attempting an on-drive from Morley, lifted the ball to deep mid-off, where G B Studd effected a most brilliant catch. (Six for 178.) Blackham joined Horan, and the scoring increased considerably. Blackham drove Morley to long-on for four, but in the same bowler's next over Horan played one up to mid-off, where Steel made a smart one-handed catch. Horan's 19 was a creditable performance. (Seven for 196.) The last three wickets only added 22, and the innings closed for 218, or 29 behind the English score.

The wicket used by England in the first innings having been rolled, Leslie and C T Studd were the first to face the bowling of Spofforth and Garrett. At 13 Spofforth clean bowled Leslie (one for 13), and Barlow joined C T Studd. Studd obtained 4 for a nice drive to long-on off Garrett, but at 21 played one hard back to Garrett, the catch being declined.

At 29 Palmer took the ball from Garrett, and Spofforth and the former soon changed ends. With the first ball of Spofforth's next, C T Studd was clean bowled, having made 25 in his usual free style. Two for 45 was the record as A G Steel took the vacancy, and after scoring three second slip he was 'lbw' to Spofforth (three for 55).

Read came next, and at 61 gave a possible chance to Palmer off Spofforth. Garrett again took the ball from Palmer, but runs came much faster, and at 87 Horan took the bowling in place of Garrett. The new bowler's first ball clean bowled Read, who had put 21 together very quickly (four for 87).

Barnes took the vacancy, and at 92 Barlow was caught by Palmer, off Horan, at mid-off, close in, after making 24 by careful play, on a difficult wicket. (Five for 94.) Tylecote now left the Pavilion, and Barnes, with 3 only to his credit, was 'lbw' to Spofforth. (Six for 94.)

Bates came next, the wicket at this time being cut up and exceedingly treacherous. The new comer, after giving a possible chance to Palmer at mid-on, lost Tylecote, who got under a bumpy one, and, lifting it to long-on, was caught by Bonnor (seven for 97).

Hon Ivo Blight filled the vacancy, but with only one added to the total, Bates was caught by Murdoch at point, off Horan, and eight wickets were down for 98. G B Studd was the next, and he opened proceedings by cutting Horan for 4, bringing the 'century' on the board. Runs now came with considerable rapidity, Bligh hitting with considerable freedom. 110 was quickly announced, but, with 5 more added, Studd cut Spofforth into the slips, and was caught by Garrett, with 8 to his credit (nine for 115).

Morley now appeared, but with only three added, he was clean bowled by Spofforth, and the innings closed for 123, the Hon Ivo Bligh having scored 17 (not out) by a good, free exhibition of batting on a difficult wicket.

At ten minutes to six o'clock the Australians commenced their second innings with 153 wanted to win. Giffen and Bannerman, as in the first innings, faced the bowling of Morley and Barlow, and after seven maidens time was called.

The game was resumed on the following morning to the bowling of Morley and Barlow. Bannerman got Barlow away to leg for 4, but that bowler had his revenge by bowling Giffen for 7. (One for 11.) Murdoch followed, and Bannerman, after giving a possible chance to C T Studd off Morley, put one up to point, and was caught by Bligh for 5. (two wickets for 12.)

Horan filled the vacancy, and with 6 added Murdoch was caught by G B Studd close in on the off. (Three wickets for 18.) M'Donnell followed, but before any addition was made to the score, he was caught splendidly at point by Bligh off Morley. (Four for 18.) Massie took the vacancy, but he soon lost Horan who was run out for 8. (Five for 30.)

Bonnor came next, and with but 3 added Massie hit one up behind cover-point which was secured by C T Studd. (Six for 33.) Blackham followed, but things still went in favour of England, and at 56, Bonnor was clean bowled by Barlow. (Seven for 56.) Spofforth joined Blackham, and the former it a hard one to Barnes, which he dropped. The 70 was not long in being hoisted, but at 72 Spofforth hit one up to long-on off Barlow, and was caught by Steel. (Eight wickets for 72.)

Palmer followed, and runs continued to come until 80 was hoisted, when Blackham played Barlow on, and had to retire for a well got 26. (Nine wickets for 80.) Garrett was last man, and after two leg byes and a wide, was bowled by Barlow, the innings closing for 83, England winning by 69 runs.

After the match terminated, the Australasian says, the Hon Ivo Bligh was called forth by the crowd, and each of his associates had to follow in ordinary course to bow acknowledgements to the enthusiastic lookers-on. On their way to the luncheon room too, the Britishers had to face a perfect storm of plaudits, and Barlow, owing to his very successful bowling, had the honour of being carried shoulder high by the excited crowd right into the luncheon room itself.

The Hon Ivo Bligh too had his hand shaken nearly off by many enthusiastic well-wishers, and altogether it seemed as if those present had fully made up their minds duly to appreciate the victory of the Englishmen.