Page:The international cricket match.djvu/27

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.

9

He scored very prettily in this match, obtaining five, when he was caught beautifully by Diver off Jackson. J. Walker took his place, when Morgan being caught by Jackson off Parr at slip, made way for Crossley—soon after Walker retiring from a splendid bail ball from Jackson, but having scored two, Comery faced Crossley. They did not long keep each other in countenance. "Keep moving" seemed to be the order of the day. Parr bowled out the latter without troubling the scorers. His successor, Bage, began his innings well by a capital hit out of bounds for three. This Jackson thought was too good to be permitted to last, so unkindly knocked his stumps down the next ball. H. Lillywhite came next, but playing the first ball from Jackson into the air. Carpenter at point made it a point to secure it ere it descended to mother earth again. F. Barclay was run out, and Comery hitting his own wicket, Hallis, who was the last of the Twenty-two, had to bring his bat out without having had a chance to do anything.

The first innings terminated after a contest of about two hours. After the Cricketers had partaken of the refreshments prepared for them, the ground was again cleared, and Carpenter and Hayward in simple dress arrayed, entered the arena with bat in hand, as the representatives of the All England Eleven. They promptly take their places at their respective wickets ready to defend them, but not before with cautious step, the ground is traversed o'er, lest ought unseen should lurk there to turn a ball, or interrupt the striker's speed in making a run. The following sentiments seemed to be expressed by many a countenance in the vast crowd:

"On, on, yon noble English,
Who, like so many Alexanders,
Have in these parts, from morn till even fought
And sheath'd their swords for lack of argument.

You, good yeomen.
Whose limbs were made in England, show us here
The mettle of your pasture—
I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips,
Straining upon the start. The game's afoot;
Follow your spirit."

The expectation of the spectators was now at its height, and the crowd felt every disposition to press in, but the ground, nevertheless, was well kept, and the game proceeded without the anxious multitude trespassing in the slightest degree upon the players. The most marked order prevailed throughout the day.

Sam Wright and Crossley were the first to bowl on the side of