Decades Tournament - 1940's Australia v 1940's England

 

This Ashes Test of 1940s vintage drifted for 2 days on a slow Gabba pitch before developing into a compelling match. 

Hutton won the toss and England struggled to 232-9d late on day 2, scoring at well under 2 an over. 

Australia were 186-3 in reply on day 3 when Sam Loxton ran out Sid Barnes 2 short of a century. Thereafter, England were uplifted in the field and restricted the home team to 269 (Australia lead of 37). 

On the 4th day, Hutton added a brilliant 161 to his 1st inns 92 as Australia were set a victory target of 218 on virtually the last day. Despite uneven bounce the Australian openers put on 108. Bill Edrich removed Barnes (89) and Loxton in the same over, but a captain's innings of 74no from Hassett eased Australia to a 5 wicket victory. 

Australia's pace bowling quartet impressed throughout, using overhead conditions intelligently when the pitch proved unresponsive. Barnes' 2 innings showcased his talent but it was Hutton's genius that enabled a contest and he was deservedly MOM.

Australia 1940s: SG Barnes, AR Morris, AL Hassett (c), SJE Loxton, KR Miller, CL McCool, D Tallon (w), IW Johnson, RR Lindwall, ERH Toshack, WA Johnston

England 1940s: L Hutton (c), C Washbrook, RT Simpson, DCS Compton, WJ Edrich, TE Bailey TG Evans (w), RO Jenkins, AV Bedser, DVP Wright, JA Young

England 1940s 1st Innings: 232-9 (144 Ov)

L Hutton 92, TE Bailey 52, IW Johnson 2-22, ERH Toshack 2-38, WA Johnston 2-47

Australia 1940s 1st Innings: 269-10 (92.5 Ov)

SG Barnes 98, AL Hassett 40, KR Miller 40, AV Bedser 3-56, RO Jenkins 2-34

England 1940s 2nd Innings: 254-10 (103.1 Ov)

L Hutton 161, RT Simpson 31, CL McCool 3-22, ERH Toshack 3-41, WA Johnston 2-48

Australia 1940s 2nd Innings: 219-5 (74.1 Ov)

SG Barnes 89, AL Hassett 74*, AR Morris 35, WJ Edrich 2-38

Australia 1940s won by 5 wickets

Man of the match: L Hutton