by England's first priority in the second test is to end a dreadful
run of six consecutive Test defeats. But even a draw will not
be good enough to prevent Australia setting a record and under-
lining their recent *** in matches between international
cricket's oldest rivals. England have not beaten Australia since
late December 1986, drawing five and losing nine of the 14 Tests
which have taken place since. If the sequence stretches to 15
it will represent the longest run of matches without a win by
either country against the other.
England's list of misery currently reads: 1987 Sydney - Lost 55
runs. 1988 Sydney - Drawn. 1989 Headingley - Lost 210 runs.
1989 Lord's - Lost six wickets. 1989 Edgbaston - Drawn. 1989
Old Trafford - Lost 9 wickets. 1989 Trent Bridge - Lost innings
and 180 runs. 1989 The Oval - Drawn. 1990 Brisbane - Lost 10
wickets. 1990 Melbourne - Lost 8 wickets. 1991 Sydney - Drawn.
1991 Adelaide - Drawn. 1991 Perth - Lost 9 wickets. 1993 Old
Trafford - Lost 179 runs.
England's results against all opposition over the last 10 months
make equally depressing reading. Before Old Trafford they had
lost to Pakistan at The Oval (10 wickets), suffered a first ever
"brownwash" in India (8 wickets, innings and 22 runs and innings
and 15 runs) and been beaten by Sri Lanka (5 wickets) for the
first time.
If only Lord's could offer them statistical comfort! In fact,
England have beaten Australia only once in 22 Tests at Old
Trafford this century - and that was 59 years ago. "Playing at
Lord's is a highlight for any Australian," said captain Allan
Border. "It gives us a little extra buzz which perhaps the Eng-
lish guys don't feel because they come here so often. "This will
be my last Test at Lord's and I would like to say goodbye in
style by scoring a bagful of runs and going 2-0 up in the series."
Summarized from a Press Association report
=====
Vicky:
UMass, June 17, 93