Hammond at his best

MCC won by an innings and 83 runs - Scorecard

Victoria had to take the field without Ponsford, who was unfit. The home side contained no fewer than five left-handers, and their presence appeared to upset the MCC fielding, which was marred by some wild returns. Victoria lost two wickets for 14, but the young left-handers, O'Brien and Darling, added 90 runs for the third wicket by good cricket, and Oakley carried his bat for a very sound 83, always looking for runs whenever possible. At the close of the first day's play MCC had scored 41 for the loss of Allen and Pataudi.

The next day was nearly all Hammond, who, after taking great care to play himself in, scored his second 50 in an hour, and his third in 28 minutes, many of his runs coming from powerful strokes through the covers. He was severe on Fleetwood-Smith, who also came in for punishment from Wyatt. When 32, Hammond might possibly have been caught by Alexander at mid-off off Fleetwood-Smith, and at the close of play his score stood at 169 out of 362 for 7.

Despite heavy rain overnight, the wicket was not difficult when Hammond continued his innings, and the Gloucestershire player reached his 200 just before lunch, play having been held up during the morning by a heavy shower. Jardine declared at the end of Hammond's innings, which contained twenty-three fours and one six - a magnificent piece of batting.

Victoria began their second innings on a treacherous wicket, and, after Woodfull's dismissal the last seven wickets fell for 35 runs. The MCC fielding showed a welcome improvement, the inclusion of Paynter strengthening the out-cricket. Darling strained a muscle during the match, and had King, the twelfth man, to run for him.