Northamptonshire v Australians

At Northampton, August 14-16. Drawn. Toss: Australians. First-class debuts: R. J. Gleeson, H. G. Munsey.
With the Ashes gone - and rain wiping out the first day - the Australians struggled to rouse themselves against a second-string Northamptonshire side including two first-class debutants (Richard Gleeson, a 27-year-old seamer, and George Munsey, a 22-year-old Scotland international). As it transpired, the main honours went to an Australian playing for the home team. After Coetzer laid the foundations for a useful total, the Adelaide-born Crook hit 24 fours and four sixes in a career-best unbeaten 142 from 96 balls; Northamptonshire's last three wickets added 123 in 17 overs. Crook earned a standing ovation and grabbed attention in his native and adoptive lands. He rounded off the day with a catch at third slip to remove Warner. Next morning, the Australians slid to 87 for five; Steve Smith, captaining in place of Michael Clarke, who was resting, made a six-ball duck. But they avoided the ignominy of being asked to follow on, thanks to Cummins's first fifty in senior cricket, and Lyon's 41. Even so, it was a fixture to forget for the Australians - bar one.