MCC v Argentina President’s XI - match report

by Robert Wycherley

A high scoring encounter on the return to the Hurlingham ground saw the first defeat of the MCC on this tour, losing to the Argentina President’s XI by 3 wickets.

MCC won the toss and on another scorchingly hot summer’s day, chose to bat.

The Manager, Bedford, continued his successful role at the top of the order, joined by Wycherley (17), and the pair put on 43, before the loss of the latter LBW to Ciaburri.

Steady batting by O’Reilly (17) and Bedford (41) then set up the scene for the ever consistent King to smash an excellent, unbeaten 113, with the ball disappearing to all parts of the ground, despite his almost continuous bruising and imminent toe amputation.

King was well supported in a stand of 84 by Walker (27) and 40 with Trego (20) going in down the order and showing an array of powerful strokes. This enabled MCC to post a competitive 281 for 6 from their 50 overs.

Pick of the bowlers were Ciaburri with 2 for 21 from 7 overs of well directed medium pace, with Butta weighing in 2 for 52 from 10.

Flying start

The President’s XI got off to a flying start, with 78 posted from the first ten overs - 150 coming up after only 20.

Dugmore (38) and the senior Dutch player, Jrigoyen (82), were the main culprits and despite Mottram taking 2 wickets in an over, the assault was continuous and spectacular in its intensity.

Gradually, through the introduction of spin in the form of Walker and Woods the MCC clawed their way back into the game and the squeeze began.

The match was well poised, even with a stand of 110 between Jrigoyen and Buurman (81) and once Walker removed Jrigoyen, the introduction of the Kiwi, Barton, tilted things towards the President’s XI as his sensible batting took them towards the finishing line.

There was a slight stumble along the way as the President's XI lost four wickets in making the last 56 runs.

Even though Gibson had Barton (41) caught by King in the covers, there were only three runs needed for victory, and this was secured by MacDermott (15*) and Butta (1*) much to the relief of the President and his supporters.

MCC stuck to the task well, but were ultimately beaten by the flying start and a couple of missed chances, and there was to be no repeat of the previous two narrow victories.

Woods bowled his slow left arm effectively, taking 2 for 34 in 8, with the other wickets shared between Mottram 2 for 62, Gibson 1 for 75, Walker 1 for 53 and the captain Trego, who finally took a wicket on tour after bowling nearly 40 overs, taking 1 for 51.