Australia v West Indies 1930-31

Played at Sydney, January 1, 2, 3, 5. Australia won by an innings and 172 runs. Unfortunately for West Indies, rain, that prevented any play on the second day, completely altered the conditions which had obtained at the start and Australia won very easily by an innings and 172 runs. To add to their bad luck, West Indies had to bat a man short. Bartlett in catching Kippax from a powerful hit at mid-on having a finger crushed against his boot and being unable to take any further part in the match. Ponsford playing in his most resolute and skilful style, Australia scored 323 for four wickets on a perfect Sydney pitch but after the rain the character of the cricket changed so completely that on the third day twenty wickets fell for 220 runs. Ponsford, batting altogether for five hours and three-quarters, was eighth out at 361. After he and McCabe had added 71, Woodfull helped in the one prolonged stand of the match, 183 runs coming before play ceased for the day. That proved the extent of the partnership, Woodfull falling in the first over on Monday morning and the last five wickets going down for 46 more runs. West Indies worked well in the field but, on going in to bat, they could not recover from early disasters accentuated by the waste of Roach's wicket. Fairfax began the collapse which Grimmett continued. In the follow-on Hurwood and Ironmonger - the latter playing instead of Wall - were the most effective bowlers.