THE THIRD TESTS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 49, Issue 67, 29 December 1928, Page 2

THE THIRD TESTS

KEEN INTEREST IN ENGLAND. “A. STIFFER OPPOSITION.” (United Press Association—Copyright). LONDON, December 27. There are indications of the keenest interest in the third Test. The Press, generally, is discussing the changes in the Australian team and the prosnects. The “Daily Telegraph” anticipates that the English eleven will meet with stiffer opposition at Melbourne than hitherto. The introduction of Oxenham and a’Beckett means a formidable combination of bowlers. “It needs,” the paper says, only a little luck, which lias not yet come to Australia, to make the struggle .very even. While it would be pleasant to win the rubber with two games in hand, there will be many here who would like to see our opponents make a bold bid for victory in this match. The “Morning Post” says: “The Australian eleven is perhaps a stronger side than that which played in Sydney, though Ponsford will be sorely missed at Melbourne:, where he scored his principal triumph. England would have been cheaply rid of Ponsford on his favourite pitch for anything under 100- . , . “The most significant change is the dropping of Ironmonger and the requisitioning of Oxenliam to strengthen the attack. He undoubtedly is a great bowler on liis day. Plenty of spin varies his attack, and he possesses a cricket brain.” —Australian Press Association, United Service.

M.C.C. TEAM MAY BE THE SAME. SYDNEY, December 28. Although the English team will not be formally announced until to-morrow, it is understood' that the team will be the same as that which won the second Test: — A. P. F. Chapman (captain), J. BHobbs, H. Sutcliffe, W. R. Hammond, D. R. Jardine, E. Hendren, W. M. Tate, H. Larwood. J. C. White, G. Duckworth and G. Geary.—United Service. “SPORTING LIFE’S” OPINION. LONDON, December 28. “Sporting Life” regards the Australian Test, team as stronger than the teams which played at Brisbane or Sydney. There is no question, it states, but that the attack lias been strengthened.—Australian Press Association. RYDER APPOINTED CAPTAIN.

MELBOURNE, December 28. J. S. Ryder lias been appointed captain of the third Test team, with W. M. Woodfull as vice-captain.—Austra-lian Press Association.