ENGLAND'S TEAM.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 170, 19 July 1924, Page 3 (Supplement)

ENGLAND'S TEAM.

-■ •— FOR AUSTRALIAN TOUR. HOBES' VIE"»rS ON PROBABLE CAPTAIN. (By P. F. V. TI'RXER. of Melbourne). LONDON, May 29. Having just arrived in England, one of the lirst calls 1 made was upon Jack llobus, who lives a very strenuous life in summer, for when not as-istinj Surrey he is busy carrying on a nourishing .ports goods business in Fleet Street. 1 found Uobbs looking very fit, but decorated with the remains of what had been a perfect raastcrpieco in "black eyes," which he told mc was the result ot the very indifferent wickets on which English cricketers had to bat during the beginning of this season. (It is now May 26). He sustained his pre.ent adornment at Derby. 1 asked him whether he was coming to Australia this year. "Well," be said, "one can never tell, but it will ibreak my heart if I don't go." So 1 think Australians may expect him. 1 then attempted to sound liira as to who was likely to be cho_e:i to lead the English team. We went through various names, and discussed their qualifications. I J. W. H. T. Douglas.—Still good! enough as a cricketer to be chosen in any team. Hobbs' opinion is that Douglas led and treated his men splendidly in the last tour. But he is a misunderstood man, and in consequence of a certain inborn obstinacy of character, one who is never likely to be appreciated at his full worth, and therefore not likely to be chosen. I. T, Mann was my next suggestion, the Middlesex captain whom Hugh Trumble very much fancied for the job. Hobbs told mc that he was an excellent leader, one of the most popular of men, ibut scarcely up to the standard in playing capability. Lionel Tennyson.—lie seems to have impressed the powers that bo that he is lacking in stability, though from what the last Australian touring eleven saw of him I am sure no one would ask for a finer leader in a tight corner or a more doughty opponent. P. G. Fender is a man Hobbs would like to see captain; but, as lie says, he does not go down with the "head-," so he is not likely to be picked. 1 also heard from another source that wiiile Fender is extraordinarily popular with the Surrey players, the professionals from other counties do not care for him at all. A. E. E. Gilligan.—"An extraordinarily pleasant personality, aud a line -aptain," Hobbs days. Tne only point against him, and it is an _mport_,nt one, is that he is a bowler rather than a bat, and Holubs thinks they need a batsman rather than a howler as captain. Outside opinion seems to favour Gilligan. A. W. C'arr, who captained "The Kest" ■ in the trial match, is also a possibility. ! He is showing good form at present, but t Hobbs says "No," and says it so i emphatically that 1 wipe him out forth- : with. Whatever side may be chosen to : represent England in Australia in 1924- ---| 1025, one may be certain that they will . be selected niter a very thouough trial, ' and that the old and worn parts of j previous combinations are certain to be j eliminated. I ============