ENGLISH OPINION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 27, 1 February 1934, Page 7

ENGLISH OPINION.

Team Strong in Batting But Weak in Bowling. "SHOUTS" FOR LEFT-HANDER. (Received 12 noon.) LONDON, January 31. English critics generally regard Australia's Test team as strong in batting and weak in bowling.

P. F. Warner (an English selector) says: "The team looks weak in bowling. We will certainly get lots of runs. I would certainly have included Chilvers (New South Wales). He is a splendid bowler. I think O'Reilly is a bit stale. If he bowls as well here as in Australia he will get a lot of wickets. FleetwoodSmith has tremendous possibilities." A. W. Carr (a former captain of England) says: "The team is strong in batting as it is weak in bowling. It fairly 'shouts' for another left-hander, preferably Hill (New South Wales)." The "Star" says: "The team is a splendid blending of youth and experience. It will not be surprising if Barnett displaces Oldfield as wicketkeeper in the Test side." A. P. F. Chapman (another Test leader) comments that the inclusion of youngsters should ensure top-notch fielding. He regrets the absence of a tried left-hand bowler. Alan Fairfax (the ex-Australian international) regrets the absence of Ironmonger. Otherwise the team is well balanced. Bruce Harris (an English critic who visited Australia last summer) comments that Australia still has a "tail." P. G. H. Fender (former Surrey captain) in the "Evening News" says: "The selectors have lived up to their reputation of discarding sentiment and relying solely upon efficiency. English players must never forget that Bradman is capable of winning any match." The "Standard" publishes a bold panel on its sports page: "Jardine the best skipper in the world must be our captain. If Larwood be fit lie must play in the Tests. No Marylehone diplomatic shelving of these men would be tolerated. Any such action, of which there has been talk from time to time, would not make for peace but would lead to further trouble. Let the gamej be left to cricketers; they won't I 'squeal.'"