FIRST TEST.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 285, 1 December 1936, Page 7

FIRST TEST.

AUSTRALIA'S CAPTAIN

Don Bradman Selected to Lead

The Team.

McCABE VICE-CAPTAIN,

United Press Association. —Copyright.

(Received 10.30 a.m.) SYDNEY, this day

Don Bradman lias been appointed captain of the Australians in the first Test match at Brisbane. Stan McCain; is vice-captain.

Macartney, the lormer Australian player, commenting in the "Sydney Morning Herald" on the Brisbane match, says: "The splendid score of England and the great achievement of the opening pair, Barnett and Fagg, will be welcomed l>y thousands of cricketing enthusiasts. This grand partnership came at a time when faith in the prowess of the Englishmen was gradually diminishing, and the recent performance will restore confidence in the standard of the team.

"Barnett's performance was magnificent. He is a great batsman who has revealed his scientific stroke play in other matches of the tour. The greatest admiration must be felt for Fagg, who has so pluckily fought to gain his form under Australian conditions after weeks of adversity.

"The success of England's opening pair must be treated guardedly, as the Queensland attack was not equal to Australia's in any shape or form. Nevertheless, the performances of Barnett and Fagg have restored interest in the Test, and every sportsman hopes the English openers will repeat their form.

"Robins observed common sense methods by sending Fishlock to the wickets upon Fagg's dismissal. The idea is to build up a reliable batting side, and build it quickly. The process has been operating to_o long, and before the complete batting side can be

produced the initial Test match may overwhelm it.

"Whether or not England wins this ma£ch against Queensland matters little. It has been the means of raising England batting almost from the depths of despair to a position of confidence. Runs were compiled at a rate that pointed to a batting side strong and successful, rather than to one that has been struggling to find form commensurate with its reputation."

Selection of Bradman to lead the Australian team was generally anticipated, and in addition to being captain of the side he has the distinction of being one of the three Australian Test team selectors. Bradman did not play for South Australia against the M.C.C. team, but played in a recent match at Sydney for an Australian eleven against the tourists, when he showed good form, and scored j63 runs before being bowled by Worthington. ENGLISH OPINION. Outlook on Paper Considered Not Too Good. AUSTRALIA'S BATTING ARRAY. (Received 12.30 p.m.) LONDON, November 30. The "Daily Mail" is of the opinion that Barnett md Fagg have apparently solved M.C.C.'s most important problem, namely, the opening pair, almost 011 the eve of the frrst Test, which recalls the fourth decisive Test of Jardine's tain*. Nevertheless, the outlook on paper is not too good for England.

Australia can parade a magnificent sequence" of batsmen who already have shown themselves at ease against the English bowlers. The question is whether the English bowlers will be able to peg them down, although Verity on a worn, sticky wicket might win the day. Allen may have a trick up his sleeve.

Maybe Fames has not yet bowled his best, and if he has kept something in reserve may be an upsetting influence. Meanwhile the English batting has not been at its best. Hammond and Leyland are in fine form, but many of the batsmen are strangely nervous against slow bowling. The team, however, has powerful possibilities with a choice of bowlers richer than Australia's. Allen's inspiration may help to brace his colleagues to give their best, and we may be fairly confident that the team will hold its own.