THE CRUSADERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 47, 25 February 1937, Page 25

THE CRUSADERS.

NEW ZEALAND CRICKETERS,

SOUTHERN CRITICISM. PROBLEM OF SLOW BOWLER. (2y Telegraph.—Special to "Star.") DUXEDIX, this day. Speaking of the selection of the New Zealand cricket team for England, the "Kveiung Star" says there is no question that its batting strength is equal, if not superior, to other Dominion teams which have left for England. The only quality of the side whith causes some concern is bowling and fielding.

The ability of most of the players leaves littiu to be desired, but C'owie is somewhat iortuntito in finding a place, particularly in view of his laxity in the field, which is not offset by his bowling. Two real .surprises are Weir and Untntlis. J here is no question Weir is a class batsman, though not outstanding but preference should have been given to a younger player—Uttley, of Otago. for instance, who is a solid batsman and a great field.

« In -.« e ??. rd to G "ffit'»B the remarks of the Wellington captain, J. K. Lamason, when, reviewing the Auckland-Welling-ton match in a Wellington paper, must cause genuine surprise at the selection o£ Griffiths. Lamason, in his

comments, said:—"The big disappointment was Griffiths. In form, he could easily have won the game for us, but he could not strike a length and was terribly expensive." His selection proves conclusively that the selectors were faced with a real problem to find a slow bowler, but it is hard to understand how they came to overlook Cromb, with his experience and success in big cricket. The selectors evidently considered Donnelly and Dunning preferable to Elmes and Mulcock. Few will quibble at the Taranaki's colt's selection, though Elmen, after his recent tine showing in all departments of the game, must be considered unlucky. Mulcock is steady, and more than a useful bowler, but his weakness in other department*! of the game no doubt told against him. Dunning has forced his way to the front through sheer persistency and grim determination. He is a trier, and a great enthusiast. It is said that Page regards him as the best bowler in the Dominion.