PLUNKET SHIELD.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 302, 21 December 1937, Page 21

PLUNKET SHIELD.

NEW ZEALAND PLAYERS. ABSENCE FROM CONTESTS. CRICKET COUNCIL PERTURBED. (By Telegraph.—Pres3 Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, Monday. "The management committee of the Xew Zealand Cricket Council is disturbed to notice in the selections of provincial sides lor I'lunket Shield games that several of the players who have just returned from England have notified the selectors that they are not available."' said Mr. D. E. Wanklyn, chairman of the management I committee, this evening. "'There may possibly be good reasons for some of these defections, but the committee considers that wherever possible it is the duty of members of the touring team, not only to the council but to the public of Xew Zealand as well, to take part in the Plunket Shield series. The public here followed the performance of the side in England with the greatest interest," continued Mr. Wanklyn, "and the reports of the attractive cricket played by our men would undoubtedly mean increased interest in the game in Xew Zealand this season, and corresponding disappointment if the members of the team are not to be seen in action.

"Apart from this, the members of the team should make their added experience available to other players not quite as fortunate as themselves. The committee hopes, therefore, that unless there is some substantial business or personal reason, players now not available will reconsider their decisions ar.d inform their respective selectors accordingly."