N.Z. CRICKET.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19888, 27 March 1930, Page 5

N.Z. CRICKET.

WEAKNESS IN BOWLING. report of selection COMMITTEE. Now that the M.C.C. tour has ended, the members of the New Zealand Selection Committee feel that their observations and comments on cricket in New Zealand during the season just ended, and their ideas of what is required for the English tour next year, would be useful. They have accordingly issued the following report. Batting. "In the first place, we are satisfied with the batting strength, and we are certain that there are several promising players who have not yet represented New Zealand, who would develop into class batsmen if given the opportunity. To these players our advice is to keep fit during the off season, and be ready to start practice early next season. "The performance of several of the young batsmen, both in Plunket Shield games, and in matches against the M.C.C. team, has been splendid. It is also pleasing to see the experience, gained by players who were members of the last tedm to England, reflected in test games against our late visitors. "The apparent weakness in our batting is really confined to ■ one stroke, and unfortunately both our experienced as well as our young batsmen make the unpardonable error of 'nibbling,' as it is commonly called, at rising balls pitched outside the off-stump. Many wickets were . given away this season in this manner, but we are of the opinion that this error can be eliminated with proper coaching and the determination of the batsmen concerned to leave this particular ball alone. If a player would only take the trouble to think, he would at once realise that a fast to fast-medium bowler relies on this ball to bag him many wickets, and he is pleased when ho finds batsmen falling so easily into this wellknown trap. Make the bowler get you out, do not make him a present of your wicket. Fielding. '' The ground fielding in the test games was fairly good, but the catching very poor. Missed catches lost more than one game this year, both in matches against the M.C.C. team and in Shield matches. The second Test m Wellington was outstanding in this respect, several very easy catches were missed, and in most cases by reputably good fieldsmen. "Had easy catches been taken in the Shield game between Wellington and Auckland, the game would never have resulted in a draw. This defect in our cricket could easily bo overcome, and the remedy rests with tho players themselves; it is only a question of proper practice, and it behoves players who have a reasonable chance of being selected to go to England next year, to perfect themselves in this very imports ant branch of the game. It is quite certain that the selectors, whoever they may be, will certainly give preference to the player who excels in the field, especially the one with a safe pair or hands.

Bowling. "The pronounced weakness in New Zealand cricket is fcowling. We feel that it is clear to all that New Zealand has never been so weak in bowling. Without mentioning any bowler in particular, we have to admit that our uttffck- bowlem of last year, have gone back considerably. Probably this can be expected, as bowlers do not last as long as batsmen. Certainly bowlers have had very little assistance from the fi6ld, dropped catches are "very disheartening to a bowler, but even with this disadvantage our bowling is open to much improvement. " When the New Zealand team sails for England next year, it must have a fast bowler* a medium-paced bowler who can spin, and a .left-arm bowler, two of the latter type if possible, also the Mer-ritt-Blnnt type. The performance of these two bowlers in England is still fresh in our memories, but it would be expecting too much, and courting disaster to rely, on this type again. The weather conditions may be altogether different, so it is necessary to take sufficient variety to suit the prevailing conditions. These bowlers, with the exception of the fast bowler, should all be. good batsmen. Vow, can these bowlers be' found, and how can they be found f Undoubtedly there are many promising bowlers ,in the Dominion who only want the opportunity, and the Council most be prepared to go to the expense of giying them the opportunity. We are submitting a scheme which will probably be a little costly, but we consider that the question of expense should not enter into the matter.

"In considering this, we know that the Council will recognise the importance of sending the very best and promising players on tour next year. "V7e made no secret of the fact that the last team that toured England was sent mainly for educational purposes. The M.C.C. authorities also understood our mission, but we think that the forthcoming tour will be viewed differently, and that all the (counties will play their strongest teams against New Zealand, wjiich is, of course, what, we desire. We must therefore be careful and send a team-that will not only retain, but enhance, our reputation from a cricket point of view in England.

A Scheme for Improvement. "We suggest that the Council consider the following:— "Taking the minor Associations first, in> the South Island a match could bo played on a central ground between the north and south ends of the Island. These two teams would be selected by their own particular selection committee, and the fixture would be a two-day one. "An eleven would .then be selected from players taking part i% this match, and would play a Canterbury team at Christchurch. This ■ team would • -be selected by two members of the New Zealand Selection Committee, and one from each of the Associations concerned.

| "In the North Island a similar match would be played from Auckland's boundary against Wellington's territory. The selection would be made in the same way as in the South Island, and the match could be played,■ say, in Napier, and the team selected from .these two would play either Wellington or Auckland, Wellington for preference. , "In selecting these teams particular attention would be paid to promising bowlers, and I feel sure , that the selectors of the provincial teams would only be too pleased to -try some of them out in Pldilket'Shield games. "In conclusion, we feel sure that these" matches would be the means of finding the very best talent. As mentioned before, it may ; be a bit costly, but in estimating the cost of the English tour, this charge could perhaps be included." i