CRICKET.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20647, 9 September 1932, Page 16

CRICKET.

M.C.C. TEAM. ENGLAND'S CHANCES IN AUSTRALIA. SEVERAL ALL-ROUNDERS SELECTED. (SPECIALLY written tor the press.) [By Dk A. J. HIARRor.J LONDON, August 4. New Zealand has a special interest this year in the composition of the England team which is to attempt to wrest the Ashes from Australia. After long and delicate negotiation (how long and delicate will probably never be publicly known) the M.C.C, have been able to arrange for the team to return via New Zealand and play somo matches there. This very logical conclusion was only reached, I have good reason to believe, after something very like an ultimatum to Australia, where the authorities seemed to dislike the idea of robbing the tourists of a second journey across the desert. For a farcicul second visit to Western Australia, New Zealand was to be deprived of the chance of receiv-' ing a reßl English Test team, and the AI.C.C, presumably, was to arrange for an entirely separate visit to return the compliment of the recent New Zealand tour. . .

Diplomacy is as essential in the administration of sport in these days as it is in the wider sphere, of world politics, and the diplomats of Marylebone and New Zealand who have negotiated the present arrangement deserve great credit. New Zealand will now be able to see England's greatest cricketers in action, and no doubt Jack Hobbs will be prevailed upon to leave the pen for the bat in order to show some of the youngsters the way to make centuries. The great man is still a power in cricket. He played right through the Players' seeoml innings, at Lord's for 16l" not out in a total of ::20. Woolley was next highest scorer with P,l. The Indians. There has been singula fly little criticism of the work of the selectors so far. A good deal of discussion has naturally been caused by the inclusion of the Nawab of Pataudi in addition to K. S. Duleepsinhji. Nobody doubts the soundness of the Nawab's batting, but the inclusion of two Indians is regarded by many as unfair. As a matter of pure logic the selection committee can no doubt easily be justified. Precedent is almost everything in cricket, and as K. fc«. Duleepsin'hji 's famous uncle " Kanji " played for England, there is no reason why half a dozen Indian princes should not do so. In Eanji's day India had not. it is true, emerged into the glare of Test match cricket, iiv.t this scarcely affects the position. From the purely sporting point of view, little can be said against the inclusion of the two Indians. It would be a thousand pities if the brilliance of Duleepsinhji was to be excluded from the greatest cricket Tests, and if the solidity of the Naval) was not to be tried out under the most searching circumstances. Australians mav dub the visiting team '(Anglo-In-dia" fas has already been done by one of them in a letter to a London newspaper), but the real enthusiasts of cricket will be glad that they are to see Grimmett matching his wits against two of the best voung batsmen in the world. I saw the.two Indians ma!c<> the great stand against the Players at Lord's which practically decided the question whether the Navab should be invited to go to Australia. They played Tate, Larwood. Voce. Freeman, and Hammond with fascinating skill, and quite apart from the fact that they scored 297 between them, their ability to pick out the right ball to hit and the right ball to neglect made the cricket interesting all the time.

Amateurs Selected. Another interesting feature about the composition of the team is the very high proportion of amateurs who are included. Seven out of thirteen is a share which seems to flatter the present strength of amateur cricket in England. Of the seven, however, there is only one, or possibly two, who may be said to be lucky. F. Tt. Brown, the Cambridge "blue." who now plays for Surrey, has done little to justify his claim to be an England bowler, but the fact remains that when one watches him he does give the impression of a potential match-winner. The Selection Committee are doubtless gambling on the likelihood of Australian wickets bringing out the best in him. and it is quite possible that they will. Brown is not a lucky bowler, but he has qualifications as a batsman and field to support his inclusion. t w pny event he is young, with almost unbounded possibilities of development.

0-. 0. Allen is a cricketer well known to the New Zealand team of last year. His batting at Lord's and bowling at the Oval were both brilliant, and there are few safer fieldsmen. Allen is definitely a player for the big occasion, and if he has an off-day as a bowler he usually makes amends by making a big score. In the capacity of many of its bowlers to make runs this new England team may secure some advantage over Australia. While it is probable that Bradman and "Woodfull will come out with very high averages, there does not seem to bo the " samo capacity among the later batsmen of the probable Australian team to redeem early failures' should they eventuate.

While the odds seem definitely in favour of Australia Totaining the Ashes, England will have a young (or comparatively young) team, eager to do its best, and fully equipped to stand the strain of Tests without time limit. There will be no disposition in Australia to minimise the chances of a combination of players which includes batsmen of the calibre of Sutcliffe, Hammond, Jardine, the two Indians, and Wyatt, five bowlers who are also quite good batsmen, Ames, a batsmanwicketkeeper who has made four centuries this season, vnd, so far, not a single poor fieldsman.

SUBURBAN ASSOCIATION. ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Ohristchurch Suburban Cricket Association -was held last evening, Mr H. W. Rogers presiding. About 60 delegates were present. The annual report and balance-sheet (previously published) were adopted. Mr Rogers said that it would be preferable for the larger wickets to be used this season in tho senior A and B grades, as under the new Bcheme of co-operation with the Canterbury Cricket Association the Suburban senior players would be meeting teams in the Canterbury Association's junior competition. For them to bo playing with the ordinary wickets one week and with the larger wickets the next would be a handicap. On the motion of the chairman it was decided that the larger wickets should bo used in these grades. The Permits Committee was authorised to establish a fourth grade for boys under 17, provided sufficient entries were received.' The chairman suggested that this competition might be made free of entry, and registration fees, as it would be a means of encouraging boys to play who could not ordinarily afford to join a club. A presentation of an eversharp pencil was made to Mr S. Cawtheray, in recognition of his services as register-keeper for tho association.

Officers were elected as follows:—Patron, Mr J. E. Fleming; president, Mr 11. W. Rogers; vice-presidents, Messrs G. T. Hillsdon, H. M. Clark, L. Watson. J. Clarkson, H. C. Urlwin, and S. Cawtheray; chairman, Mr 11. W. Rogers; deputy-chairman, Mr G. T. Hillsdon; secretary, Mr W. C. Aitkcn; auditor, Mr H. M. Clark; executive, Messrs A. L. Choat, E. Cox, P. Peacock, F. Davison, C. J. Holland. J. Green, L. R. Hood, W. Cowlin. and W. Sleeman; delegate to Canterbury Cricket Association, Mr E. King.

ST ALBANS CLUB. At the twenty-ninth annual meeting of tho St. Albans Cricket Club Mr G. T. Hillsdon presided. The report stated that neither team had been very successful, but that all players had enjoyed the season's games. The financial statement showed receipts £52 19s 3d, and expenditure £4O 16s Bd, leaving a balance to credit of £l2 2s 7d. Assets were £34 and liabilities nil. There were no subscriptions outstanding at date of meeting. Sympathetic reference was made to the dcatli of Mr Frank Crosbie, a vicepresident. Tho report and balance-sheet were adopted. Tho election of officers resulted: —Patron, Mr D. J. Hathaway; president, Mr J. W. H. Francis; vice-presidents, Mrs Watkinson. Messrs C. It. Watkinson, W. H. Day, W. J. Ashby. R. J. Rundle. E. R. Coygill, C. W. Colvi'lle, C. Spii'cr, 11. W. Rogers, A. W. Jackson, U. T. Polkinghorne. R. Cockayne. A. E. Downing. G. Watson, A. Neate, Lonsdale, and G. T. Hillsdon; secretary, Mr C. 3. M. Winter: treasurer, Mr E. 11. C. Ridder; •committee. Mcsßrs K. G. Greenwood, 11. T. Wilson, E. Fox. A. J. Day, J. Rundle, and the delegates: delegates, Messrs W. Bcßtmaii nnd C. Liddell; club captain. Mr R. J. Rundle; vice-captain. Mr K. G. Greenwood: pole selector, Mr C. Winter. It. was decided to post fl roster of all members to carry out necessary work on Wie playing area. Appreciation of flip services of the empires' Association and a hope for an increase in its ranks was- expressed. Thanks were accorded the following:— Messrs D. J. Hathaway, A. W. Jackson, P. T. Watkinson, Lonsdale, and R. Winter, for donations: -Mrs Rundle, for prizes and assistance at the dunces held: and the ladies who officiated at afternoon tea.

Arrangements were made to hold regular general meetings on the Thursdays following the association meeting".

BECKENHAM CLUB. Thirty members attended the. sixth annua! meeting of the Beckenhnm Hrieket Club, held on Wednesday evening, when .Mr 11. W. Rogers presided. The annua! report and statement of receipts and expenditure proved that the club was in n very satisfactory position, both financially and* numerically. The senior team lind secured second place in the Suburban Association's senior A competiion. Five teams had been entered in the different grades with varied sue'ecss. Kight resignations were received and two new members were elected. The following officers were elected: —Patron, Mr 11. T. Armstrong. M.P.; president, Mr \Y. Hulbert; vice-presidents, Messrs W. IV. Keighley. G. \V. Hall, G. Martin, 11. W. Rogers, J. IT. Thier. F. Smith. A. Johnston, If. French, W. Skelton, E. O'Connor, "W. Harris, If. Poskitt, and "W. Tulloch; club captain. Mr B. Smith: vice-captain, Mr J. Hartigan: lion, secretary, Mr R. Griffiths: lion, treasurer. Mr E. Edwards; committee. Messrp 11. Walker. W. Skelton, L. Kent. V. Clements, and J. Clarkson; delegates to Suburban Cricket Association, Messrs J. Clarkson, L. Cox. and R. Griffiths; delegate to Sports Protection Association, Mr K Edwards; lion, auditor, .Mr F. 11. Mintrom; custodian, Mr ,T. Hartigan; selection committee, Messrs S. Randall and J. Hartigan to act in conjunction with the captain of each team. It was decided to admit two boys from the Beckenham School as members free of subscription. The opening day arrangements were left to the committee. The incoming committee was recommended to organise a scheme to raiße funds to assist the finance of teams travelling to competition matches. The committee was also recommended to provide for the employment of unemployed members on the preparation of the ■wickets in order to asßist in the payment of club subscriptions. The chairman outlined the Suburban Association's proposals in ' the matter of cooperation with the Canterbury' Cricket Association, and it was decided to instruct the delegates to support the scheme. The delegates were given a free hand in voting on the proposal for the uso of the larger wickets in the two senior grades.

WEST CHRiyTCHURCH CLUB'S ANNUAL MEETING.

The annual meeting of the We.st Christchurch Cricket Club was held last evening,' Mr E. Parton presiding over nn attendance of 30 members.

The annual report showed that although tho club was not successful in -winning any competitions last season, the younger players in the lower grades performed so creditably as to indicate a better result in the near future. Messrs J. Reid and W. Fright received presentations for meritorious performances during the season. The financial statement showed the club to be about £ls in debit, and a number of proposals for wiping off tho arrears were discussed and finally referred to the incoming committee. It was decided to instruct the delegates to bring up the question of the Bystem of deciding competitions at the annual meeting of tho Canterbury Cricket Association, with a view to having the grades decided on championship points instead of by semi-finals and finals. The following officers were elected: —Patron, Sir Henry Wigram; president, Mr A. T. Donnellv; vice-presidents, Professor R. E. Alexander. Messrs W. Baxter, E. Parton, H. Waters, IV Reese. W. J. Sim, D. E. Wanklyn, G. T. Weston, A. H. Wilder, L. J. Wills, and Drs. R. H. Baxter and P. S. Foster; club captain. Mr M. 0. Ward; hon. secretary, Mr J. W. Peake; hon. treasurer, Mr J. L. Kerr; hon. auditor, Mr F. A. Jarrett; committee, Messrs F. A. Jarrett, G. R. Gregory, E. R. Caygill, F. P. Hill. J. Patrick, and L. Yates; delegates to Cricket Association, Messrs J. L. Kerr, F. A. Jarrett, M. C. Ward, and h. Yates. RANGIORA CLUB. The annual meeting of the Rangiora Cricket Club was held at Rangiora. The president, Mr A. G. Ilunnibell, was in the chair. The secretary-treasurer, Mr T. Blain, in presenting the annual report and balancesheet, congratulated the club upon its success. Two teams took the field during the season, one in the Canterbury Cricket Association's third grade competition, and one in the North Canterbury Cricket Association's competition. The senior team, captained by H. K. Kippenberger, had a successful season, finishing fourth. The junior team captain by W. Steel, also did well, winning the Junior B Cup. The Thos. H. Blain Silver Cup for club batting was again won by A. V. Millar. This player also took the F. H. Cleveland Cup for the best all-round player. The treasurer's statement showed a credit balance of 8s 4d. The surplus of assets over liabilities was estimated nt £l9 8s 3d. On the motion of the chairman, the report and balance-sheet were adopted." One resignation was accepted and three new members were elected. The following were elected officers for the j. ear- —Pntrons, the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes nud the Hon. D. Buddo; president, Mr A. G. vice-presidents, all previous vice-presidents were elected; club captain, Mr W. Steel; hon. secretary and treasurer, Mr T. IT. Blain; auditor, Mr 8. G. Dalley; committer, Messrs A. V. Miller, H. K. Kippenberger. J. C. Carlyon, TV Kinley. H. A. Bennett. A. L. Lockhart, K. Hawkins, and F Devlin; custodians —seniors, Mr A, L. Lockhart; juniors, Mr W. Steel; delegates North Canterbury Cricket Association, Messrs Kippenberger and Lockhart; delegate to Mc-

Intorii Shield competitions, Mr H. K. Klppenberger. „_,> It was decided to enter one senior ana one junior team in the association competitions. It wa ß decided to open the season on September 24th, It was also decided to accept the offer of the Lancaster Park Uud for a match on Labour Day. GIRLS' CRICKET. THE CANTERBURY ASSOCIATION. The coming season promises to be most successful for the Canterbury Girls' Cricket Association. Although it waa formed only last year, at least afteen teams, comprising 16S girls, will be taking part in. the com-, petitions. At the annual meeting ,of the association at the *.W.C.A. on Wedneriw evening it was stated that new i teams from Miller's, Lichfield, Maimoa, B.b.C, warewood, and Sacred Heart Clubs would probably bo entering the competitions. Reviewing the past season the president. Miss Scott, said that the spirit displayed had been wonderful. No one had known much about the game, and although twelve tcamß had entered the competition everything had been conducted in a really sporting spirit. ... , .. The balance-sheet showed a crudit ot i.l 13s, mainly in outstanding subscriptions, however. Subscriptions and donations amounted to £2B lis,' find the rental and upkeep of Malvern Park to £26 6s, plus incidental expenses 10s. The secretary reported that correspondence had been received from Harowood advising that a new team was being formed. It was decided to open tho season and to play the first competition games on November sth. „,. . It was decided that the affiliation fee should be £1 Is a team for the eeafon. The election of officers resulted as follows : —Patron, the Mavore»s (Mrs DV G. Sidlivan); president, Mrs "W. Machin: vicer resident*, Mesdames G. M. Lester, C. L. Youflrr, M.A.. and Misses M. Havelaar and K. Batt: chairman. Miss A. Scott; secre<arv Miss- K. L. Harris; treasurer, Miss P. O'Reilly. The election of executive and general committees was l*>f* until a Inter date.