FATE OF ASHES IN DOUBT

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21986, 9 January 1937, Page 13

FATE OF ASHES IN DOUBT

-——♦— — ■ ’ CHAPMAN’S OPINION TASK FOR M.C.C. BOWLERS ON ADELAIDE WICKET (Received January 8, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, January 7. A. P. F. Chapman, in an article in the “Daily Mail,” laments Allen’s atrocious luck when the umpires, “after refusing several appeals, eventually gave in and decided that the light was too bad.” ■ Chapman considers that Allen should have declared at the tea interval, instead of wasting precious minutes which did not produce runs. He defends Allen against critics condemning him for overbowling Verity, who- kept down the runs. He expresses the opinion that the Australians depend overmuch on Bradman’s ability to score, but this great little man is still England s greatest obstacle.” He adds: “The Australian victory keeps the rubber very much alive and makes it doubtful whether England will regain the Ashes. _ I am afraid the English bowlers will have a rough time on the bone-dry wicket at Adelaide. I hope Wyatt will open with Barnett.” .... . Expressing- the opinion that the defeat of the English team is no cause for gloom, “The Times, in a leading article, says: “As far as leadership went, Allen seems to have done well in discouraging cir-, cumstances. Critics who suggest that he pught to have closed the first innings sooner seem to expect him to join second sight to his other qualifications for captaincy. . - The “Daily Telegraph,” in an editorial, says: “If ever a ; defeat was welcome, it is this, for it keeps the rubber still open. Some more hardfought tests should have an excellent influence on both English and Australian cricket.” PHYSICAL CONDITION questioned PLAYERS BEFORE BOARD EXPLANATIONS ACCEPTED SYDNEY, January 8., , The Melbourne correspondent of the Sydney “Morning Herald” says that the four Australian test players who were before the Board of Control were questioned about their physical condition. The players told the board members that they were astounded by the action of the board. Later, it was stated that the’ members of the executive were well satisfied with the players’ explanations. ..... .. ’ , It is understood that the action.of the board had nothing to do with any rumours of dissension in the team. Other members of the test team were at first incensed with the action of the boarcl, but to-night they were inclined, to treat it as a "*°The Melbourne correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” says that the board informed the players that it desired to discuss certain rumours, but the players refused to enter into any discussion on a mere rumour, and on. this note the interview ended. • A later message said: The “carpeting” of the four test players is still the subject of much comment. The aggrieyed players take the stand that the whole team should have been called up and specific accusations made. The board’s action, they claim, had severely tested the morale of . the team. In the circumstances, they felt there was nothing to do but to “play on.” “ERROR OF JUDGMENT BY ALLEN” . FAILURE TO DECLARE AFTER II AMMO? ID WAS OUT SYDNEY, January 8. C. G. Macartney, in the Sydney “Morning Herald,” says: “The Australian victory in the third test was due mainly to two things, the excellent partnership between Bradman and Fingleton, and the failure of Allen on the second day to close England’s innings after Hammond’s dismissal. The latter point was an error of judgment by Allen, and that, in addition to the rain, which helped Australia as it helped England in the first two tests, cah be accepted as a blessing of fortune. The Australians greatly improved in team work and co-operation in this match, and they have now reached a standard which must be maintained

in the remaining tests-if victory is to be achieved. “England, though defeated, went out in a blaze of glory. The batsmen gave a breezy exhibition.' Leyland and Robins were bright and aggressive, powerful strokes being employed against all the bowlers. After seeing such, play, .one wonders why anything approaching this standard is never seen when a test is in its fighting stages.” AUSTRALIAN TEAM FOR * FOURTH TEST SELECTION DEFERRED FOR A WEEK : SYDNEY, January 3. The selection of the Australian team for the fourth test has been deferred. It will not be announced for at least a week. ENGLISHMEN LEAVE FOR LAUNCESTON TWO GAMES IN TASMANIA (Received January 8, 10.13'p}nj.) MELBOURNE, January 8. The English cricketers, except G. O. Allen, W. R. Hammond, M. Leyland, W. Voce, and H. Verity sailed for Tasmania to-day for a match, at Launceston to-morrow, when the English side will be captained by R. W. V. Robins. In the second match, to bo played at Hobart from January 15 to 18, England will meet a combined-team which will include C. V. GrimmOtt, F. Ward, C. L. Badcock, and W. A. Oldfield. -