TEAM TO TOUR S. AFRICA

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25743, 3 March 1949, Page 5

TEAM TO TOUR S. AFRICA

AUSTRALIAN CRICKET SELECTION SURPRISE AT OMISSION OF MILLER (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 10 p.m.) SYDNEY, March 2. The Australian cricket team to tour South Africa consists of Hassett, I. Johnson. W. Johnston, Hatvey. and Loxton (all of Victoria), Walker, Morris, Moroney, Lindwall, and Saggers (New South Wales), Tallon, McCool, and Archer (Queensland), and Noblet (South Australia). The omission of Miller from the team is one of the greatest bombshells in the history of Australian cricket. Few dreamed of his omission. Since last year Miller has done very little bowling, and it is known that he has expressed a wish not to be over-bowled. At the same time, he has not done justice to his great batting powers. Apart from this the team has no surprises. The inclusion of Noblet. a fast medium right-hand swing bowler, means that there is an oversupply of new ball bowlers for such a comparatively light tour, as the team also includes Lindwall. Johnston, and Walker. Archer, a 21-year-old schoolteacher, made his debut for Queensland against England in 1946. He has been chosen as a reserve batsman. Walker, a fast medium left-hander, aged 23, leads the first-class bowling averages for the season. Miller is one of the most interesting personalities in the game, and undoubtedly from the point of view of his ability he deserves a place in the side ahead of Loxton. Some writers consider that by dropping Miller the selectors have taken disciplinary action, on the ground that Miller has failed to do full justice to himself. Walker. Noblet, Archer, and the opening batsman Moroney (another schoolteacher) are the only selected players who were not members of the last team to tour England. Of that team Bradman, Barnes. Brown, and Toshack were not available, and Miller, Hamence, and Ring have been omitted.