ENGLAND TEST TEAM

Press, Volume XCII, Issue 27734, 11 August 1955, Page 5

ENGLAND TEST TEAM

OMISSION OF BAILEY CRITICISED “A MAJOR BLUNDER” (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, August 9. The “Star” cricket writer, L. N. Bailey, today picked South Africa to win the last test, starting on Saturday—and the rubber. He and the “Evening News” cricket writer, E. M. Wellings, criticised the English selectors for the omission of Trevor '‘Barnacle’’ Bailey from the English team. Wellings said: “It was the most reckless act of the selectors, who took over ! the England side as a flourishing concern and have reduced it close to bankrupcty in two months.’’ , Wellings added: “Less than three weeks ago. Close could not hold a regular place in the Yorkshire 'side, and the new side also includes Spooner, who had difficultyin keeping in the Warwickshire team. “There are two other risky choices, Cowdrey, who is not in the right frame of mind for big cricket, and Laker, who has bowled indifferently for most of the season and particularly on the day he was selected. “Insole and Wardle may feel they are roughly treated, but their omission is unimportant beside the major blunder. An England team without Bailey is a horrible thought.” Bailey, in the “Star,” said: “The sins of the selectors, in my view, are not so much their surprise choices but strange omissions. I am amazed Bailey was left but. No explanation is given. He is just dropped, and he is our one and only allrounder. “I can imagine what the Australians are thinking about such a decision. They will be hoping the selectors will be kind enough to leave Bailey out of the side for next year’s tests. “I cannot see this eleven doing any better than previous sides against the South Africans, who now have the edge on England They have gained confidence from fighting wins at Manchester and Leeds. The South Africans should go on for the first time in history and win the test series against England.” Bruce Harris, in the “Evening Standard.” said: “In only one respect can I criticise the work the selectors have done —the omission of Bailey. The reasons for dropping him are easy to realise. He is no longer as valuable a bowler as formerly, and as a batsman he just won’t get move on. yet even during his test, when the accent must be on attack, it is as well to have someone in the side who can put the shutters up. “Bailey’s omission apart, the selectors are to be congratulated on a good job.’’ Twelfth Man Named Desmond Barrick, aged 29, the Northamptonshire all-rounder, has been chosen as twelfth man for England. Barrick toured India with the Commonwealth team in 1953-54, but has never played in a test. Northampton shoemakers are collaborating with a massuer to help the pace bowler Frank Tyson towards complete fitness for the vital final test. At a factory in Northampton today they were remaking his left cricket boot. Their target is to give sufficient extra support and cushioning to the outside of the left heel prevent jarring and bruising as Tyson delivers the ball.