Prospect For England

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28492, 23 January 1958, Page 13

Prospect For England

Regarded by many as the best batting prospect In Wellington nnd John Reid, B.F. Hastings, ’baa been included in the U Wrilington. players to meet Canterbury to'the final Pjunket Shield 'match against Canterbury gt Park tomorrow, made a brilliant matchaunfttog century for Midland gjniOTS last Saturday, and celeMted his selection for WellingK'With 122 for Wellington colts Manat Hutt Valley last Monday. Since leaving Wellington College at the end of last year Hastings has come to the fore with a batting record over the holiday period of remarkable consistency. Viee-captain of the Wellington Brabin Shield team, he scored 29, 77 not out, 32 not out, and 68, and followed this with 20 and 51 for

/the New Zealand Brabin Shield team that played an Auckland eleven. Returning to Wellington he made 18 before his 101 for Midland and his 122 for Wellington colts gives him a total of 518 runs at an average of 74.

Early Promise Hastings was first noticed by Midland Club officials who controlled his Saturday morning primary school games, and club members such as the New Zealand representative, Eric Dempster have taken a keen interest jn his progress ever since.. In the last few seasons he has played for Midland in the school holidays, and after several big scores in second grade he made a grand entry into senior cricket last season. His two matches before returning to school produced 41 and 45 not out, and 96 not out and 5, and his 18 and 101 this season give him a senior club average of 76.5.

Hastings is a free-scoring batsman who can play all the shots, but favours the drive, which he plays with remarkable power for his years, and the cut which he invariably places to perfection. He is also a good fielder and very safe in catching positions close to the wicket

Notwithstanding his successes he has been criticised for not playing a straighter bat. The same, however, has often been said of John Reid. Assuming that he takes his place in the final eleven to meet Canterbury, he will carry the good wishes of all cricket lovers, for Hastings is the type of youngster New Zealand cricket badly needs.