N.Z. All-Rounder

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28794, 15 January 1959, Page 11

N.Z. All-Rounder

Between 1940 and 1948, Rabone made only three first-class appearances, and the 1948-49 season was his first full one, for Wellington. He did well, but not remarkably well —205 runs in six innings, and a moderate four wickets for 90 runs. He was not asked to attend the final trial match at Christchurch, but he was chosen for the tour as an all-rounder, and he was a pronounced success. In his fourth match in England, Rabone and F. L. H. Mooney saved the New Zealanders in their match with the M.C.C, by scoring 176 for the sixth wicket. Rabone made 92, Mooney 102, and it was a fair example of the grim concentration Rabone could apply to his batting when required. His test task was one of consolidation late in the order, and he did it well, averaging 30 in the test series. He exceeded 1000 runs on the tour, took 50 wickets, and won a reputation for slip fielding of the highest class. Against Oxford University he took five catches in an innings, and his swift anticipation made him pre-eminent among New Zealand slip fieldsmen for some years. Those who saw New Zealand play the 194950 Australians at Carisbrook will remember the catch Rabone took off G. F. Cresswell to dismiss D. T. Ring. It was a combination of a firm understanding between bowler and fieldsman, swift thinking by Rabone, and the quick but easy movement of the expert slip.