CRICKET “Australia's Cricket Troubles Mounting”

Press, Volume C, Issue 29508, 9 May 1961, Page 6

CRICKET “Australia's Cricket Troubles Mounting”

(N Z Press Association— Cwi/rtont)

LONDON, May 8.

Australia's cricket troubles are rapidly building up to a crisis, Brian Chapman wrote in today's "Daily Mirror.” "If this week’s weather is as ruthless to them as the last, a major change in the captain R. Benaud's tour strategy would seem to be imperative.” he says. “Soon the tests will be looming up, and key men like A. Davidson, now completely match-starved, must be given a ehance to work into top gear. “Already, after fewer than 14 hours’ play in the first two games, the current fixture against Yorkshire, is reduced at best to a two-day affair. "Next comes Lancashire, at Old Trafford, where the tourists will be mighty lucky to put in three full days. Rain fell in Manchester yesterday. “After that, only seven games remain before the first test,” said the correspondent.

Bradford had a burst of good drying weather yesterday with a strong wind and some sunshine.

The prospects for play, however, were rather spoiled by heavy showers in the afternoon. The ground is sodden after three weeks of rain and was unplayable on Saturday. Yesterday some of the Australians went to Leeds to play golf while others watched a benefit match at Shipley for the Yorkshire batsman. B. Close, who toured Australia in 1950-51.

Benaud may be fit enough to play against Lancashire, the acting-manager (Mr R. Steele) said yesterday.

Benaud has been out of Cricket for a week having injections and physiotherapy

treatment for inflamed tendons.

He is expected to rejoin the team in Manchester today. It is almost certain that the team for Lancashire will include those who have not yet appeared on he tour: L. Kline. B. Jarman. B. McKenzie and A. Davidson.