CRICKET S.A. Chooses Same 12 For Second Test

Press, Volume C, Issue 29702, 21 December 1961, Page 22

CRICKET S.A. Chooses Same 12 For Second Test

(Special Correspondent N.ZJP.A.) PRETORIA, December 19. By choosing the same players who took part in the first test to represent South Africa in the second test against New Zealand, starting at Johannesburg on December 26, the selectors have shown faith in the team and also breathed a little confidence into the side.

By including W. R. Farrer, twelfth man in the Durban test, among the 12 from whom the side will be chosen, the selectors have given an indication that Farrer will be in the team. It is unlikely that any of the other four new bowlers will be dropped after their encouraging performances at Durban. It therefore appears that one batsman will make way for Farrer. On performances in the first test, it appears that the places of S. Olinn, E. Barlow and K. Elgie are in jeopardy. All three are excellent fielders, but Barlow holds an edge over his colleagues because of his usefulness as a bowler. If their chances of being retained are gauged purely on the statistics of their modest performances at Kingsmead then Barlow holds the advantage. Olinn performed with distinction in helping the Springboks out of trouble against England last year. The selectors know Olinn's capabilities, but if they retain him in preference to Elgie it would be rather harsh on the younger player after only one test. Therefore in the interest of team building for the tour of

Australia in 1963 the selectors would be taking a wise step if they dropped O’Linn and gave Elgie another opportunity to prove his worth. Farrer headed the Currie Cup averages last year, scoring 499 in 11 innings with an average of 55.44. and if he bats to this form he will prove a tremendous asset on the hard and fast Wanderers wicket. It is confidently expected that the South African batting will give an improved display. Like the New Zealanders, one of the Springbok's main problems appears to be at the start of the innings. Scores of 20 for one and 17 for one leave much to be desired and the team feels a great loss without T. L. Goddard—D. J. McGlew’s opening partner in several test series, who is now living in England.

An alternative is to open with the wicket-keeper. J. H. B. Waite and move Barlow lower down, where he usually does better. If the Springboks Lat first Waite could open with McGlew but it is hardly fair to expect him to start the innings after a hard stint behind the stumps. If Barlow learns to curb impetuosity there is no reason why he should not make a lot of runs.