FEW CHANGES EXPECTED

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29747, 14 February 1962, Page 6

FEW CHANGES EXPECTED

N.Z. Team For Final Game (Special Crspdt. N.ZP.A.) EAST LONDON. Feb 13 * In spite of the big. defeat by South Africa- in the fourth cricket test at Johannesburg last week. New Zealand is not expected to make many changes in the side for the final match of the series and the last game of the tour, beginning at Port Elizabeth on Friday. The probability that P. Barton will not play because of an injured shoulder leaves one vacancy high up in the batting order. On performances in the match against Border, the most suitable candidates appear to be J. Sparling or J Guy Barton tried out the shoulder injured while fielding in the fourth test before the Border game, but found it still pained him. It obviously affected his throwing and he was unable to play any of his strokes with force.

Sparling and Guy have been going through a rather lean time. Sparling in particular has had a rather disappointing tour. Until his fine innings against Border on Saturday he had played well below his New Zealand form.

The possibility of using Sparling to open the innings with Dowling will give N McGregor a chance to bat further down the list, where he seems to perform much better.

The New Zealand attack is unlikely to be changed F J. Cameron. R. C. Motz and J. C Alabaster have done everything expected of them and have practically carried the bowling for the tourists All three are bowling well at the moment and. including the Border match, both Motz with 77 and Alabaster with 82. join the illustrious little band of eight overseas bowlers who have taken 70 or more first-class wickets on tour in this country.