N.Z. CRICKET ALMANAC

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30277, 1 November 1963, Page 16

N.Z. CRICKET ALMANAC

Criticism Of Selectors (N.Z. Frees Association) WEUJNGTON. October 31. The 1963 New Zealand Cricket Almanac strongly criticises last season a national selectors. It claims that when Messrs J. G. Leggat, J. R. Reid and J. A. Newman chose their first test side to play England, “It appeared that current form counted for little and that several were being selected on performances of the previous year. "The selection of W. R. Playle, and particularly as an opener, was difficult to understand.

"For several years we have been told of the shortage of openers, yet in Auckland, Rayle’s own team, there was in S. G. Gedye a player who has scored his 300 runs or thereabouts a season, at an average of 30 for three seasons in succession. "Others were also available —far better choices than Playle on current form.

"The original selection of G. A. Bartlett was an amazing one, viewed from his form during the season, and when he withdrew on his own assessment of his lack of form he was replaced not by another speedster but by a left-arm apinner, B. W. Yuile.

The almanac is without a "batsman and bowler of the year.” Chosen instead are two wicket-keepers—-neither of whom is a current New Zealand representative—as “Players of tha Year.”

They are the veterans. E. C. Petrie (Northern Districts) and I. A. Colquhoun (Central Districts).