Four Men Selected To Choose Test Teams

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30914, 22 November 1965, Page 18

Four Men Selected To Choose Test Teams

Switching suddenly from the three-man panel that has operated in recent years, the board of control of the New Zealand Cricket Council on Saturday decided on a four-man panel. They appointed Messrs W. A. Hadlee (convener), J. L. Kerr, M. E. Chapple and K. R. Deas to choose the New Zealand team to meet the M.C.C. in the tests in New Zealand next year.

The whole of the discussion on the selectors —the nominations, the reasons for changing from a three-man to a four-man panel—was taken in committee.

; Far almost 90 minutes the board discussed the matter of selectors before releasing the four names for publication. Although nothing more was issued to the press it is understood the meeting had some trouble in ascertaining the availability of candidates. Not Enthusiastic Messrs Hadlee and Kerr, both of whom have selected previously, were not entirely enthusiastic about resuming office as selectors, but because of the circumstances made their names available. Both men are public accountants and have only a limited amount of spare time at their disposal. Mr Kerr, who represented New Zealand before the war.; has served cricket for many years as chairman of the board of Xpntrol and was manager of the team that toured South Africa in 195354. It is rather ironic that, after relinquishing the position of chairman of thej board. Mr Kerr should im-j mediately have to go on to! the selection panel. Managed Tour Team Mr Hadlee, also a former New Zealand representative, was manager of the team that recently toured India, Pakistan and Britain. One of the main reasons for board members being so insistent on Mr Hadlee becoming a selector was the desire to have some con-; tinuity after the three selectors who had chosen the side for that tour had resigned. It was felt that Mr Hadlee had first-hand knowledge of the players who were, in the main, Ukely to be possibili-

ties for. the team to meet the M.C.C. Mr Chapple, another former New Zealand cricketer, has successfully captained Canterbury and Central Districts and is regarded in

i cricket circles as a most knowledgable player. Mr Deas, who this year , was appointed to the AuckI land selection panel as con- - vener, is a former Plunket i Shield player.