BRO WN WILL BEFIT

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30952, 7 January 1966, Page 11

BRO WN WILL BEFIT

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) SYDNEY. R. B. Simpson’s withdrawal because of chicken pox, and England’s indecision over the fast bowler, D. Brown’s fitness, provided plenty of drama on the eve of today’s third test.

England yesterday chose 12 players from whom it will nominate the side shortly before the toss. One of the three fast bowlers named will be omitted. Compared with England’s side in the second test at Melbourne, B. R. Knight has been dropped. Brown and K. Higgs return to the team. I. J. Jones retained his place, but clearly will only play if Brown suffers any reaction from two strenuous work outs he had yesterday. Hour’s Bowling

Brown reported no ill effects of his recent pulled stomach muscle after over an hour’s bowling when the England team practised yesterday morning. During lunch the tour selectors named their 12 and the manager, Mr S. C. Griffith, said Brown would have another work-out later. Both off-spinners would definitely play in the test, Mr Griffith said. Brown returned to the Sydney ground and bowled the equivalent of four overs in an empty net adjoining the practice wickets where the Australian team was at work. Brown bowled from his full run, and time and time again knocked back the off stump in the empty net. Between each eight balls Mr Griffith and Mr J. Ikin, his assistant, gave Brown fielding practice. The lanky Warwickshire bowler picked up and threw in the ball running full tilt

and confirmed afterwards that he suffered no trace of his muscle injury during the work-out.

Provided Brown has no reaction this morning it seems certain he will play. The thoroughness of yesterday’s practice for him showed, however, that as far as humanly possible England was not going to risk his breaking down as he did at Brisbane. The teams will be chosen from the following players:— Australia.—G. Thomas, W. M. Lawry, R. M. Cowper, P. J. Burge, B. C. Booth, K. D. Walters, P. Philpott, N. J. Hawke, A. T. W. Grout, D. Sincock, G. D. McKenzie, T. R. Veivers.

England.—R. W. Barber, G. Boycott, J. H. Edrich, K. F. Barrington, M. C. Cowdrey, M. J. Smith, J. M. Parks, F. J. Titmus, D. A. Allen, D. Brown, K. Higgs, I. J. Jones.