Selectors May Experiment

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31576, 13 January 1968, Page 17

Selectors May Experiment

(N.I. Press Assn.— Copyright) SYDNEY. The Australian cricket ■electors are expected to make some experiments when they meet today to choose the third and fourth teat team* to play India. The third test starts in Brisbane on January 19 and the fourth test in Sydney a week later. Australia holds a 2-0 lead in the rubber so that the selectors probably feel free to use the remaining two matches to cast a critical eye

over some candidates for the approaching tour of England. W. M. Lawry’s appointment as Australia’s new captain to replace R. B. Simpson is regarded as a formality. The selectors are expected to grasp the opportunity to give Lawry these last two tests to find his feet and begin organising his side for the English series. South Australia’s fastmedium bowler, E. Freeman, who has been twelfth man in the first two tests this summer, should get his chance. He may displace A. Connolly, who has fared only moderlately in two matches to date.

Tha prospect of K. D. Walters being available is ; bound to interest the selectors. They are anxious for him ■ to get as much match practice as he can before the English tour. The young left-handed batsman, L. Joslin, who played a spirited innings in the current game against New South Wales, is another prospect, while N. J. Hawke, one of Australia’s regulars in recent series, may be recalled, either in Brisbane or Sydney. However, Hawke suffered a groin injury in a recent shield match in Sydney and his fitjness may be in doubt.