First game may sort out test places

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31585, 24 January 1968, Page 11

First game may sort out test places

'THE first match on the A itinerary of the Indian cricket team in New Zealand is against the President’s Eleven, at Hamilton on February 5, 6 and 7. It is usual in all testplaying countries for such a fixture to serve as batting practice for some of the home test batsmen, but to leave test bowlers out of tbe team in the belief that the visiting batsmen should not be given a preview of the enemy’s forces and dispositions. In this instance, it might seem a little pointless. for nearly all in the Indian players have seen something of the likely New Zealand attack—R. C. Motz, B. R. Taylor, R. 0. Coilinge, B. W. Yuile and V. Pollard. But no doubt convention will be served, so that the President’s Eleven will contain several batsmen almost certain of places in the test team. B. W. Sinclair is a prime candidate for the Hamilton match, for his shield appearances will be restricted to two; and as the probable New Zealand captain he could benefit from a look at the Indian team. However some New Zealand players near test selection are certain to be tried out and one of those most likely to be included is J. W. Burtt of Canterbury, whose century at Wellington must have impressed the national selectors. On the basis that his test place is in

jeopardy and that he deserves another chance, K. Thomson may be chosen and a third Canterbury batsman who could be given a chance is B. F. Hastings. Almost throughout the season, Hastings has batted with easy certainty of touch, and it was highly unfortunate for him that he should have failed twice in the vital Plunket Shield match at Napier. As it stands now, Hastings would have but the slimmest chance of winning a test place, but sense, as well as sentiment, argue that the Hamilton match is one in which he could be given another chance to show his ability. M. L. Ryan, of Central Districts, has probably earned a trial, and there could be a case for S. N. McGregor and M. J. F. Shrimpton, both former test players, to be given a game. T. W. Jarvis might have his trial extended. In the absence of the regular test bowlers, R. E. Sutton of Auckland should be played, and G. E. Vivian is another who could be given an opportunity. The young Wellington fast bowler, M. J. Coles, must have a very good chance of playing at Hamilton. Although his figures in the early shield matches were not spectacular, he is a player of distinct possibilities. J. F. Morrison of Wellington is another youngster who appears to have good

prospects; B. Andrews of Central Districts must also have a good chance of appearing in the Hamilton match. It would also serve as useful practice for the

New Zealand wicket-keeper R. I. Harford, who is almost certain to keep his place if J. T. Ward cannot make himself available, and who is in need of match practice.