DOWLING, SINCLAIR BOTH DOUBTFUL FOR TOUR Captaincy Problem Unsettling Cricket Selection

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31835, 13 November 1968, Page 19

DOWLING, SINCLAIR BOTH DOUBTFUL FOR TOUR Captaincy Problem Unsettling Cricket Selection

(By

R. T. BRITTENDEN)

Since the middle of the test cricket series against India last season, New Zealand has had a captaincy problem in the need to end the Box and Cox arrangement between B. W. Sinclair and G. T. Dowling.

Sinclair in Wellington, Dowling in Christchurch have both stated they cannot yet say whether they will be able to find time from their business commitments to make the quite extensive tour of England and India next year.

So New Zealand could possibly be without the two batsmen more likely than any others to succeed in the oppressive atmosphere of the test match. Without Dowling and Sinclair, New Zealand’s batting strength would be reduced drastically, and it would be

But the selection of a national leader might be more difficult than this choice, because there are at least some grim prospects that neither may be available to tour.

anything but easy to find a replacement as captain of the test and touring teams.

Pollard Probable

The most obvious choice is V. Pollard, who has led Central Districts to success in the last two Plunket Shield series and whose aggressive approach to the game has often been an inspiration in the field.

But one hopes, for Pollard’s own sake, that Dowling or Sinclair will be free to lead the team overseas. Pollard is only 23, and although there have been test captains younger than that, they have been rare. The demands made on a touring captain are extremely heavy, and Pollard’s contribution in runs and wickets could well be diminished by them. New Zealand cannot afford that.

Pollard is a cricketer of outstanding natural ability, but bis batting has declined recently, and he has fixed ideas which are handicapping the development of his bowling.

Cares Of Captaincy New Zealand cricket needs Pollard at his best, and his own batting and bowling problems have to be solved; his re-emergence as New Zealand’s best young player should not be prejudiced by the cares of captaincy against the West Indies. Should both Dowling and Sinclair be available for the tour, the choice between them will not be easy. When J. R. Reid led New Zealand overseas in 1965 Dowling was his vice-captain. But Dowling did not play in the domestic season of 1965-66. and M. E. Chappel was chosen to lead the test team.

When Chapple withdrew from the second test against England Sinclair took his place and was the leader the following season against the Australians. Dowling captained New Zealand for the first time when Sinclair had to withdraw from the team for the second test against India last season, and retained the leadership when Sinclair returned to the side.

Sinclair Unsuccessful Both have good claims to the captaincy, but the most important factor may be that Dowling, as Canterbury and New Zealand captain, has produced his most profitable form. Except for his splendid century against England, Sinclair has not batted well as captain. It is highly desirable that the leadership of the New Zealand teams to play the West Indies and to tour England should be settled, at least within the confines of the national selection panel, as soon as possible. But no beginnings to team building can be made while such an important question is unanswered. Every effort must be made to have these two top players announce their intentions forthwith.