West Indies Name Near-Test XI

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31836, 14 November 1968, Page 15

West Indies Name Near-Test XI

(A’.Z. Press Association—Copyright' MELBOURNE. The West Indian selectors, who, after two successive defeats, warned the tourists that “the party is over,” have chosen a near-test strength team to meet the powerful Victorian side at the Melbourne Cricket Ground tomorrow.

Apart from the off-spinner, L. S. Gibbs, who is being rested, the attack is likely’ to be that which will play in the first test in Brisbane next month.

The batting line-up is also strong, with G. S-. Sobers, R. B. Kanhai and S. M. Nurse being joined by B. F. Butcher, who batted brilliantly for two centuries in Perth. In their quest to find the most suitable pair of openers for the first test, the West Indies selectors are giving M. C. Carew and S. Camacho a valuable opportunity to press their claims, while R. Fredericks, who has played in all four games to date, has a well-earned rest. Similarly, C. Lloyd, who has taken part in all four matches in Western and South Australia, will be given a break. The fast bowler, W. W. Hall, who was treated by a specialist in Adelaide for back trouble. has been cleared to resume the newball attack against Victoria. The team is: Sobers (cap-

Itain), Carew, Camacho, Kanhai. Nurse, Butcher, D. Hol[ford, J. Hendriks. C. C. Griffith, Hall, R. Edwards. C. [Davis is twelfth man. [ The Victorian selectors [have named 12 players for i the match and will make their filial choice shortly before the scheduled start of [play. : The Victorian 12 is: W. M. [Lawry (captain), I. R. Redpath, D. Anderson, P. Bedford, A. N. Connelly, R. Cook, J. Grant, R. Jordan, L. Joslin, K. Kirby, A. P. Sheahan, K. I Stackpole. Not Reliable Guide I The early failings of the West Indies should not be treated as a reliable form [guide, said Australia’s test captain, Lawry, yesterday. Summing up the early West Indies misadventures, Lawry I said: “Anybody who takes [notice of these results is off line.” I On Monday, the West Indies went down by 10 wickets

to South Australia and last week they were narrowly beaten by an Australian XI in Perth. Lawry’s advice was to forget this show of form. “They are a far better side than that,” he added.

“I don't place any importance in their defeats so far, because the last side also struggled early in the tour. “They are trying out their players and you don’t always field your best balanced players early in a tour. The West Indies are a fine side, and they will be hard to beat.”