W.I. test hopes look brighter

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 34009, 25 November 1975, Page 34

W.I. test hopes look brighter

(N.Z. Press Assn—Copyright) BRISBANE. West Indies test hopes brightened yesterday with news that an X-ray of Gordon Greenidge’s injured left hand had revealed no break. But Greenidge is still a doubtful starter for the first test against Australia starting at the Wooloongabba Cricket Ground on Friday. The hand is badly bruised and Greenidge faces a race against time to get fit. The West Indies top opening batsman has not been able to hold a bat since suffering the injury in the match against New South Wales. He was rapped on the hand by a rising ball from Gary Gilmour and then aggravated it in the field when he collided with a fence. OTHERS INJURED The injury prevented him from being considered for the match against Queensland. Greenidge accompanied the rest of the West Indian partv to the Gold Coast on Sunday after being X-rayed and treated by a psysiotherapist. Lance Gibbs (hamstring) and Keith Boyce (strained back) also received treatment. Leonard Baichan will be the replacement if Greenidge is ruled out of the test. Baichan is in good form although he is inclined to be too slow. TWO SPINNERS The West Indies will not name their test team until Thursday, but it is expected to include two spinners — Gibbs and Inshan Ali, who wrecked Queensland with hauls of five for 42 and six for 36. The Gabba was deluged by a severe storm on Sunday night but the wicket does not seem to have been affected. The strip has much more i grass on it than that used

fcr the West Indies-Queens-land match and which came under so much fire. EXUBERANCE Australia’s new test captain, Greg Chappell, has defended the on-field behaviour of his team. Chappell told reporters he did not believe the Australians had gone overboard in their enthusiasm. “A lot of incidents were blown up unnecessarily last series,” he said. “Exuberance on the field has been part of our team spirit. It mirrors the spirit of elation and the players’ delight in each other’s success. “At the same time I realise we have to be careful this is not overdone for the sake of cricket.” A “Daily Telegraph” writer, Phil Tresidder, commented: “So it will be another summer of bear-hugs and kisses for the successful Australian bowlers and catchers, and presumably no restrictions on some good old-fashioned swearing.” (The Australian team was criticised by the former M.C.C. captain, Mike Denness, last season for what were described as “gamesmanship” tactics.) ‘GOOD ENOUGH’ Asked whether he would turn to his brother, lan, his predecessor as test captain, for advice. Chappel replied: “lan’s success over the years has come because he has been prepared to listen and I use advice the best way possible. I "I will expect the same advice not only from lan and the vice-captain (lan Redpath), but from Rod Marsh and other senior players.” Chappell said he believed the Australian side was good enough to beat the West Indies in the test series. “It is a well-balanced ;side,” he said. ' “The West Indies are the (strongest opposition we can Some up against at the moIment, but I think we have a I side capable of beating i them.”