CRICKETERS RETURN

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 97, 19 January 1926, Page 8

CRICKETERS RETURN

AUCKLAND MEMBERS’

VIEWS

TOUR OF INESTIMABLE

VALUE

Br 'J'elugbapu—•special CouuEsroxtiLX'i Auckland, January 18.

Bronzed and tanned, but bearing little oilier evidence of a strenuous teii week’s lour, the Auckland members of the New Zealand cricket team arrived by the Niagara, after the most successful visit yet paid to Australia bv a Dominion eleven. All three, C. C. Dacre, who acted as vice-captain during the trip, C. F. W. Allcott, and H. D. Gillespie, state that tile trip was most enjoyable from every point of view. The experience gained was of inestimable value, and everywhere they went tiie Australians were the personification of hospitality, and they spared no efforts to give the team a good time. Dacrc said the team had improved wonderfully during the trip, more especially in regard to batting, this being shown by the large number of centuries scored. When tiie subject of Dacre’s own century was approached, lie was not nearly so communicative. “We bad lost three wickets fairly cheaply,” he said, “and it looked as if someone would have to get a score. I managed to do it, and it was high time I got runs at any rate.” He omitted to state that his score of 218 was a record for the tour.

The match of the tour from all points of view was that against South Australia. In this game the New Zealand, ers played against what was practically the State’s strongest eleven, and put up a splendid fight. Grimmett’s bowling was not found exceptionally difficult, and the hard-hitting batsmen made runs against it. “The Australians’ batting is not nearly as unorthodox as we are led to believe,” said liner;’. “Of course, this season, they arc all chasing the trip to Eng,an<l, and as a result arc playing for their averages

in the Sheffield Shield gaincs. They realise they have practically unlimited time at their disposal, ami Hie-- certainly make the most of it. The batting is very slow am, even In our games they generally had I heir averages in sight, and took no risks to speak of.” Allcott had plenty of experience of this. “They just sit on their bats and wait for runs,” be said.

Dacrc is emphatically of opinion that New Zealand batsmen are much ipore enterprising than the Australians. “We showed during the tour,” he said, “that we had a greater variety of shots. The Australians play all their shots in front of the wicket, and very seldom use the leg glance, while cutting is practically a lost art. They say themselves that if these tours are repeated at more frequent intervals, and if our cricketers receive proper coaching, New Zealand cricket will improve marvellously. At present, however, any New Zealand side would be soundly beaten by the best Australian State team.”

Allcott is of opinion that the New Zealanders’ bowling is bound to show some improvement. OTAGO TEAM ’l’o MEET WELLINGTON. By Telegraph Pi:rs« Association Dunedin, January 18. Tho following Otago team will’ meet Wellington on Friday:—Blnmires (captain), Shepherd, Galland, AlcMullan, A. W. Alioo. H. C. Alloo, Dickinson, Worker, Torrance, Cherry, Zimmerman, Knight (twelfth man).

A WORLD’S RECORD

EUNS SCORED IN SHEFFIELD SHIELD MATCH. Sydney, January 17. The aggregate runs scored in the Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and South Australia was 1929—a world’s record.— Press Assn.

Peck’s Salmon and Shrimp and Anchovette Fish Pastes are unrivalled for delicacy and flavour. Try it.—Advt. 9.