THIRD CRICKET TEST

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 81, 29 December 1928, Page 7

THIRD CRICKET TEST

INTEREST IN TO-DAY’S MATCH

ENGLISH AND AUSTRALIAN PRESS COMMENT

RYDER TO AGAIN LEAD AUSTRALIANS

The changes made in the Aus. stralian eleven for the third Test match, which opens at Melbourne to-day, have lent additional interest to the game. English comment indicates that Chapman’s eleven are set a harder task, believing that the Australian bowling has been strengthened. Ryder has figain been appointed captain of the Australian eleven. (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) . (Australian Press Association.) (Rec. December 28, 7.5 p.m.) London, December 27. There are indications of the keenest interest in the third Test. The Press generally is discussing the changes in the Australian team and the prospects. The “Daily Telegraph” anticipates that England’s eleven will meet stiffer opposition at Melbourne than hitherto. The introduction of Oxenham and A’Beckett means a formidable combination of bowlers. It needs only a little luck, which has not yet come to Australia, which may make the struggle very even. While it would be pleasant to win the rubber with two games in hand there will be many who would like to see their opponents make a bold bid for victory in this match.

The “Morning Post” says the Australian eleven is perhaps a stronger side than that which played at Sydney, though Ponsford will be sorely missed at Melbourne, where he scored his principal triumph. England would have been cheaply rid of Ponsford on his favourite pitch for any-

thing under a hundred. The most significant change is the dropping of Ironmonger and the requisitioning of Oxenham to strengthen the attack. He undoubtedly is a great bowler on his day. \ He has plenty of spin, varies his attack, and possesses the cricket brain.

“Sporting Life” regards the Australian Test team as stronger than at Brisbane or Sydney. There is no question that the attack has been strengthened. AUSTRALIAN COMMENT (Australian Press Association.) Melbourne, December 28. The Test selectors also chose Ironf monger to play in the third Test should the weather be wet. Conditions point to thunderstorms, and the weather clerk says that further rain is likely. The papers commend the selection of Bradman and a’Beckett, who will infuse youth into the team. The Sydney “Telegraph’s” expert deprecates the selectors’ casual treatment of Kippax and Oldfield, who were not notified that they were to be in Melbourne for the match. Had it not been for the chairman of the Board of Control, who took the matter in his own hands and instructed the secretary of the New South Wales Association to buy Oldfield’s ticket to Melbourne, the famous wicketkeeper may have still been in Sydney awaiting a call from Melbourne.

The final team will be selected on Saturday morning.

RYDER TO AGAIN LEAD AUSTRALIANS (Australian Press Association.) (Rec. December 28, 8.50 p.m.) Melbourne, December 28. Ryder has. been appointed captain of the Australian eleven and Woodful vice-captain. THE ENGLISH. TEAM (Rec. December 28, 10.45 p.m.) Sydney, December 28. Although the English team will not be formally announced until to-mor-row, it is understood the team will ne the same as that which won the second Test.