“NO NEED FOR PESSIMISM”

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 106, 29 January 1938, Page 11

“NO NEED FOR PESSIMISM”

English Views On Bradman’s Side WEAK SPOT MAY BE IN BOWLING By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. (Received January 28, 5.5 p.m.)

London, January 28.

“Tlie Times,” in a leading article, says that strong as Bradman’s team undoubtedly is, there is no need for pessimism. The “Daily Mail’s” cricketing writer, disagreeing witli a pronouncement by Lord Hawke that the Australians are almost invincible,- says : "The Australians are good, but certainly can be beaten by an England team inspired by confidence and a ruthless will to win. Excepting Bradman, the Australian batsmen are not superior _ to England’s best, and we can certainly field a more formidable pace attack. The following team.would give the Australians a long and difficult run for their money :—Hutton,/Edrich, Hammond, Hardstaff, Paynter, Ames, Robins (captain), Voce, Verity, Fames and Larwood or A. V. Pope or J. W. A. Stephenson. The “Manchester Guardian,” in a leading article, says: “If there is a weak spot in the Australian side it is likely to be the bowling, so in order to

balance the big scores, which Bradman and his allies are expected to make, our batsmen must enter the fray in good heart and not suspect all loose balls of thrice-disguised villainy. Let our selectors take a leaf from the visitors’ book and concentrate on young cricketers of character and we shall have fine sport.” The “Star” considers that Bradman will lead a powerful side, but that, though the batting looks very strong indeed, the team is not as strong as former sides -in the matter of allrounders. Sir Pelham Warner, one of the English selectors, said: “It is an obviously strong side; I have never known the Australians to be otherwise. But I hope and believe they are not invincible.” J. B. Hobbs, writing in tlie "Star,” says: “I notice with a real pang of regret tlie exclusion of Grimmett and Oldfield.” AUSTRALIAN OPINIONS “Omission Of Oldfield A Tragedy” * Sydney, January 28. Former internationals and Press critics deplore the omission of Oldfield in particular, and of Grimmett and Gregory from the Australian cricket team. W. Bardsley says that Oldfield is still the best wicket-keeper in the world. C. G. Macartney says: “The omission of Oldfield is a tragedy.” OPTIMISM OF NEVILLE CARDUS (Received January 28, 16.5 p.m.) Sydney, January 28. Mr. Neville Cardus, who- is visiting Australia, feels more optimistic about England’s chances in the coming Tests now the Australian team has been chosen and does not include Oldfield and Grimmett, the world’s best in their respective classes. He declares he sees a “tail” on occasions when O’Reilly. White, Ward, McCormick and Fleetwood-Smith are used to deliver Australia’s full bowling attack.