OXFORD'S PLAYERS

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 130, 6 June 1927, Page 10

OXFORD'S PLAYERS

AN EXCELLENT LEADER

(By "Not Out.")

In tho cabled news of this season's cricket in England there has been but little mention of Oxford University's doings. It is evident, however, from the performance against the New Zealanders that the 'Varsity has quite a good side. The opinion was expressed when the season's prospects were being discussed that Oxford's chances of victory over Cambridge in the match to bo played next month were much brighter than they had been for some time. E. R. ■T. Holmes, wh.o scored a century against the New Zealanders, is Oxford's captain this year. As a batsman he is regarded as a future representative of England. He was one of the last of the pupils turned out by the Eev. C. Topin, the famous Malverii coach, who, it is {said, has turned out more cricket'"stars" than any other coach in England. Holmes also plays for Surrey, and did well for the county last year. Regarding his captaincy of Oxford this season an English writer stated recently: "He will set his side an example of infectious enthusiasm in the field and irrepressible optimism off it." J. A. Nunn is Holmes's second in command. He more than justified his eleventh-hour inclusion in the team to play Cambridge last year by his sound and stylish batting in both innings. Other members of tho team opposing the New Zealanders to play in last, year's match with Cambridge are G. C. Newman, M. A. M'Canlis, and J. W. Greenstock. M'Canlis and Greenstock, the latter another Malvern product, played regularly for Oxford. These two were the bowling successes in the 'Varsity match, Greenstock being a slow left-hander and M'Canlis a steady right-hander of medium pace. Newman is described as a brilliant, but unreliable batsman. . The only two players from overseas in the Oxford team for the present match are de Silva (from Ceylon) and L. B. Serrurier (from" South Africa). The latter improved as a bowler last year, and was regarded as unfortunate in not receiving a more prolonged trial. A. P. W. Bowley h&s been promoted by reason of his good bowling form last season, and H. M. Garland-Wells is included by reason of his fine all-round performances for St. Paul's last year. P. V. F. Cazalet hails from Eton, where his batting successes -were notable, and A. M. Crawley comes from Harrow with a fine record as a batsman.

So far as the bowling is concerned Holmes can be of great assistance if required; indeed, there was a hope at the outset of the season that he would save his fast bowling for the match with c"mJb«/ge, as it was reckoned as one of Oxford's sources of potential strength. The 'Varsity match is to be played at Lord's commencing on the Hh Jul^. .-■••- "•■--. x::.:...