OUTSIDE CRITICISM

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 47, 25 February 1937, Page 11

OUTSIDE CRITICISM

INCLUSION OF GRIFFITHS

SOME SURPRISES

(By Telegraph.) (Special to tho "Evening Post.") DUNEDIN, This Day. ■ There is no question that the batting strength of the New Zealand team is equal if not superior to other teams which have left for England. The only quality of the side which causes some concern is the bowling, the fielding ability of most of the players leaving little to be desired. While Cowie is somewhat fortunate in finding a place, particularly in view of his laxity in the field, which is not offset by his bowling, two real surprises are Weir and Griffiths. There is no question, that Weir is a class batsman, though not outstanding, but preference should have been given to a younger playei", ■Uttley, of Otago, for instance, who is a solid batsman and a great field.

In regard to Griffiths, Lamason, when reviewing the Auckland-Wellington match/in a Wellington paper, said: "A big disappointment was Griffiths. In form he could easily have won the game for us, but he could not strike length and was terribly expensive." Griffiths's selection proves conclusively that the selectors were faced with a real "problem to find a slow bowler, but it is hard to understand how they came to overlook Cromb, with his experience and success in big cricket.

The selectors evidently considered Donnelly and Dunning preferable to Elmes and Mulcock. Few will .quibble at the Taranaki colt's selection,1 though Elmes, after his recent fine showing in all departments of the game, must be considered unlucky. Mulcock is a steady and more than useful bowler, but his weakness in other departments of the game no doubt told against him. Dunning has forced his way to the front through sheer persistency and grim determination. He is a trier and great enthusiast. It is said that Page regards him as the best bowler in the Dominion.