(By "Not Out") COMMENT TAKES WIDE RANGE

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 49, 27 February 1937, Page 23

(By "Not Out") COMMENT TAKES WIDE RANGE

CHOICE OF N.Z. REPRESENTATIVES

The selection of the New Zealand cricket team for _the_ tour of the Home countries has given rise to a great deal of-criticism. It would seem that the filling of most of the places, mainly in regard to batting, has given general satisfaction, but there is. much surprise over the manner in which the selectors have filled several positions in the side. Surprise at the choice of Griffiths is general, and there i. much surprise, too, at the omission of Gallichan, who was regarded as easily good enough to be worthy of a place, though, of course; not the place that has been given to the slow right-hand bowler. Opinions differ on how some of the places should have been filled, and it is interesting to note how the comment from each centre has its favours for local players.

Wellington has ■ one of 'the largest cricket followings in New Zealand, and, despite the fact that (with country players.included in the team),.it took the "wooden spoon" in the Plunket Shield competition this ■ season, the extent of talent in the city is such that there was reason for considerable surprise when it was announced that the only Wellington city, players who could be placed in the New Zealand fourteen were Tindill and Griffiths. As for the shield, Wellington might easily have retained it. Had the match with Auckland been won instead of narrowly lost, Wellington would have been at the top of the shield ladder instead of at the bottom. As for the players here, it can only be said that several are" most unfortunate. UNLUCKY PLAYERS.

Although Auckland gained five places in the New. Zealand team, there is surprise in the north, and elsewhere,

100, at the omission of Matheson. Wellington's big country area is-represent-ed in the team by two-players, and, undoubtedly,, it might well have Jiad Gallich'an~"as'■ a' successful 'carididater Canterbury has four men in the side; and the surprise there is that, neither Cromb nor Mulcock was chosen. Otago gained one place, but it was not filled by either of the players regarded as having best claims, Uttley. and Elmes.

But for.the-fact that only one wicketkeeper had to be chosen, Blandford, no doubt, would have been in from Wellington.- Parsloe had stronger claims than some who were 'chosen, and',he must have missed by the barest margin, and-. Lamason should . have been iri the ■ reckoning to the finish. In studying the selection from all angles, one cannot help thinking -that Ell should have been treated as a stronger candidate.' But It is the way of selections—some good players invariably are passed, by.

terested readers some idea of the method, or reasons, for the selection of the present team? It would be illuminating to refed a record of their cricketing experience, how long they have been in first-class cricket, that is, interprovincial, shield matches, etc. In fact, what is their record from the manager and captain to the end of the 'tail'?"