THE THIRD TEST

Evening Star, Issue 17700, 29 June 1921, Page 5

THE THIRD TEST

WHAT THE ENGLISH PAPERS SAY. Pre« Astodution— By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, June 28. (Received June 29, at 9.5 a.m.) Tho ‘ Manchester Guardian ’ says *• There are many to criticise the Selection Committee, but none to envy that body. Looking back upon seven consecutive crushing defeats, with the probability of threw more, it had to foo© the unpleasant necessity of relegating its leader to a less responsible service in the ranks. As captain, Douglas seriously lacked imagination. Ho was a steady journeyman of leadership; no nimbie-witted _ master of men. His control of the bowling and tho field smacked of tho machine-minder’s routine. Tennyson lacks experience in test cricket and Australian technique, and is unequal in strategy to his resourceful rival so full in years and cunning. Convention forbids Hie sovereignty of the professional, but cannot forbid the use of the power behind the throne. Hobbs is now restored to health and England when most welcome and wanted; thus Tennyson will have sage advice close at hand, and may gain confidence because, tho Leeds team is likely to be stronger than at Nottingham and Lord's.” The London newspapers comment on the drastic nature of the changes in the English team. It is not surprising that Hendren has been dropped, ns he _ has fared so badly against the Australians. Tho selectors’ departure from tradition in order to give youth a chance is generally welcomed, as 'also is tho experiment regarding the captaincy. Tennyson cannot he described as a leader, but his batting is not of the stereotyped style. Tho ‘Evening Standard’ say?; “The selection of Tennyson as captain is one of tho greatest surprises the wicket world has known. It is a daring experiment. He took up the captaincy of Hampshire in 1919, and led the team ably, but how he will shoulder the greater responsibility remains to bo seen. He was wounded three times in the war.”—A. and N.Z. Cable.