THE M.C.C. TEAM.

Evening Star, Issue 18175, 16 January 1923, Page 4

THE M.C.C. TEAM.

Otago was beaten, but by no means disgraced, in its contest with our viators from overseas. It is to bo regretted for several reasons that tho weather conditions were not more favorable, but they might have been much worse, for there was no eonous curtailment or interference with play, and the match was finished easily in the allotted time. Saturday dawned inauspiciously, but from the hour when play began all went well, and players and spectators alike spent a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. It was gratifying to find such a large attendance and to note tho keenness with which every incident of tho play was followed. The picturesque Carisbrook ground looked most attractive, and the visiting captain expressed the opinion that it was tho best his team had played on in tho dominion. The Otago men performed very creditably indeed. We have tho makings of a good team, and with the series of big matches arranged for this season tho talents of Otago’s first eleven should) bo appreciably developed. The value of these visits is considerable. It ia not that a great deal is learnt from the actual cricketing point of view. Withtho exception of Chapman, the M.C.U. team which played hero contained! no ono who possesses or is likely to gain an international reputation. They wore good cricketers of a standard l type. Where tho benefit comes is in the interest that is created among the players and the public, and tho stimulus that is given to the game. In cricket, as in other departments of life, a man’s capacity is only determined when it is fully tested, and the advent of tho visiting teams to Dunedin this season will bo an incitement to our cricketers to uphold worthily tho honor of tho province. Tho Otago Cricket Association ia to bo congratulated on its arrangements for this important match. The visit of tho team representing England’s great historic club was successful from every point of view, and, in addition to the benefit which will accrue to a national game, it is believed that tho link in the chain which holds us to tho Mother Land will be strengthened.