CRICKET

Evening Star, Issue 20687, 9 January 1931, Page 4

CRICKET

HEWS AND NOTES

[By Substitute.]

SHIELD MATCH REVIEWED. | Everything po.nted well at the outset of the Otago-Auckland Blanket Shield match at Carisbrook, the weather being perfect, the wicket hard and good for plenty of runs. The trend of the play on the first two days, followed by a break in the weather on the Sat-1 nrday, brought about a lingering and I disappointing conclusion, with Auckland j easy winners b> nine wickets. j It was scarcely expected that Otago I would beat such a/formidable batting! side as Auckland, bub when the north- j errors were disposed of for 331 Otago) had a distinct chance of making an in-1 teresting finish. However, the first innings’ collapse of the Otago side spoilt everything, and, although the batsmen batted valiantly in the second knock,) the runs left for Auckland to make j were insufficient to create any excite- j ment. There is no satisfactory explain*- 1 tion to be made concerning this first innings’ collapse of Otago, except that { the fast bowling was too much for the | home side, which had not had the j necessary expedience against pace. However, they showed on the follow-on that j they had benefited by the experience, and the pae.v stuff was played soundly and effectively by several of the batsmen. There is, therefore, no need for extreme pessimism, as the match clearly showed that Otago’s best batsmen at any rate wore capable of learning their lesson, and so soon as it is realised that I an entirely new generation of players must now come into the firing line itj should be evident that Otago has _as j good a chance of building a winning team as Canterbury has done. Canterbury’s experience this season shows the wisdom of going along these linos, hi the process of building it will inevitably he Otago’s Jot to sustain defeats, but that is nothing in view of the fact that the province has already sustained quite a few on end The groat thing for the Otago selectors to realise is that once 1 they have decided that a young player has possibilities in him for big cricket Iro should be persevered with and given every chance to develop those possibilities. In this connection there arc a number of colts who undoubtedly have batting ability, but. as is the case throughout the cricket world, bowlers of class are very scarce. * During these seasons of trial, of course, lessons taught by experience must be taken to heart, and the rather easy-going methods of the past must bo discarded, even though it may mean hurting the feeling of players who have done good service for thS province previously, but who are now obviously past their best. Another task that must he gone into carefully is that of finding a captain. Admittedly, good captains are not to be found on gooseberry bushes, and even if no outstanding leader should present himself, the best plan is to try out the possible skippers until the ideal or near ideal has been found. The match just concluded has demonstrated the fact that two at least of the younger colts can bat and hat well. Thev. are Moloney and Hawksworth. both of whom displayed quite good form. Thev should, in the natural course of cvynts. play on until they are among the stalwarts of the side. Moloney’s beautiful driving was one or the features of Friday afternoon’s play. They are the tvpe of lad who give cricket supporters hope. . Though again disappointing Lavanagh must be persevered with as he has alreadv proved his scoring ability in good company. Both ho and Elrnes mav possibly have had too much practice. They,' with others, were regular attonders at the winter school, and on every possible occasion since. It is, of course, quite possible to have too much just as one can have too little practice, and staleness towards the end of the season may result. Elrnes certainly has not shown the form that was expected of him, and unless he improves in the interim before the Canterbury match may possibly have to give way to some otlior youngster who is m Jorm. His lack of form was ,shown in bis erratic bowling. He did not appear to have tbo necessary command over the ball. Lefnin bowled well at limes ami needed watching, hut he, too. needs to gain more control ul pitch and swing. There are distinct possibilities in this young bowler, and it is a pity that he is not a little stronger in flic batting and fielding departments. Still, with tho lack of good bowlers be must still bo considered. Keg. Cherry is batting well this season, and though ho did not sbino to tho extent that lie did in the Wellington match lie batted stubbornly against some very nasty bowling, and as an opening batsman he has distinct value. Roger Blunt is still the champion allrounder, and he has made a distinct recovery from tho rather patchy form shown in the opening club games. Tho latter was not surprising in view of tho limited opportunities for practice by reason of tho weather. Blunt is the ideal tvpe of cricketer —keen and out for the'game all the time. He put up a, splendid all-round performance in this match, and in taking eight wickets for 99 and one for 26 he was bowling better probably than ever lie did, this happy state of affairs being helped by tho fact that bis finger which was injured during his tour of England with the New Zealand team a few years ago lias almost fully recovered. His batting against Auckland was quite up to his old delightful form, and he may be looked to to again distinguish himself against English howlers. Badcock, up to the second innings of this match, had not shown his old brilliant form, and in the second knock he appeared to adopt a policy of all or nothing. Fortune favours the brave, however, and taking every # risk he knocked up a bright 70, assisted by a fair slice of luck. His fielding right through was splendid, but his bowling was not the assistance that Otago supporters hoped it would be. One won tiers whether tho apparently weak wrist would not bo better for a rest, but apparently this would lie difficult to arrange in view of his coaching activities throughout the year. Ho is still n very fine nil-round cricketer, with a cricketer’s instincts, which is a most valuable asset.

George Dickinson played perhaps euo best knock of the Otago side in the second innings, when ho hit up /3() in

real batsmanlike style. The Jolty fireworks tlmt used to characterise Dickinson’s batting were absent, and in their place came strokes along me lurr that were forceful and quite delightful. In fact, lie showed again that he could bat. As a bowler, however, be has without doubt deteriorated from the sensational speed merchant he was only a few seasons ago. Ho has lost much of liis pace and sting, and rarely looked dangoious in the Auckland game.

GalJand unfortunately received a Tory nasty knock during his first visit to the wickets, ami this naturally atfoeted his subsequent play. Tho everpopnlar *' Gal..” who lias often come to tho rescue of his province, will prob ably be one of tho veterans who will make way for the new battalion, and this also applies to A. W. AI loo,' who. though he came to light in the second innings and gave a bright display for 37. can now afford to stand aside for sue;lar reasons. Flayers such as these are not likely to stand in the tight of promising young cricketers, and their past services to’ tho province are not likely to be .soon forgotten. It was a pity that Dunning was unable to take part in this match, as apart from his value to Otago as an all-rounder it is conceivable that the New Zealand selectors wore easting a, friendly eye in his direction and it would have been gratifying for Otago to have had a sec.ond member of tiie team for England. Dunning is one player in whom might bo found the skipper that the province needs. Blunt is another. Either of them is worth trying in the position. For o, long time Otago has not boon able to find a successor as regular wicketkeeper to such old-time stars as .Timmy Croxford. Frank Williams, Gondii ffc, and Charlie Chadwick (who is still playing), although Galkuid has often filled the bill not only with satisfaction hut brilliantly. In the Auckland match Hawkesworth was not a success behind the stumps, and it seemed as though his lingers were tender, which naturally made the taking of the ball cleanly difficult. In this match, however, ho was not up to intcrprovincial standard. On tho other hand, one finds that tiio keepers available do not disclose a satisfactory substitute. Otago is really badly off for wicketkeepers. Amongst the outstanding performances in tho Auckland elvcu were those of Allcott. Postles, and Cleverley. Both Allcoft and Bostics achieved their first centuries in Binuket Shield matches, and in both cases runs were got in hatsmanliko style, Allcott’s display especially being a most attractive one. This competent all-rounder did good service with the ball when ho came on in tho second innings, Otago at the time making a good fight. Me took two wickets for 29 runs. In addition to scoring a, century in the first innings, Bostics made a certainty of a substantial win by compiling 58 not out in the second knock, in both cases tho runs being got by sound batsmanship. With regard to Cleverley, it may be mentioned that this player is only twonty-onc years of age. He has distinct promise as a fast bowler, not only because of the little bit of extra pace that ho can command, but because ho has tho knack of sending along a most awkward ball, which swings into the batsman’s body and makes the latter’s position a very uncomfortable one. On a fiery wicket ho would bo extremely dangerous for a few overs. It was noticeable in this connection that although Cleverly is said to have plenty of stamina and is a good lastor, Alieott gave him frequent spells, so Hint he was always fresh and never lost his sting.

The Dunedin public was not given the opportunity of seeing very 'much of young Vivian, who created such a fine impression in Christchurch, and who is another aspirant for New Zealand honours. He made only a few in tbo first innings before being out to rather a weak stroke, but those who saw him at practice are satisfied that ho is one of New Zealand’s coming left-handed batsmen.

Mills’s scores, while only fairly moderate, v.orc made stylishly, especially the 31 in the second innings, in the making of which he brought off some very sweet shots. He fielded well, and was responsible for Otago’s only run out. Wensloy was solid in both departments, without getting into the dangerous mood that was the undoing of Otago last season in Auckland. IVcir. who is_ another that, the public has on the list for England, did not get very laix but in making 30 not out in Auckland’s ‘•ccnml innings he confirmed the good impressions that wore toriiied of him when ho made a century on his last appearance bore. Malheson howled steadily and really kept a hotter length Ilian Cleverley' did, hut lie never looked so dangerous as the I'asler man.

lluiil. the visitor's wicket-keeper bruised his fingers badly early in the game and took no further part, the hi,pan cricketer. Thakohau, taking the gloves and doing quite well in” the circumstances.

In fielding Auckland really showed to better advantage, being cleaner in the nick up and smarter in tho return. However, there were few muffed bits of fielding on the port of tho Otago men, who all showed keenness. Owing to tho factors already mentioned, the gate takings were moderate, and tho Otago Cricket Association can hope to "'iwii Profit from fho match. i't 1 - t|l e „.K’antorbury-Otngo and .Tiick'land-u clh'ngtoii matches yet to be played, tbo position of the ‘ Blanket Shield competition is as follows :■

NOTKS. d he injured hand, sustained in practice, kept Alex. Knight, Grange batsman. (jut of both the Wellington and Auckland games. He did good service m the latter match as scorer in the absence of W, A. Rowland, who was concerned with other official duties in connection with the match. ’Die action of Knight and his colleague (G. thicker) in putting up the runs bv singles as Ro,sties and AI it-o 11 were reaching their respective centuries was much appreciated by the crowd, Canterbury has undoubtedly proved itself a great lighting team, both in its defeats of Auckland and Wellington,

for after compiling moderate totals in the first innings AL L. Bage and his merry men have come to light with splendid second innings’ efforts, Canterbury now has a lend of eight points for the Blunket Shield, and is going to bo extremely hard to displace from its present strong position. Tho policy of encouraging the young players that the Canterbury selector has followed is now hearing fruit, and this province is hound to have several players in the Now’ Zealand team for England. Bags must bo one of tho first men to te picked, and, although Merritt has been a trifle disappointing in • the two matches that have been played he is not likely to be passed by, for lie has already proved his worth and is still young. The case with which ho has taken wickets in club cricket may have made him a little careless, but he is the typo of player almost sure to do well in a long tour. J. L. Kerr’s best effort in the Shield games was his 73 against Auckland, and the Aucklanders were much impressed with his batting, tho opinion being expressed by those qualified to judge that Kerr went for the bowling from tho start quicker than the great majority of 'English players. In four innings ho totalled 105 runs, but he has had a groat season in chib cricket. R. O. Talbot will lie a strong candidate for inclusion. Ho caino to light with scores of 1, 74, 42, and 61 in the recent Shield matches, and in all took four wickets for 181 runs. A. W. Roberts, who has already had a trial for Now Zealand, must also be strongly fancied. His scores in the Shield games were 17, 61. 14, and 116. In reference to a statement made some time ago anent wicketkeepers and the wearing of glasses, a correspondent writes stating that K. A. Young, of Sussex, played in two test, matches for England in Australia and he wore glasses. J. N. Crawford, who was subsequently coach in Otago, was another bespectacled player in the same team.

The question as to whether or not Dickinson is available Ipr selection in tho New Zealand team has been freely discussed of late, and oven now it does not appear certain that ho will be available for selection. It may be mentioned that Dickinson himself told the writer at the start of the season that he would not be available for the English tour, which confirmed the statements to that effect which wore being freely circulated. That surely would seem to be sufficient foundation for the published statement that he would not bo available, irrespective of the fact whether he since has changed his mind or not.

The match Canterbury v. Auckland certainly showed how faulty _ fielding can handicap a good batting side. The New Zealand Cricket Council lias instructed its Selection Committee to make good fielding a necessary qualification for players selected in the team to tour England next year, and it seems that some of the candidates for selection would do well to take this intimation to heart (says the ‘ New Zealand Herald ’). No nets or care-fully-prepared pitches are necessary for fielding practice; an individual can imrove his work in this department by snending half an hour ti day in the hack yard with a hard rubber ball. [Auckland learnt its lesson at Christchurch, for in the match against Otago every man was on the alert in the field, and the result was a really good exhibition of fielding.] The cx-Christelinreh and Otago player, 0. Zimmerman, is apparently in good form at the present time. Blaying for North Otago against Southland last nock. Ziminio ” collected a useful treble—7o and 02 not out with tho bat, and six wickets for 54 runs. He is one of those who would have demonstrated what lie could do had a Town-Country match been arranged in Dunedin before the Shield matches commenced. The scores of the respective sides in the Blanket Shield games to date make interesting reading. They are as follow Canterbury: 229, six for 473. 214. 519. Wellington; 189, 369, 351, 243. Auckland: 164, 537. 331, and one for 128. Otago: 161, 195, 135, and 323. , „ J. Langridge, the young Sussex allrounder, who was couching in Auckland two seasons ago, is now acting as coach to the Christian _ Brothers’ College. Kimberley, lie is finding both tbo South African climate and the matting wickets much to his liking. In his ’ opening game he took seven wickets and scored a century, while he bus written home 1o state that be never felt litter. Many Sussex ciicketers —including 'fate and Rowley—have held this coaching post in recent years, while the present Auckland coach, A. F. Wensloy. has also spent seasons in South Africa.

Tile passing of the years do not seem to have much effect upon LI. -M. ABGirr, the Wellington all-ronnder, so lar as batting is concerned, at any rate. In the two Blunket Shield matches played to date, lie has scored 335 in four innings, his average being 83.75 with scores as follows:—2, 141, 101, and 91. His form has been such that he is likely to give the selectors a headache when they are considering Ids claims for inclusion in tho New Zealand team. C. S. Dempster was a shade disappointing, his highest score being 41, but along with J. E. Mills, of Auckland, whose best score was 63 against Canterbury, the Wellington man may he regarded as one of the certainties for inclusion jn the New Zealand team, and the same would apply to Roger Blunt. Two of tho most discussed bowlers in New Zealand cricket this season have been E. D. Blundell and J. Newman, of Wellington, both of whom performed creditably in tho Blunket Shield matches just decided. Blundell took nine wickets for 235 rims, and Newman nine for 173.

Very disappointing was W. E. Mctritt's bowling against the Auckland cricket team, and it is not to be wondered at that even the “ man in the street ’’ is doubting that Merritt "'ill be picked in the New Zealand team to go to England a few months hence (says the Christchurch ‘ Sun ’). It was not only that Morritt’s length was erratic; ho seemed to be making little effort to spin the hall, and to bo content, generally, with “ rolling it over ” with his hand instead of finger-spinning it. Ho was vastly different from the Merritt of the English tour in 1027. There is no question that when lie trios lie can do very much bettor than he did against Auckland, and be should not roly on an assumption that rhe New /calami selectors will not be able to find another first-class slow bowler for the English lour in the year that lias started now.

Roger lilnnt bus had a groat crop of wickets in (bo two shield matches

played by Otago, the Carisbrook man having claimed fourteen victims at a cost of 203 runs. There is no man who is likely to possess more all-round usefulness to the Now Zealand team at Homo than Blunt.

From a New Zealand cricket point of view, Johnny Mills’s fine batting form in Auckland’s Plnnket Shield match with Canterbury was very pleasing (says tho * Sun ’). A ray graceful left-hand batsman, Alills is delightful to watch when he is set. Improvement of his health _ and physical strength now enables him to put more power into his strokes than before, and it has also smartened up his fielding a great deal. In tho field against Canterbury he was very good, and could scarcely be recognised as the fieldsman who had suffered censure for his very indifferent display in _ New Zealand’s second test match with the AI.C.G. team, in Wellington, last season. A good deal of interest will attach to the performance of D. Smith, live promising Carisbrook colt, in the forthcoming club, games. Smith was twelfth man lor both recent shield games, and is regarded as one of the likeliest young players, in Otago. He has only to show decent form between tho present time and the Canterbury match to win his plaeo in the Otago side for there is no doubt that this lad has cricket in him.

' It is understood that R. IV. Coupiand was available for the Auckland game which makes it difficult to understand how the Dunedin man came to bq passed over. Otago could have done with liis assistance on attack.

Several of tiro teams are likely to bo below full strength for tiro resumption of club cricket to-morrow. Cans(irook will greatly miss Dnnning. while there is also a possibility of Don Allan being unable to play. Grange will lie without M'Mullan, Knight, and Galland “ Gal ” is likely to be off for a week or two as the result of the nasty smack be received over the heart in (lie Auckland match.

o ~ CR 5Phiyod. c--i: Outright win (8 po'iuts). Wins on first innings (4 points). Outright lassos. o oc -jc cr.' Shield points.