PLUNKET SHIELD CRICKET

Evening Star, Issue 21282, 10 December 1932, Page 11

PLUNKET SHIELD CRICKET

[By Substitute.]

OTAGO TEAM FOR WELLINGTON

Otago will engage in its first Plunket Shield match of the season at Wellington on December 24, 26, 27, and 28. The following players have been selected to represent the province;— F. T. Badcook (Kaikorai) captain. T. Chettleburgh (Grange). 11. W. Coupland (Dunedin). .1. A. Dunning (Carisbrook). C. Dimes (Grange). W. Hawksworth (University). A. R. Knight (Grange). V. G. Cavanagh (Dunedin). D. A. R. Moloney (Carisbrook). W. A. Priest (University). D. Smith (Carisbrook). V. Leader (Old Boys) twelfth man. G. Jt. Dickinson, who captained the team against Hawke’s Bay, was tinavailable, and so far as the captaincy is concerned, unusual though it is to have the coach as the _ recognised captain in the field, there is no doubt that the bold move oh the part of Otago is one which should bear good fruit so far as the ■ handling of the team is concerned. There is nobody else in sight who has the ability to make moves to the advantage of the, side, and this being so the selectors are ciuite justified in doing something that is quite out of the usual. it is to be hoped the bowlers show some better form on a wicket which should bo faster than that experienced in the Hawke’s Bay match. There is no doubt that the deadness of the wicket on that occasion militated against the nippiness of the trundlers," and Coupland and Moloney, for instance, should do much better. The bowling of both in the Bay match was too bad to be true, and both were overpitching badly, but Coupland has bowled well in big cricket on many occasions in the past, and if he can reproduce his best form there is no doubt that Otago’s atack will be considerably strengthened. As was the ease last year, much work is likely to fall upon Badcock’s shoulders, but he lias shown on numerous occasions that lie can stand up to it, and now that he is bowling in something like his old form Dunning is a pretty useful man to have in a team, for he can always keep an end going and is liable to strike a good patch. If Elmes could impart a bit more sting to his bowling, there is no doubt that this left-hander would he a big asset, for he has an easy delivery and has a good command of length and direction. Chettleburgh was nob tried out in the Hawke’s Bay match, but he may prove useful in Wellington, and the same applies to D. Smith, who has frequently shown effectiveness in breaking up a partnership. There may be divided opinion on the question of Leader’s inclusion. He is twelfth man but the selectors had to decide whether to include him to strengthen the bowling or to add Priest in an offord to solidify the batting, and the latter course was taken. Badcock has a fair choice of bowlers at his command, though Leader might have strengthened the captain’s hand, but, still, most will agree that Priest, who has been batting well this season, is entitled to another chance. He played in only one Shield game last season without much success, but the ability is there, and he should eventually turn out right. Badcock, Chettleburgh, Knight, Elmes, Cavanagh, Moloney, Priest, and Smith are all likely run-getters, Coupland is usually good for 20 or 30, and Dunning got his runs in good style against Hawke’s Bay. Chettleburgh is making his first appearance in a Shield game, but be has the right temperament, and should eventually do well. Cavanagh is showing form this year something like that of two or three seasons ago, when he was one of Otago’s most successful batsmen in big cricket. Indeed, Vic’s best performances have been put up in Shield cricket. The Hawke’s Bay match should have benefitted the team, and Otago supporters are hopeful of the local eleven making a good showing in Wellington. Hawksworth goes in again as wicketkeeper, and deserves the place since there there seems no one else in sight to challenge him for the position, while he is a dour batsman, as he showed in his record last-wicket stand with Blunt against Canterbury last season.