M.C.C. V. NEW ZEALAND

Evening Star, Issue 22232, 9 January 1936, Page 8

M.C.C. V. NEW ZEALAND

PROSPECTS FOR TOMORROW'S MATCH

TWO WELL-BALANCED SIDES

(By “H.P.S.”)

It is gratifying to know that the M.C.G. team for tho match against New Zealand, which begins to-morrow on Carisbrook, will be practically at full strength, for had those members who were recently reported to be suffering from minor injuries been unable to take part the fixture would have lost considerably in interest. However, the teams on paper would appear to be tolerably well matched, and the exhibition of all-found cricket that should be given will be ample justification for the attendance of every cricket lover in the community. With a continuance of the present cricket-like weather, the conditions should be perfect for the match, and with the galaxy of batting talent possessed by each side there should be an abundance of runs. On the other hand, there will be considerable, interest shown as to, the performances of Baxter and Langndge m the English side, neither of whom was seen m the Otago match, and in the reappearance of Merritt for New Zealand, and the work of other well-known Dominion trundlers. Merritt, it will be remembered, put up a great performance on his first appearance on Carisbrook, when he was largely responsible for the Otago representatives being dismissed for 71 runs in each innings. Since then, of course, Merritt has performed remarkably well for the East Lancashire Club in league cricket at Home. Baxter’s form last season greatly imBed the critics. He bowls fast right , with a decided in-swing with the new ball, and an off-break with the old one. He has the necessary physique for a fast bowler, and is untiring, and, although not so fast as Read, he is most dangerous. He is a Scotsman, and next season at Home he will be qualified to play for Middlesex. He will be 26 on January 20. Langridge is one of those imperturbable batsmen who is very hard to shift, and last season, after a bad start, he gave high-class expositions for Sussex. He is one of those whose form on the present tour is being closely watched by the authorities at Home, because he is a possibility for the visit to Australia with the next English team.

The reappearance here of such batsmen as J. Hardstaff, D. Smith, N. S. Mitchell-Innes, J. H. Parks, E. R. T. Holmes, and J. H. Human will also be looked forward to with delightin view of their great display of attractive batsmanship in the match against Otago. The English captain. Holmes, rattled the rims on quickly at Invercargill to reach his 100 in 75 minutes, and indications are that he is fast approaching his best form. Last season Holmes headed the batting averages for Surrey, and scored nearly 2,000 runs. Griffith, who will be keeping wickets in place of Powell, was awarded his “ Blue ” for Cambridge last year, and, although perhaps not so quick at his work as Powell, is very safe. The New Zealand team is strong in all-round qualities, and there is a variety of bowling which should, if properly handled, as no doubt it will be, at least check any unduly fast scoring on the part of the English cracks. Cromb is reported to be showing increasing ability as captain, and with so many well-seasoned players in the eleven should have no lack of sound advice.

Mills is looked upon as still the best left-hand batsman in New Zealand, particularly as an opener, and although Weir is not habitually an opening batsman he has not infrequently filled that position for New Zealand when the last team was on tour in England. Vivian|s all-round ability is well known, as is also that of Cromb, Merritt, Moloney, Roberts, and Otago’s sole representative, Elmes, while Lamason has been batting very soundly this season. Jackman, as a wicketkeeper, has been showing such good form in Plunket Shield matches that he was obviously first choice. The attack will no doubt have to be well spread, with the main work being done by Cowie, Merritt, and Cromb.

V. G. Cavanagh has been chosen as twelfth man for New Zealand, a position he has filled once previously, and should his services be required in the field he should certainly be as effective as any of the team in that important department. Messrs R. C. Torrance and W. Butler will be the umpires, and Messrs W. A. Smith and E. H. Downes will be the official scorers.

The hope is expressed that those firms who are able to do so will allow some of their staff off on Friday and Monday afternoons, as it is seldom that Dunedin enthusiasts have an opportunity of seeing a match between New Zealand and an overseas team. ,

UMPIRES FOR SECOND MATCH. The New Zealand Cricket Council has notified the secretary of the Wellington Cricket Association that Messrs C. Moore (Wellington) and Ryan (Auckland) have been appointed umpires for New Zealand’s second match with the M.C.C. at Wellington on January 17. „