Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. SATURDAY, JANUARY 21st., 1939. CRICKET REFLECTIONS

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 January 1939, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. SATURDAY, JANUARY 21st., 1939. CRICKET REFLECTIONS

third Test match now proceeding between South Africa and England, brings near to. a close the tour of the latter team. It has fulfilled the high expectations about, its strength, having never yet been in real danger of defeat. The two previous Tests were drawn, mainly in the visitors’ favour, the time allowed for the games being inadequate for tlie purpose, constituting another argument for, at least, five days to be allowed to these international encounters. The Englishmen are reported to have won popularity as well as matches, and Hammond is Io be congratulated on his team’s success, and his own luck with the toss. Edrich has failed in each Test innings he has played so far. but he is persevered with, showing his colleagues’ estimate of his real ability. The younger men have justified their selection, and the “veterans” have made good. The results of the tour will inspire confidence in England that ihe next visit to Australia should result in a transfer of the custody of the mvtbieal “Ashes.”

There is, however, always Bradman to remember, lit* is showing wonderful form, and allowing’ lor the present weakness of the bowline: he is mooting—O’Koiliy having temporarily retired, —his succession of centuries is further proof of his extraordinary genius. There will be widespread relief that he was not chosen to be the new sec-

retary 1o the .Melbourne (’ticket Club. There are not many “plums'

open to cricketers, and as this secretaryship carries an annual salary of £lOOO, not to mention the prestigp it confers on the holder,

ii was nol surprising that Bradman, with other notable cricketers, made application for it. It. is possible that Bradman would make an

excellent secretary, but to carry out the duties fully, he must have given less of his time and attention to active participation in the frame itself. That would have been a distinct blow Io Australian cricket. There is only one Bradman as a batsman. There are several men who would make efficient secretaries. Ransford, who was chosen, had an interesting career as a player, and he should he a success in his new post. Australia’s real need is a new firstclass bowler or two. O’Reilly cannot p,o on for ever, and until Australia discovers his successor, or a

companion, past triumphs are unlikely to be repeated. For that matter, all cricketing’ countries need better bowlers, or less easy wickets for the batsmen.

New Zealand’s cricket season has produced some interesting encounters for the Plnnket Shield, the batsmen being on top for the most part. Interest, is now being developed in the matches against Sir J. Cahn’s team'. This appears 1o be too strong for even Now Zealand’s best, and would give Australia’s first eleven a good game. Dempster’s inclusion in the touring team adds to its attractiveness, and although he will be “on the wrong side,” in one respect, all will hope that he will gave a repetition of those displays which have made him one of the best of the. batsmen of to-day. It is a pity that New Zealand should lose some of her best cricketers to a country that should be self-contained, but circumstances being as they are, regrets are useless. The lessons to be learned from watching the Cahn team will help to soften any defeat it may inflict. Sooner or later. New Zealand will come into her own where cricket, is concerned. Relative to size of population, she has not done so badly, hitherto.