ENGLAND CHOOSES STRONG BATTING SIDE FOR THE TEST

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22658, 8 June 1948, Page 7

ENGLAND CHOOSES STRONG BATTING SIDE FOR THE TEST

IN.Z.P.A.— Reuter- Copy light.)

(11 a.m.) LONDON, June 7. The English selectors have forsworn experiments in the 12 from whom tho English team for the first Test at Nottingham will he chosen, says the Australian Associated Dress cricket correspondent. Every man has played Test cricket against either Australia, West Indies or South Africa. Evans, aged 27. is the youngest man in the side. England has mustered a strong batting side, and the team which wins the toss should make many runs on the traditionally easy Trent Bridge wicket. England's selectors will probably omit from the 12 chosen either the lcithand bowler Young or the right-hand off-spinner, Laker. Neither has had encouraging results from their efforts against Australia this season. Young took four for 147 at Lords when the 'Australians defeated M.C.C., and Laker took one for 137 and three for 127 for Surrey and M.C.C. respectively. Young Most Likely Choice Young is the more likely choice for the Test. Five of the chosen batsmen — Compton, Hardstaif, Yardlcy, Edrich and Hutton—-have fallen to the Australian shock bowlers, Lindwall and Miller for moderate scores in tho matches so far played. The Times cricket correspondent says that Yardlcy's recent recovery of form happily solved what doubt there can ever have been concerning tire captaincy of England's team for the first Test. Yardlcy made a fine 90 at the week-end for Yorkshire against Middlesex.

The correspondent adds that the side s batting strength speaks for itself, although the absence of a left-hander is a weakness.

Reuter’s cricket correspondent says Laker is the only surprise in the team The selectors before deciding who shall be left out will consider the weather on the morning of the match. Laker will be given a place if the pitch looks favourable to spin bowlers as only spinners so far have met with any success against the Australians.

The correspondent adds that if the English players shed their inferiority complex, which has stricken most of the county teams, there should be a close fight and a possible victory for England

Wright developed lumbago during the test trial last week and is receiving attention from a specialist. The seloc lion committee will have a report on his condition tomorrow.

The selection committee has co-opted Yardley as a member.