CRICKET

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 13092, 13 February 1937, Page 11

CRICKET

IN TEST AT 20

Ross Gregory (Victoria), who gained a place in the Australian Test- side, has advanced rapidly. He may join Bradman and Jackson, who were.the only other batsmen in recent years who played Test cricket when aged 20. Clem Hill, of another generation, was in a Test team when aged only 19, Gregory went to Wesloy College and while still at school he played for . the Colts’ team. Ilis first representative match was in January, 1934, w ac'i ho piiiyed for City Colts again. Country Colts. In Hocemihier, 1934, he played for tho Victorian second eleven in Sydney and made 39 and 1 (run cut) and took two for 48 and none for 2d.

Ho gained a place in the Sheffield team in Decmber, 1935, and made* 60 ir Melbourne against Queensland. His bowling figures in that match were three for 46 and two for 66. This season he lias been most sucerVin with tha hat, his figures being 438 v. England, 85 and 12 v. South Australia, 14 for an Australian XI against England, 46 v. Queensland in Victoria and 75 and 20 in a recent match in Queensland.

AN OLDFIELD RECORD

’ W. A. Oldfield has played in 38 Tests against England. It is the record for a wicket-keeper—England or Australia. J. M. BLackham played in 35 matches, J. J. Kelly in 33, H. Carter in 21, and A. H. Jarvis in 11. Dick Lilley, of England, played in 32 and H. Strudwiek in 17 matches. Oldfield has kept lip his form in remarkable manner.

jn tho Test in Melbourne his batting in the first innings in conjunction with S. J. McCabe saved tha side from a very awkward position. Those who rank him as one of tho “tail” would havo had their eyes opened on seeing i.is sound and able tactics.

N.Z. TEAM FOR. ENGLAND

A discourse in the Christchurch “Star-Sun” on players that “can be regarded as having excellent chances of New Zealand selection” gives Auckland six places, Wellington four, Canterbury seven and Otago four. Among the Wellington players missing from the selection aro N. Galliclian, M. P. Donnelly, J. A. R, Blandford and E. D Blundell. The named as having excellent chances of selection are as follows: Auckland.—ll. G. Vivian, P. E. Wh.itclaw,' W. Coivie, M. Wallace, W. N. Carson, L. R. Spring. Wellington.—l). A. R. Moloney', C. K. Parsloe. E. W. Tindill, J. R. Lamason. Canterbury.—M. L. Page, A. W. Roberts, I. B. Cromb, J. L. Kerr, C. K. Jackman, W. A. Hadlee, E-. Mulcock. Otago.—C. J. Elmes, K. F. M. Utley, It. Silver, L. Groves. As to the rival claims of Jackman and Blandford for tho position of wicket-keeper it is contended “on Ins day Jackson is undoubtedly the best man behind the sticks in New Zealand, and his ‘days’ seem to be more frequent this season than last.”