CRICKET TEST PROSPECTS

Grey River Argus, 14 August 1937, Page 9

CRICKET TEST PROSPECTS

N.Z. ATTACK STRONG What Will Wicket Do ? (From the Special Correspondent of United Press Assn, with Team). (Received August 13, 11.35 n.m.) LONDON, August 13. The New Zealand., cricket team have returned to London to find the Oval wicket baked as hard an concrete, following a prolonged period of sweltering sunshine. The groundsman predicted that there will be some lively behaviour oh the part of the wicket on the last day- of the test match. Experienced critics have been saying that the side that wins the toss will probably win the match. At about midnight, however, the whole prospect was altered by heavy rain, which is continuing to-day, with no sign of its abating. There is every possibility that the now-refreshed pitch will be easy and even in pace, but the fortunes on the field may easily be determined by the vagaries of the weather. English opinion appears to be united in expecting a draw, unless eccentricities develop in the pitch. The replacement of Fames and Paynter by Gover and Washbrook hardly weakens England. The New Zealand team, following the customary practice, will not be announced till the morning. Roberts is now almost certain of inclusion, following his really fine bowling at Nottingham. Cowie is now faster and better than at any period on the tour. Dunning is as dependable and persistent as ever. The New Zealand. attack is now stronger than for the matches at Lords and at Manchester. Nevertheless, England is so strong in batting that a big score is almost certain if the wicket is fast and true. Gallichan will find a place in the team if the pitch is likely to assist his slows. Otherwise, the left-hand bowling will be left to Vivian. Because of his recent small scores, the position of Kerr is endangered. Weir is batting well, and is a strong claimant. Carson is playing more certainly and successfully, and is fielding well also, but he probably has left his run too late to convince the selectors.

Except for Roberts, and possibly Weir, in fine weather the team will probably be the same as in the second test. PAYNTER’S INJURY. T.ONDON, August 12. Paynter pulled a. muscle and is unfit for the test. Washbrook will replace him.