ENGLAND’S PROSPECTS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 9 March 1926, Page 7

ENGLAND’S PROSPECTS.

THE FORTHCOMING TESTS. AGGRESSIVE TACTICS URGED. Although a storm of colossal dimensions broke over the heads of the Australian selectors on the choice of Hi players to tour England, the forthcoming battles for the ashes have been treated much more stoically in England. It has frequently been said that the English take tlieir sport seriously, bpt it is a different kind of seriousness from that which the Australians treat their national game. England, however, is sparing no efforts to wrest the championship from Australia. The cricket season, of course, has not yet started, and as a team should be picked only on present form, no definite forecasts can be made as to what actual eleven should represent England. However, judging bv last season’s form and the results of the last series of tests, England’s chances are brighter than they have been since the war. In focussing attention on shaking the Australian’s supreme confidence, the English authorities are taking a step, in the right direction. The result of the Australians’ almost unbroken run of victories extending over a number of series of games has had the effect of sapping English cricket of some of its fighting spirit., The “will to win” showed signs of returning when Gilligan’s men put up their magnificent fight in 1924, and the faith of Australia was shaken to some extent. Hobbs, Sutcliffe and Tate broke the ice, and it is expected that they can all do better under their, own conditions. If this theory proves correct, and taking into accounr the undoubted presence in Australia’s armour in that the bowling is not, as strong as of yore, there seems to be ground for the sanguine expectations entertained by most British critics. BRILLIANT BATSMEN. Australia has chosen a brilliant array of batsmen to retain her hold on the cricket honours of the [world. Realising her weakness in bowling she has concentrated mainly on this department, and the success of the selection can be well demonstrated by figures. No fewer than nine of the chosen players have an average of over 30 in test cricket, their figures being as follow: —

In addition to those, A. J. Richardson, who was among the final four to be selected, has an inspiring average. In matches against the English teams of 192.1 and 1924 anil A. G. McLaren s team in 1923 he has scored 1194 luns with an average of 62.84 an innings. Of course, a considerable proportion of the feats have been built up in Australia, which our own cricketers describe’ as the batsman’s paradise. However, the Australians have yet to face England’s best bowler, Tate, on a real bowler’s wicket, and there is no indication that they will again be favoured with an exceptionally fine summer. ENGLAND’S WEALTH OF TALENT.

One plan of action therefore suggests itself immediately. England must concentrate on her bowling and at the same time turn out forceful batsmen who can take advantage of the suggested weakness in the Australian attack. Considering the wealth of talent at present in England—it is admitted to be almost up to pre-war strength—a team can surely be built on these lines. Public choice seems to point out A. W. Carr of Nottingham as Gilligan ’$ successor to the captaincy. He is exactly the type needed, and, a forcing batsman and captain, every consideration will probably be given to his claims for leadership. Players of the type of Kilner. McAulay and Tate must be in eluded. All these men are first-class bowlers and batsmen who are ever rendv to attack bowling that is not first-class. Hammond’s free batting and good bowling, in the West Indies will lend weight to his claims for a place, while room of course must be made for the two inimitables, Hobbs and Sutcliffe. Hobbs should certainly be the only, old player to.' obtain a place in the team. There is no-doubt that New Zealand sympathies are as much with England as with Australia. It would do a lot of good for the game in both countries if England were to win the rubber, but whatever the result may be, it is certain that public interest will centre on the forthcoming games with a degree never before shown in the history of the competition.

Innings ! Runs Average Ponsford .... 10 40S 40 Taylor 9;> 944 41 Collins '>'2 922 41 Ryder ... 14 495 41 Gregory 24 792 b7 Andrews ..... 18 492 37 Macartney . . . 30 1107 3(i Oldfield 10 420 35 JBardslev 44 1250 30