CRICKET

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 2 June 1928, Page 13

CRICKET

* THE ENGLISH SEASON. Although cricket is “'out” in Itliis hemisphere, it is “in” at Home, and in view of the early advent to Australia of the All England eleven it is of 'interest to hear what leading critics are saying of the conditions at Home and the prospects against Australia. A Loudon correspondent of an Australian daily says that the English cricket season is in full swing and the. signs are that the puliilt; will show .as much enthusiasm 'as ever for the national summer pastime. There are good reasons for that 'belief. “Although neither Australia nor 'South Africa will have a team here, the interest invariably shown in the county championship will be heightened by two factors. Firstly, a West Indinn team will be tested on English turf. Secondly, the minds of the selectors of the players who will go to Australia six months hence and of the public at large -will he kept busy throughout the season. The forthcoming ;\l'. tour of Australia will undoubtedly be a force in .making players in. games keener than when such a rich prize as the tour is not in front -of them. “ Tim u t.ni'OvSit. comtiklenee exists among author.il ics and players of the game as 'to the outcome of the tour. The view is widely and unhesitatingly expressed that the results >of the tests against, the 1026 Australian eleven in England provided 'a 'true corrective to forebodings cVurcerning the future of t he game here. Such a fillip was given to the game that, faking a ‘truly Imperial view, Australian's should not be sorry that their representatives lost the ‘ashes.’ Before the .season starts, experts consider that half the te'nm is already chosen. A. P. P. Chapman is almost certain to lead the .tourists, and Australians will probably leiarn with

satisfaction Hint, unless anything unforeseen occurs, .1. B. Hobbs will once more assist. England on Australian pitches. .It is agreed ‘that Hobbs is past his prime, but there is also unanimity that lie canid not be left out of an England eleven.” There 'arc said Ito be several in the running 'for the important position of wicket-keeper and the t|ueslion has been discussed as to whether the selectors will choose 'the best keeper irrespective of this batting or get the Jiian who combines both. Buck worth, of Yorkshire, is said to be the leading keeper, but Ames, of Kent, 'and 'Smith, of jSTortfliau'ts, are 'both fine exponents of the position. The, choice is ceHtain to rouse ia tremond'ous amount of interest in cricketing circles both in Knglaud and in A us. t ralia ami New Zealand. One whose absence from the team all Australia, will regret is Bov Kilner, the Yorkshire professional, who died at Easter from para-typhoid fever, contracted in India while he was fulfilling a .coaching engagement during the nor. thorn winter. Kilner was one df the most popular and efficient of the team which toured Australia under Arthur Ciilligan’s captaincy. Nearly all the eulogistic obituary notices paid tribute to the part lie played in dismissing Australia, for 39 runs in 'the test match at Adelaide during that tour, and also to his calm, happy temperament, that made him as popular as Lord’s and the Ovol, at.'Sydney and Melbourne, as on Hi is own Yorkshire grounds. The wide esteem in which he was held was pathetically shown by 'the fact, that 100,000 crowded into his home town of Wombwell,' which itself has a 'population of only 20,000 to witness his funeral The West Indian team which has arrived in 'London is captained by 11. K. Nunes, who learned his cricket at an English public .school. The side is Considered stronger than that which came here in 1023. especially in slow bowling. Seven of the previous side are among the present tourists, including G. Challenor, who is considered by Englishmen to be among fthe dozen

best batsmen, in the world, and (». Francis, a well-perfarmcd fast bowler. ft will, also be of interest 'to New Zealanders to note the first appearance of Da ere. who plays for Gloucestershire. withl lliis score of 09 against Oxford University-