Merritt lay be Dropped in Test

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6626, 12 August 1931, Page 7

Merritt lay be Dropped in Test

SEAGULLS SWIM ON WICKET.

Received Tuesday, Midnight. BRISTOL, Aug. 11

There are two changes in the English cricket team for tho third test. Larwood and Paynter replace Tate and Bakewoll respectively. The omission of Tate robs the side of a first-class stock bowler. Brown’s form was so promising at the Oval as to suggest dropping Peebles for Larwood. The selectors arc probably satisfied with Bake well’s showing and decided to try another young batsman. Paynter is an agressive left-hander and scored an attractive century against tho New Zealanders at Liverpool. He is generally first wicket for Lancashire and it is considered he will probably open the innings with Sutcliffe. Leveson Gower, in the Morning Post, says tho selectors arc wise not to treat New Zealand lightly. The visitors deserve to meet the very strong team selected.

Tho New Zealand eleven will again bo selected on the morning of tho match. It will not bo surprising if it is the same team as is playing Gloucestershire. Matheson’s leg is much sounder and he may replace Alerritt. Dempster’s batting form yesterday was particularly encouraging. Unless tho weather improves a wet wicket is almost certain at Old TralFord. The Daily Sketch publishes a photograph of sea gulls swimming over the test wicket yesterday.