Hobbs on Test Prospects

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 298, 17 December 1936, Page 19

Hobbs on Test Prospects

England's Will to Win

BUT WHAT OF BRADMAN? (By J. B. Hobbs—Copyright in all Countries—Reproduction in Whole or Part Forbidden.) Received Wednesday, Midnight. SYDNEY, Dec. 16. “It is difficult to forecast who is going to win the second Test. One would expect Englaud to be favourites after tho surprising and veritoriouf victory at Brisbane. I was sorry rain came and gave people an excuse for Australia’s collapse as England’s play had already put them iu a strong enough position to win. “I am told there is a disposition to favour Australia’s chances in the coming Test. I was looking forward to a great battle of spectacular cricket iu the Tests. However, this seems now to be a thing of tho past, but to give Australian spectators their due no matter how slow the play may bo they watch it carefully to the bitter end.

‘ ‘ The Australian side never looked at home at Brisbane and lam sure the majority will be much more confident on the Sydney ground. “Bradman is still a big factor for them. He can alter the whole aspect and demoralise any team with his rapid scoring. You can argue tho same about Hammond in a lesser degree. He did not get runs at Brisbane, therefore we can expect him to make up the leeway.

‘ 1 We are told tho wicket will not be up to its usual standard which shoulu bo more to the advantage of O’Reilly and Ward than the Brisbane wicket. We have had some rain during the past two or three days which should make the grass grow, so I think tho wicket will bo better than when wo played here three weeks ago.- It is sure to be full of runs on the first two days and whoever wins the toss should get 450 to 500.

“We must expect moro ruus from Australia this-time. We cannot by any stretch of tho imagination hope to get the Australians out under 250 in the first innings. McCabe, Bradman and Badeock, also Robinson if not twelfth man, are certain to score more heavily than at Brisbane.

“The toss is certain to play a big part in the decision. If Allen can win it again I look for England’s victory. Ho is so bubbling over with confidence that he will not hear of suggestions about the law of averages . operating against him. Our team has developed a will to win to a greater extent than I thought possible. They certainly have a keen eye on the ashes. “Allen is doing everything to keep himself fit. His knee is certainly bothering him, but not seriously. I expect he will play the same team as at Brisbane.

“I cannot sco Fishlock getting in. Another fast bowler might embarrass Allen as he would be difficult to fit in and he would also lengthen the tail. Sims would play only if Robins’ leg were bad, but I do not see any reason to anticipate this. “lam glad Australia are not panicked over their defeat. Their selectors agree with me that their men did not give of their best. Not many Australian teams hitherto have shone at Brisbane. It is perhaps unfortunate that Brown is agoin out. His absence in the last Test weakened the side. O’Brien who supplants him is a left-hander and will not strengthen the team. I hope McCormick won’t break down this time as neither side wish to benefit from the misfortunes of their opponents.”