ENGLAND’S CRICKET CAPTAIN

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 42, 20 February 1939, Page 10

ENGLAND’S CRICKET CAPTAIN

HAMMOND UNDER CLOUD TESTS IN SOUTH AFRICA WILL HE LEAD NEXT M.C.C. TEAM? The way of the non-winning Test captain is strewn with boulders. W R. Hammond found some critics rampant, when he failed to lead his team to victory in the second South African Test. The use of the heavy roller and delay in applying the closure inspired the flagellating penmen. As though this was new in English cricket. A celebrated captain once sparred, late in the day, for the right to use the roller he desired next morning in a great Sydney match. Some people were inclined to regard it as pointing, but the rules supported the English leader. After all, rules are rules, and made for the observance. “Heard Something.” A writer in the Sunday Referee (London) tells us he has heard some-

thing, but he does not say where or when or from whom, writes “Notout” in the Sydney Referee. Here is is:— “During the week I heard, most unexpectedly, that Hammond is by no means certain to captain the next M.C.C. side that will tour Australia. “The reasons offered as an explanation for this are that except for winning the toss he has not been more than an ordinary leader, and that in indicated cases, such as that of Edrich, he has used his men poorly. “The grounds appear to me to be rather unsubstantial, but it is also argued that skippering has induced Hammond to give up his bowling, and that in other respects he is not the ideal captain.” Hammond’s win at Durban may have soothed ruffled feelings. It was a win of singular effectiveness, the Referee writer comments.

Anyway, if the wise men in England did contemplate some other captain than Hammond, it would be absolutely necessary to light on someone who had been out here before, and was in touch with Australian conditions.

That would restrict the selection to G. O. Allen and R. W. V. Robins. The former has practically retired. He will be 38 years old when the next team comes out. Robins, who captains Middlesex, is still young enough, and in his prime. If he still takes playing first-class cricket seriously he might be a still better cricketer in 1942. In that case he might be a possible. The Yorkshire captain, B. Sellars, is highly regarded by Australians as a captain, but as batsman is hardly good enough for Test captain. However, I cannot see any reason why Hammond should be superseded. As to his not using his own bowling so much, he is wise, if expected to play the true Hammond part with the bat. Hammond’s 2000 Against South Africa. Hammond is sure to be the first Englishman to complete 2000 runs in Tests against South Africa. He has made 1962, just 400 more than J. B. Hobbs. He has a greater average per innings against Africa than either

Hobbs or Sutcliffe, viz., 31.31 per innings. The older pair’s averages are in the 50’s. Don Bradman’s feats against South Africa put everything else into the shade. He made 806 runs at an average ,of 201.50. Other Australians have done, better than Hammond. H. L. Collins, for instance, averages 85, Jack Ryder 111, Victor Trumper 75, J. H. Fingleton 74, Clem Hill 62, W. M. Woodful I 70, and a nummber of others over 50, including

R. A. Duff, S. J. McCabe, W. A. Brown, W. W. Armstrong, J. M. Gregory, Charles Kelleway, L. P. O’Brien and K. E. Rigg.

The fourth Test will be plaved at Johannesburg on February 18, and the fifth at Durban on March 3. Having won one match it will be interesting to note English batting tactics in the two remaining Tests. It would be enlivening to see them clap on full speed and go all out for victory.