BRADMAN TO CAPTAIN AUSTRALIANS

Northern Advocate, 1 December 1936, Page 8

BRADMAN TO CAPTAIN AUSTRALIANS

McCABE SECOND IN COMMAND

ENGLISHMEN’S RETURN TO FORM

' (Received 11.30 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. Bradman has been appointed captain of the Australians in the first test match at Brisbane. Stan McCabe is vice-captain. Macartney, the former Australian

player, commenting in the. “Sydney Morning Herald” on the Brisbane match, says: “The splendid score of England, and the great achievement of the opening pair, Barnett and Fagg, will be welcomed by thousands of cricketing enthusiasts. This grand partnership came at a time when faith in the prowess of the Englishmen was gradually diminishing, and the recent performance will restore confidence in the standard of the team. Magnificent Performance. “Barnett’s performance was magnificent. He is a great batsman, who has revealed his scientific stroke play in other matches of the tour. The greatest admiration must be felt for Fagg, who has so pluckily fought to gain his form under Australian conditions after weeks of adversity.

“The success of England’s opening pair must be treated guardedly, as the Queensland attack was not equal to Australia’s in any shape or form. Nevertheless, the performances of Barnett and Fagg have restored interest in the test, and every sportsman hopes the English openers will * repeat their form. '

Confidence for Batsmen. “Robins observed commonsense methods by sending Fishlock to the wicket upon Fagg’s dismissal. The idea' is to build up a reliable batting side, and build it quickly. The process has been operating too long, and before the complete batting side can be produced the initial test match may overwhelm it.

“Whether or not England wins this match against Queensland matters little. It has been the means of raising English batting almost from the depths of despair to a position of confidence. Runs were compiled at a rate that pointed to a batting side strong and successful, rather than to one that has been struggling to find form commensurate with its reputation.”

Outlook Not Good For M.C.C

The “Daily Mail.” says a London message, is of the opinion that Barnett and Fagg have apparently solved M.C.C.’s most important problem, namely, the opening pair, almost on the eve of the first test, which recalls the fourth decisive test of Jardine s tour. Nevertheless, the outlook on paper is not too good for England. Australia can parade a magnificent sequence of batsmen, * Adio already have shown themselves at ease against the English bowlers. The question is whether the English bowlers will be able to peg them down, although Verity, on a worn, sticky wicket might win the day. Allen may have a trick up his sleeve.

Maybe Fames has not yet bowled his best, and if he has something in reserve may be an upsetting influence. Meanwhile, the English hatting has not been at its best. Hammond and Leyland are in fine form, but many of the batsmen are strangely nervous against slow bowling.

The team, however, has powerful possibilities, with a choice of bowlers richer than Australia’s. Allen’s inspiration may help to brace his colleagues to give their best, and we may be fairly confident that the team will hold its own.

(Details of Queensland match on Page 9.)