Engbnd Has Versatile Attack For 3rd Test

Northern Advocate, 19 July 1949, Page 9

Engbnd Has Versatile Attack For 3rd Test

LONDON, Mon. (1.1 n.m.). —The; Times, cricket •conv.sijondenl says that, although the retirement of Majjn from the captaincy of England is to be regretted, the selectors have been wise in choosing a new captain in view of the uncertainty of Mann's cricketing future..

In the circumstances the choice of. F. lb Brown is most, welcome. He is a cricketer of great character ami skill, and likely to do his utmost to ensure that a three-day test is regarded as such.

. The Times expresses sympathy for N. W. D. Yard ley in not regaining the captain's position from which lie .was displaced, or even being given a place in the side for the third test. The inclusion of F. T. Simpson is well earned and long overdue, for he is a batsman of fine quality and a splendid fieldsman. The Daily Telegraph’s cricket correspondent, E. W. Swanlon, also ap-

proves the choice of Brown and pays tribute to Mann for his consistent enterprise and firmness in leading England in the last, seven tests against South Africa and .New Zealand. Mr Swanton remarks thai the selectors appear to have decided that slow spin bowlers will be needed at Old Trnft'ord, but recalls that when Australia played England on this ground last year the match was fought out by the pace bowlers. WELL-B ALA NCED SIDE. The selectors’ chief consideration has plainly been to find a versatile attack, and they have done a wise thing in giving themselves some latitude of choice ai the last moment. The Yorkshire Pest says that from the 12 players selected England should be able to field a well-balanced side at Old Trafford. The side has bowlers for all circumstances except for the very best of wickets, when real pace Will be lacking and only two of the 12—Hollies and Jackson—have no pretensions to batting ability. The new captain adds to the playing strength, for no one is more likely to play an innings or bowl a few ovors calculated to alter the course of the game in the limited time than Brown. j The Daily Mail recalls that F. R. | Brown was a surprise choice for the corresponding test against New Zea-j land at Old Tralford 12 years ago Although his selection on that occasion was criticised, he made 52 in j quick time and played a considerablel part in England winning the match by 131 runs. FORCEFUL PERSONALITY The Daily Express criticises Brown's selection, both on the grounds of his age and because be has not been in Australia for 16 years and then did not play in a test. The Express also criticises the omission of Jenkins alter his triumphs in South Africa.

The Daily Herald says Brown is a better cricketer than Mann.

fie is a fine leg-break and googly bowler, a vigorous-hard-hitting batsman and a brilliant■ field —altogether a forceful personality. All the critics applaud the selection of 18-year-old Brian Close, of Yorkshire, who, if he plays, will be the youngest player ever to be cupped for England. It is generally agreed that Close has earned a trial, and that the time has come when England must- experiment with youth.

The Royal Dutch (KLM) Airline announced that the Government of India had lifted the ban on. KLM planes landing at Calcutta. The ban wag imposed after the start of the second Dutch police action in Indonesia in_l94B.