All Eyes On Manchester

Northern Advocate, 21 July 1949, Page 8

All Eyes On Manchester

Vital Cricket Test . . ,

LONDON, Wed.—The third cricket lest, which will begin at Old Trafford, Manchester, on Saturday, may well be the most interesting of the four played in England this year by the New Zealanders.

Much will depend on the weather. If recent thunder showers that brought much-needed rain continue, the pitch may be tricky and the bowlers and fieldsmen happy. Whatever the state of the pitch, the game will be followed with tremendous interest in England. The New Zealanders have already made a reputation for themselves.

It is possible, although by no means certain, that the New Zealand selectors may make a slight alteration to the team which played in the first two tests.

REID’S CHANCE The recent form of Reid must obviously be taken into account, although the batsman he would replace is not easy to predict. It may well be Smith, whose instinctive slash through the slips is frequently fatal. There is little to choose between the two men in the field, but Reid is a useful change pace bowler for a few overs. As Old Trafford often proves suitable to pace bowlers, he may be given his first test chance.

Whether there may be p change among the bowlers is also uncertain. There is one theory that Burke should replace 'Cave, who has been a little erratic lately. Those, however, who declare that Burke "rolls” rather than "spins" the ball believe he would prove expensive against Hutton and Compton. BURKE UNLIKELY It is likely that both Reid and Burke will 'cause the selectors much earnest deliberation in the next few days. There is quite a possibility that Reid will be in. Burke out. and Smith 12th man.

, Another angle is that the inclusion of Reid might aid Burke's chances. In following it one would be a little adventurous.

Cowie is now right in form. Burtt can be expected to have further interesting duels with Hutton and Compton, whom the New Zealanders regard as the two best batsmen in England. Rabone, who is being rapidly joined by Sutcliffe as an all-rounder, seems certain of inclusion again. He has been the "find" of the tour and reached his peak as off-spinner against Gloucestershire. The team has won nine matches, lost one and drawn 10.

The Kaipara Cooperative Dairy Company’s new factory at Helensville will be opened by the Minister of Agriculture (Mr Cullen) on Saturday afternoon. Mr Cullen will leave Wellington for the North by the limited express on Friday night and is expected to return by train from Auckland on Sunday night.