SECOND TEST

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 17 December 1936, Page 7

SECOND TEST

“WHO IS GOING TO WIN?”

AUSTRALIA’S PROSPECTS TEAM MUST BE AT “CONCERT PITCH” REVIEW BY MACARTNEY (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Received 17th December, 11.15 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. C. G. Macartney, surveying the Second Test prospects, says: “In this Second Test there will need to be the best that every Australian player can produce. Close co-operation is demanded in every policy or scheme devised and teamwork of the highest order is required if success is to be the result. At a time when everybody considered the English XI was unconvincing and Australia would win the First Test comfortably, the- visitors displayed such grit and determination that they succeeded, and the position is now reversed, and this Test will reveal whether the Australians can display the same tenacity of purpose as the Englishmen did in the First Test. The Australian batsmen can do better than the results of the First Test disclosed, and there is sufficient strength in all departments of the-Australian team to stem the English tide, but it is imperative for all to be at concert pitch.” The Test commences to-morrow (Friday) at Sydney.

CANTERBURY TEAM TO PLAY AUCKLAND (By Telegraph—Press Association) . CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. The Canterbury cricket team to play Auckland at Christmas is: Cromb (captain), Graham, Hadlee, Jackman, Kerr, Menzies, Mulcock, O’Brien, Oliver, Page, Roberts, and A. P. Cobden (twelfth man).' Mulcock is a swerve bowler, and Menzies a promising young batsman, who will win their caps for the first time.

HOBBS FINDS FORECAST DIFFICULT THE ALL IMPORTANT TOSS (By J. B. Hobbs —Copyright—Reproduction in whole or part forbidden.) SYDNEY, 16th December. “It is difficult to forecast who is going to win the second cricket Test. One would expect England to be favourites after the surprising and meritorious victory at Brisbane. I was sorry rain came and gave the people an excuse for Australia’s collapse, as England’s play had already put them in 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 in the Tests. However, this seems now to be a thing of the past, but, to give Australian spectators their due, no matter how slow play may be, they watch it carefully to the bitter end.

“The Australian side never looked at home at Brisbane, and I am 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 of, a game and demoralise any team with his rapid scoring. You can argue the same about Hammond in a lesser ->■ degree. He did not get rims at Brisbane, and therefore. we can. expect him to make up the lee-way. “We are,told the wicket will not be & up to its usual standard, which should make it more to the advantage of Q ’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 the wicket will be better than when we 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 runs. , We must expect more runs from Australia this time. We cannot by ' any'■ stretch of imagination hope to' get the Australians out under 250‘ in the first innings. McCabe,.Bradman, and Badcock, also Robinson if he is 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. He 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 the 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 ls certainly bothering him, but not seriously. I expect he will play the same team as at Brisbane. I ; cannot see Fishlock getting in. Another fast bowler might embarrass Allen as it would be difficult to fit him in, and would also lengthen the tail. Sims would play only if Robins’s leg were bad, but I do not see any reason to anticipate this. “I am glad Australia has not fallen into panic over their defeat. Their selectors agree with me that their men did not give of their best. Not ... many Australian teams have hitherto shone at Brisbane. It is perhaps unfortunate that Brown is again out. His absence in the last Test weakened the side. O’Brien, who supplants him, is a left-hander, but will not strengthen the team. I hope McCormick will not break down this time as neither side wishes to benefit from the misfortunes of their opponents.”