CRICKET TEST TEAMS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18895, 18 December 1924, Page 11

CRICKET TEST TEAMS.

STRONG BATTING SIDES.

COMMENT IN ENGLAND. (Received 5.5 p.m.) A. and N.Z.—Times. LONDON, Dec. 16. The newspapers, in comparing the English a;:id Australian cricket teams for the first test match, agreo that both sides have placed batting before bowling, and predict long, drawn-out games and high scores.

The Evening Standard says: "None of England's six professional batsmen are likolv to bo intimidated by Gregory's pace. Iho side is strong In batting even down to number nine, but Chapman, Gilligan and Tate are less sound than six professionals. Evidently Gilligan intends to be his; own fast bowler. Tho fact that Freeman has supplanted Tyldesley and Kilner is no doubt duo to the fact that he is more likely to 'fiddle out' tho Australians on their perfect wickets, but the issue really depends on Tate."

The cricket expert of the London Times expresses surprise that Tyldesley has been left out of the test team. He agrees that Gilligan has chosen a strong batting side, but doubts whether fivo lxnvlers will prove sufficient, especially with the eightball over. He thinks Gilligan has been a trifle venturesome.

'J ho Daily Telegraph is surprised at tho preference for Freeman over Tyldesley in view of tho hitter's big share in the victory over New South Wales.

The Morning Post says England's side is particularly strong and well balanced, the only doubt being the general quality of the fielding. Possibly it is duo to tho fact that Douglas nowadays i.s a little slow in tho field that he has been left out, otherwise as tenacious a batsman and change bowler is worthy of inclusion in any English team.