ILL-LUCK OF PONSFORD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20131, 17 December 1928, Page 12

ILL-LUCK OF PONSFORD.

FATE AGAINST AUSTRALIA.

WARNER PRAISES BARRACKER. A KEEN, IMPARTIAL JUDGE. Australian and N.Z. Press Association. (Received December 10, 1.10 a.m.) - LONDON, Deo. 15. Next to tho King's illness tho cricket test is given most prominence. Duo regard is paid the unlucky Ponsford, though naturally the headings resolvo pain with joy. P. F. Warner heads an article in tho Morning Post with Gordon's verse, "No game was ever yet worth a rap," pointing out that he came across tho lines before the test opened, little dreaming that the mishap would put Australia without • its -"scoring machine." Tho goddoss of chance seems at the moment to be working anti Australia. Believing as many do this is one of tho best teams ever sent to Australia it would not feign mooting its opponents at full strength. Tho first day put England in a strong position if rain docs not fall.

Many hard things had been said about the barracker, but as a matter of fact he was a keon, impartial ludgo of the game. If occasionally over-demonstrative this was due to his excess of zeal. Tho writer did not think he would like English grounds, but in Rome one must accept Roman customs. In any case tho barracker loved cricket and his applause was nowise confined to his own side. So far it looks ns if many people will have to revise their estimate of tho English bowling.

STICKING TO VETERANS

AUSTRALIA FACING DEFEAT. CLAIMS OF YOUNG PLAYERS. Australian and N.Z. Press Association. (Received December 16, 7.5 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 15. " Luck," says Lord Tonnyson in the Daily Chronicle, "is still against Australia. Tho loss of Ponsford, one of tho most brilliant bats in tho world, is irroparable. "J thox*oughJy agree with Armstrong that Australia is facing certain defeat by sticking to its veterans. Tho Australian selectors should have taken courage in both hands and chosen some youngsters, such as Bradman and A'Beckett. ' Four selectors m&ke an unfortunate number, as it is highly probable they were un able to agree. The claims of certain youngsters forced a compromise." The writer pays a glowing tribute to Wood full and says to bat on unperturbed when one's colleagues' wickets are falling is the hardest thing to do in cricket.

FRIGHTENED OF LARWOOD.

TEST PLAY AT ITS WORST. BOWLING FAILURE OF TATE. (Received December 36, 6 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 15. Clern Hdl, cabling to tho Daily Telegraph, says the Australians have shown no real fight, thus far. Larwood seems to Have got some players a little frightened. He regarded the chances good when Ryder won the toss, but, though everything favoured the batsmen, they failed miserably. Well as Geary bowled Hill believed Larwood and White were mainly responsible The Daily Express, in an editorial, deplores the casualties, because England wants to meet Australia's best.

A. C. Maclarju, in a Sunday Times jrticle, entitled "Test Play at its Worst; Men who Bat like Juniors," says that the Australian selectors should keep to the same policy of including average bowlers and batsmen is suicidal. The Brisbane test destroyed Australian confidence. Woodfull alone can possess confidence. Instead of persevering with players who have never been in the top class one is justified in expressing astonishment that Macartney and Andrews are put aside for second-raters.

Maclaren denounces Tate's bowling failure. "It is time it was realised Tate is in his 34th year, and apart from that his performances leave much to be desired," he says. "I reckon Tate is far more likely to play early batsmen in than out. Bettington is Australia's best bowler."

Referring to the Kippax incident Maclaren says:'"After the umpiro said 'not out' our men had no right whatever to say one more word, and Kippax should have continued his innings."

HOBBS CONGRATULATED.

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS SENT. The Auckland Cricket Association sent a cable message on Saturday to J. B Hobbs, the English cricketer, congratulating him on attaining his 46th birthday MESSAGE FROM QUEEN. KIND THOUGHT APPRECIATED (Received December IG. 5.5 p.m.) SYDNEY. Dec 16. During the day the following cable was received Ironi the King's private secre tary: —"I am requested by the Queen to thank you all for youi message of sym pathy and gooo wishes for the King's re covery. His Majesty will much appreci ate this kind thought of him, and when sufficiently recovered he will certainly inquire all abou' the matches."