A CRICKET PROSPECT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20259, 20 May 1929, Page 10

A CRICKET PROSPECT.

Although raised in the off season here, the question of a visit to New Zealand of a team sent by the Marylebone Cricket Club is of considerable interest. Negotiations are proceeding, and soon a definite decision is likely to be reached. In the interests of New Zealand cricket it is to be hoped that the idea, which in England has been advanced so far that selection of the team is in hand and passages have been tentatively booked, will be given effect. A moot point is the playing of matches in Australia on the way. The sugges tion of this, which has apparently been made by the cricket authorities in Australia, is not favoured in England, on the ground that the team will not be of test-match calibre and that defeats sustained there for this reason would prejudice the success of the New Zealand tour. There need be no hesitation on that score. Even were the team to play test matches in Australia and suffer defeat, that would not necessarily react unfavourably on interest here. The best eleven that the Dominion could put into the field would bo admittedly inferior to an Australian representative team, and would probably have to do its utmost to avert de-, feat at the hands of players such as those sent on tour by the Marylebone Club. But matches in Australia need not be test matches, at all events not in the full sense. There is every reason why they should not be. This aspect of the tour is one for discussion apart, however. What the history of cricket in this country shows is that visits of English cricket teams have aroused great enthusiasm, and there can be no doubt that this would happen again. A good side will be sent, if the idea is carried out: the selectors may be trusted to sec to that. They know that cricket in New Zealand is not to be despised. What was said in England in praise of our men on tour there justifies a degree of respect for it, and a selection will, without doubt, be made accordingly. Moreover, there can be safely reckoned English thought for the good of the game here. Throughout the Dominion there will be support for the Cricket Council's efforts to further the arrangements.