PLUNKET SHIELD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20744, 11 December 1930, Page 16

PLUNKET SHIELD.

AUCKLAND REPRESENTATIVES

TEAM FOR SOUTHERN TOUR. TWO FAST BOWLERS CHOSEN. Tho following Auckland representative cricket team lias been chosen by tho selectors, Messrs. N. G. Sneddon, H. Duncan and W. B. Smith, for the Southern tour:— J. E. Mills (Eden). G. L. Weir (Eden). H. D. Gillespie (Eden). A. J. Postlcs (Eden). A. Anthony (Parnell). A. W. McCoy (Parnell). H. G. Vivian (Parnell). D. Cleverley (Ponsonby). H. Hunt (Ponsonby). C. F. W. Allcott (Grafton). A. M. Mathoson (University). A. F. Wensley (North Shore). Allcott has been chosen as captain of the team Practico will continue as usual at Eden Park. STRONG SIDE SELECTED. OMISSION OF EOWNTREE. With tho exception of It. W. Rowntree, E. T. Tiiakobau and C. G. Finlayson, the team selected is fully representative of Auckland's crickot strength. Finlayson, however, waß not available, while there is a doubt about Thakobau remaining here after Christmas. In tho case of the wicketkcepcr tho selectors havo shown preferenco for a younger man than liowntrce. On the question of ability many followers of tho game will regret the fact that the veteran is not going South with tho team. Ho is at the top of his form at the present time, as ho demonstrated last Saturday, and he would inspire much confidence in the bowlers on tour.

Aucldanclers will be greatly surprised if the team does not put up big scores against Canterbury and Otago. There is solid batting right down to the last two wickets, although Allcott and Anthony have not yet struck their true form. Cleverlcy, Malheson and Hunt are tho three weakest bats, but all are capable of making runs. There is a varied attack in the team, what with Cleverley and Matheson, fast bowlers, Wensley and Allcott, medium pace, and Anthony and McCoy, of slower typo. There are others in the team who can take a turn at the crease if required, but the six stock bowlers named should not need much assistance.

As regards fielding, every man in the team can do his share. In fact, it can bo termed a strong fielding side, and, what with its array of batting and bowling talent, people at this distance will be surprised if it is defeated on its tour. A pleasing feature of tho selection is that two colts have won their caps for the first time. They are Vivian, Parnoll's brilliant young left-handed batsman, and Cleverley, of Ponsonby, easily the fastest bowler in Auckland. Carefully nursed, Cleverley should do well. Both colts have a rare opportunity to make good, and, incidentaly, to assist themselves into the New Zealand team for England next year.