THE M.C.C. TEAM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22349, 21 February 1936, Page 10

THE M.C.C. TEAM

Auckland's welcome to the M.C.C. is that due to English representatives and cheerful sportsmen, and it will find its best expression by attendance at Eden Park. This is a team of young players—their average age is little more than 26 years—which has been sent out not only with the purpose of giving experience to prospective M.C.C. test representatives, but also with the generous intention of developing the game in this country, where cricket has not yet come fully into its own. New Zealand is grateful for the opportunities that are being provided to gain valuable experience for teams of varying calibre. Among the visitors are some of the most attractive colts in English cricket, who, free from the responsibilities attaching to international contests, have every encouragement to extend themselves in the highly sporting manner of the picnic game. The presence of Langridge, who, as a coach, has done so much to improve the standard of the game in Auckland, is a matter for particular satisfaction in this part of the Dominion. Already the team has revealed its high all-round quality. Results of matches, however, are not of especial moment. From the New "Zealand standpoint the mission of the team is to teach and well it is being fulfilled. The lessons are not limited to players alone. Its buoyant kind of game is giving to a public, part of which is not well versed in the finer points, a sense of appreciation of cricket which on the morrow will supply the practical support it needs and richly deserves.