CRICKETERS PRAISED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22900, 1 December 1937, Page 22

CRICKETERS PRAISED

W. M. WALLACE AND J. COWIE BOTH UP TO TEST STANDARD If New Zealand cricketers were to be deemed eligible for selection in the Australian team to tour England, at least two of them seen in Sydney would he certainties, writes "Not Out" in the Sydney Referee. These are W. M. Wallace, the well-rounded right-hand batsman, and J. Cowie, the right-hand last bowler, who is not a seam-swing soloist. These men are well up to the best England v. Australia test standards. Now that Australians have seen the New Zealanders their averages in the Old Country become more and more interesting. The batting table tells us that Wallace was the most successful run-getter on the big tour. He filled the bill most admirably in Sydney. Wallace is very young. But lie :s a natural high-grade batsman, easier on his foot and in stance and less constrained in executing the strokes than most of the younger Australians. In the technicalities of the art he looked as good almost as C. S. Dempster was when he first played in Sydney. On she English tour in * 1931 Dempster scored 1778 runs at /59.26 'an innR' lgs. He is so good a batsman now lat were a world's eleven being selected he would probably be included. Wallace should go as far as Dempster, provided that in matching his wits against those of the greatest bowlers, who are using their "brains," he ripens ns Dempster has done. New Zealand cricket wants Wallace. He captured the fancy of the best judges in Sydney. More like a topnotch Australian than an English batsman. lie looks like becoming a strong impulse in the rise of New Zealand to ils standards of some seasons back. The very high place held in bowling by J. Cowie, and the relative excellence of his figures in England are in keeping with form shown in Sydney. Cowie is not so fast ns some Australian contemnoraries. But lie looks a better fast howler than any of them—including McCormick. He does not depend for dead! in ess wholly on the new ball. It undoubtedly helps him. But when the sheen disappears, ho is still hostile. Delivering from a wide angle over the wicket, he brings his hand over the top of his head at times, and gives the ball direction and kick that has the qualities of an off-break. Cowie gave one an impression all the time that he knew exactly what he was aiming at; and had the ability to bowl accordingly.