TIME LIMIT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23060, 10 June 1938, Page 13

TIME LIMIT

FOUR DAYS ALLOTTED STRONG BATTING TEAMS A DECISION UNLIKELY Unless conditions play an important part, the prospect of a victory to either side, in view of the fact that the game is limited to four days, is unlikely. Both countries, on paper at least, possess formidable batting strength, and the chance of a decision becomes more remote when it is realised that neither side has an attack likely to make any marked impression. Should the pitch show any vagaries, however, the fortunes of both teams will be in the balance. Both possess bowlers who, on a wicket receptive to spin or showing fiery tendencies, have match-winning qualities. The early impression formed was that the batting strength of the Australian team, the present holder of the "ashes," would ,be too formidable for that of the opposition, but with the publication of England's choice, showing as it does a wealth of batsmen of quality and outstanding performance, a different complexion has been placed on the home sido's chances. Man for man down the batting list, with the exception of Bradman, England concedes little, if anything, to the opposition. Bradman will be England's bogey and in his cheap dismissal or otherwise will probably rest the fortunes of the match. Opening Pair

Australia has yet to settle on a consistent opening pair, as difficulty has been experienced in finding a suitable partner for Fingleton. Brown and Badcock have both been tried with varying success, but a combination comparable with those of previous Australian teams has not been achieved.

The batting list grows more impressive as one moves down to the names of Bradman, Hassett and McCabe, although the form of the last-named has not been in keeping with his brilliant reputation. Nevertheless, McCabe is a volatile type of player to whom the test match atmosphere will probably act ns a stimulant. In view of his proved fighting ability and usefulness in event of rain, Chipperfield will probably find his place in the eleven. McCormick, owing to his penchant for delivering no-balls, is a doubtful quantity in the Australian attack, but as the side has no other speed trundler to fall back on his inclusion mav be necessary. Fleetwood-Smith and Ward, both of whom have performed with great success to date, will offer variety in slow bowling, while a choice will probably be made between WAite and White, the utility men. i Young English Players

The English side has definite capabilities, but its potential strength—the presence of several young players of undoubted promise—may yet prove its weakness, as the inclusion of fresh talent will mean the constitution of an eleven not fully "blooded" as far as international cricket is concerned. Considerable interest will be taken in the leadership of England by W. R. Hammond, the ex-professional. As a batsman, Hammond ranks second only to Bradman, but as an all-round cricketer he is probably even a greater force than his Australian rival. However, it remains to be seen whether tho strain of test match captaincy •will affect his play. In the first place, 13 players were called up for the selection of the English team, but of those originally chosen J. Hardstaff (Notts) and J. C. Clay (Glamorgan) have been forced through injuries to make way for N. W. D. Yardley (Cambridge University) and R. A. Sinfield (Gloucestershire). Two men will still have to be dropped before the test eleven is finalised and in this respect weather conditions will probably prove the deciding factor.

Confidence in Batsmen

The three young batsmen on whom England is placing a great degree of confidence are L. Hutton (Yorkshire), W. J. Edrich and I}. C. S. Compton (Middlesex), none of whom has yet played in a test against Australia. Competent critics hav® described them as the best trio of young professionals since the first appearance of Hammond. In spite of that, the loss of Hardstaff, another young player, will be severely felt, as his batting capabilities closely approach those of his captain. The bowlers among England's selected 13 players are K. Fames (Essex), fast right-hand, G. H. Pope (Derbyshire), medium right-hand, H. Verity (Yorkshire), slow left-hand, Wright (Kent), slow right-hand, and Sinfield, right-hand off-spinner. In addition to these, Hammond in particular and Hutton and Compton to a lesser degree are capable of taking over as useful slow bowlers. WEATHER PROMISING /. r ~~" WICKET IN GOOD ORDER LONDON, June S The weather is fine and warm and the outlook for the first cricket test match England versus Australia, to be commenced at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, on Friday, is bright. The wicket is in capital order.

SEVENTEEN CENTURIES FIVE TO BRADMAN Seventeen centuries have been' registered by the Australian batsmen to date. Five go to the credit of Bradman, including two double, threo _to Fingleton. three to Hassett, including one double, two to Badcock and 0110 each to Brown, Barnett, McCabe and Chipperfield. Details are as follows: — D. G. Bradman. —278 v. M.C.C.; 258 v. Worcester; 145 not out v. Hampshire; 143 v. Syrrey; 137 v. Cambridge. J. H.. Fingleton. —124 v. Oxford; 12.3 not out v. Hampshire; 111 v. Cambridge. A. L. Hassett. —220 not out v. Cambridge: 148 v. Leicester; 146 v. Oxford. C. L. Badcock.—l9B v. Leicester; 186 v. Cambridge. W. A. Brown. —194 not out v. Northamptonshire. B. A. Barnett.—l2o not out v. Surrey. S. J. McCabe. —130 v. Oxford. A. G. Chipperfield.—lo4 not out v. Leicester. The former New Zealand and Wellington representative, C. S. Dempster, with 105 for Leicestershire, is the only batsman to score a century against the Australians to date. PREVIOUS TEST GAMES AUSTRALIA TWO AHEAD The test match which will he commenced between England and Australia to-day will be the 139 th of the series. Australia has won 56 matches, England 54 and 29 have been drawn. Owing to rain the match at Manchester in 1890 was abandoned without a ball being bowled. Ot the 77 matches played in Australia England has won 34, Australia 41 and two have been drawn. Sixtytwo matches have been plaved in England. Australia has won 15 of these and England 20, while 27 have been drawn. i