LOST CRICKET ASHES

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 11739, 29 January 1924, Page 2

LOST CRICKET ASHES

ENGLAND’S NEXT TOUR POSSIBLE MEMBERS OF TEAM. English, cricket opinion is busy just now forecasting and conjecturing on the next tour of English cricketers in Australia. The topic, of the moment, on the eve of the 19124 season, is: YVill England regain the Ashes P It is generally accepted that whoever is to captain England in Australia must captain England against South Africa at Home next summer. The importance of a captain overseas is greater than at Home—where he has to get accustomed to his men as a side before he sails—because he haß to keep his team in hand off the field as well_ as on; has to set the standard of English sportsmanship to be shown to critical kith and kin in Australia; has to deal with the Board of Control, and with other local circumstances ; and must be able to say the right thing not only in speeches, but in conversation, besides having all the responsibilities of actual cricket leadership. A vast amount rests of his shoulders, la fact, half the Imperial importance of the tour depends on getting the right leader. Frank Mann achieved great success In the South African tour last season, but well-informed cricket critics think that he is slow to appreciate the proclivities of opposing batsmen, does not attain to a high standard as a fieldsman, and is not happy in the way he handles his bowling. A. E. R. Gilligan seems to hold the balance of support among the critics, one of whom quotes \Hobbs as, saying last June: “The captain under whom we would win test matches would be Mr Gilligan. - Neither Hobbs nor Hearne will be able to ajme out with the next team. G. E. C. Wood, captain, is, according to A. C. MacLaren, the one leader marked out by propitious facts for England. Others agree that no one else playing first-class cricket to-day is so quick at realising what opponents are bent on, or in perceiving the weak points in their play, while from his position as wicket-keeper he has an unrivalled post of observation. It is already known that, if invited, he will be able to make the trip. John Daniell, captain of Somerset, is another whose candidature is warmly canvassed by some critics. He is a fearless bat, who should do well on the hard Australian wickets, and his fielding is-, saddi to be as fine as in his best Cambridge days. Off the field “The Prophet” is known as a just man, imbued with the hightest sporting instincts and with a strong personality, as well as a “wonderful’way” with other men; moreover, his repute in the football world should make 'him a favourite in Australia. ’ As to the members of the team, a strong feeling exists in favour of bringing C. H. Gibson, the bowler, back from the Argentine for the next English season, with a view to takihg the trip to Australia. Collins, who succeeded Armstrong as captain of the Australian eleven, is quoted as saying, on the occasion of the last English tour:—“Your selectors are helping us to win the rubber by never giving a thought to incomparably your best bowler, Clem Gibson. For the remainder of the sixteen players, the following are ohosen from among those whose claims are being advocated by English writers :—Arthur Gilligan. as fast bowler; Maurice Tate, all-rounder; G. E. C. fWood, wicket-keeper; P. G. Fender and Frank YVoolley, as subtle cricketers in every department; J. F. Maclean, known already to Now Zealanders aB seoond wicket-keeper and batsman; M. D. Lyon, Street, Smith, Livsey, Sidwell; Sutcliffe and J. L. Bryan, an opening pair of batsmen; Mead, the imperturbable ; Macaulay or Parkin, as allrounder; A. P. F. Chapman, glorious batsman and cover-point; Hendren; Geary, as a second fast bowler; and Ernest Tyldesley, fine bat and admirable outfield. English selectors will not under-rate the strength of this year’s Australian cricket with tho redoubtable Gregory back again, with new stars, such as Kippax, the "Batsman; Hartkopf. t'he googly bowler; and—who knows—Hornibrook, of Queensland, as obange bowler.