CRICKET GOSSIP

NZ Truth, Issue 890, 16 December 1922, Page 7

CRICKET GOSSIP

NEW ZEALAND TEAM.

A Forecast.

Although It is a week too soon and these notes will be written and published before the Auckland tean» have played, their game against the Englishmen there are some players it will be very hard for the Selectors to pass over when 'selecting the team for the first Test. •

In making an, early forecast of the team . I Intend to give Auckland five representatives, Wellington four and Canterbury and Otago one each. Of course, one or two players.no doubt will play < themselves Into the team. At any rate I am not selecting altogether* on this - year's form as I much prefer players for the first Test who have shown they possess the proper temperament for a big game. My team, if I had to select one now, v. ould be as follows: Auckland— Sneddon, Smith, Allcott, McLeod, Rowntree; Wellington — Hiddiestoh, Collins, McGirr, Dempster; Canterbury— Blunt; Otago— Shepherd. The batting appears to me to be a strong combination and -with Collins, McGirr, .and. Sneddon medlunv.rto. fast,, coupled with" Smith, Allcott and Hid-, dlestori alow,' while Shepherd- ccvlr- be used as a change, the bowling would contain the variety needed for a good Bide. ; ' Rowntree, of course, would keep wick©ts ;It will bd -Interesting to see the result of the Auokjapd match, also Auckland v. Wellington, as players like Ronaldsop, BaKer and Berneau may as I said before, play themselves into the team. '