CRICKET.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10616, 11 March 1896, Page 2

CRICKET.

CHANGES IN THE AUSTRALIAN

BLEVfeN.

Press Auseciation—By Telegraph—Copyright

Stdxbt," M*rch 10.'

: At a meeting of the team last n'ght ihe pro | posed changes were discussed. The arguments j were long and heated. It was pretty generally' admitted that Johns wonld be unable to slazm the hard work of the tour, and that his h__cdi would break up under Jones's and Eady^s fasi bowling. Whilst sympathising with Johns, thi majority of the team thought thst in the interests of the game he might gfre way to Kelly without loss of dignity. Johns considered that he hsd been tested sraseirlal unfairly in hiving a change sprang on him at the eleventh hour. He had made certain business arrangements, and he would bave tc adhere to them. In the iniereri of Use game he might resign, hut be wa* not iat liberty to do to till he had consulted [ others who" were equally interested wiJii him. In Harry's case the fact tiat he h*d injured his knee daring the recent mtercolotasl I match had great weight with _ the meeting. Though the injury was not Eerious, it was of a [ nature to need cirefnl attention, and it waa j thought unsafe for him to face l/he strain of the | tour. It was unanimors'.y decided that Hill ; shonld replace him. Besides being a splendid | bat, it was argued that the Adelaide player i could be reh'ed upon S3 a second wicketkeeper, j The question of the fourteenth mam was then j discussed, feeling g.nersUy favonriog Turner. I Subsequently a meeting of tbe Selection [ Committee wss held. Though nothing is known cfSeially of the result, it is generally understood that the committee adopt these changes, ! aud wilt recommend them to the Cricket Council. The alterations are vei7 popular, and the general feeling is that they will greatly rtrengthen the team. Later. It has now been decided to take 15 men to EDgland, including Johns. Harry, therefore, is the only man to t>! deluded. He refuses to accept the decision to leave him out, and state* that he has gpne to a lot of expense in preparing for tbe trip, as well as throwing up a situation. He insists on being included in ths team.