THE CRICKET TEST

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23055, 4 December 1936, Page 12

THE CRICKET TEST

PROSPECTS DISCUSSED AUSTRALIA FAVOURED (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) SYDNEY. Dec. 3. Reviewing England's prospects in the first test, J. B. 'obbs says:— Though England showed improved form against Queensland, they did not meet the test team, and much will depend on whether our fellows can master O'Reilly. I believe there must come an end to the time when such bowlers as Chipperfield and Ward can terrorise our batsmen Australia has a powerful batting side. Probablv their first five are stronger than England's in the aggregate, but I suggest there is little among the last six in each team. On paper England has a slight pull in these six. but the tail-enders have shaped so badly against the slow leg break bowler, that Australia's tailenders will probably gel more runs than England's. If Hammond and Leyland can score as many as Bradman and M'Cabe, England might spring a surprise, because Australia's other batsmen have not had much experience in England-Australia tests. Allen has had an unlucky experience up to now., injuries having prevented him getting a settled team together. The dice have been loaded against him Australia's fielding is good, and they have a slight advantage behind the wicket. I remember that at this stage on the last tour Jardine was not settled about his batting order, but England won the Ashes. If I must give a candid opinion, 1 think Australia is better than England, and I shall be satisfied if we give a good show and run them close. Hobbs selects the following as the probable England eleven in batting order:—

Barnett, Fagg, Hammond, Leyland, Ames, Fishlock, Worthington, Allen, Robins, Verity and Fames, with Sims as twelfth man.

Hobbs adds: It is possible that Allen mav make Worthington one of the opening batsmen instead of Fagg, because, though Fagg has not Worthington's aggressiveness, he looks safer against slow bowling. Fames and Voce will not both be played. Voce has not been bowling with anything like his old devil. Fames has also failed to show fire, but of the two I should prefer him. England can depend on Verity as fl stock bowler.

C. G. Macartney, writing m the Herald, says he thinks England will find her task too great on a good wicket. He says: O'Reilly will be the chief danger, and Ward and Chipperfield will do most of the worrying. Judging by the attitude of the English batsmen to slow bowling, these three should provide sufficient attack. Nevertheless, the splendid opening partnership between Barnett and Fagg against Queensland has at least given some ground for the belief '.hat mastery has come of the slow bowling complex. Personally, lam sceptical whether it has. More convincing evidence is needed from Fagg. Macartney thinks that the English team will be: Allen, Hammond, Fagg, Barnett, Ames, Leyland, Worthington, Robins. Sims, Verity and Voce, and adds: The continual failure of the middle batsmen has made selection difficult. The team I have named would be as strong a batting side as is possible on current form, and the bowling would include all varieties and paces. A. P. CHAPMAN OPTIMISTIC LONDON, Dec. 2. A. P. Chapman, in an article in the Daily Mail, states that he is not despondent about the failure of the Marylebont team in Australia. " I always felt that their earlier batting was too bad to be true, especially agamst slow bowlers, but was sure they would some day find the form on which they were selected. The sDell now seems broken, and the result f the first test will probably surprise the English public. A team composed of Fagg, Barnett, Hammond. Leyland, Worthington, Fish-'->ck. Ames. Robins. Allen, Verity and Fames or Voce she uld win Bradman, who will depend on the spin bowlers, is probably in for the surprise of his life. The Marylebone team should make a huge score. THE ENGLISH TEAM BRISBANE, Dec. 3 (Received Dec. 4, at 1.15 a.m.) The M.C.C team for the first test will be chosen from the following:— G. O. Allen. C. J Barnett. A. E. Fagg W R Hammond. M Leyland L E. G Ames. T. S Worthington. R W Robins. J ML. Sims. H Verity W Voce. J Ha'-dstaff

The twelfth man will be selected in the morning as in the case of the Australians

The weather prospects are reported to be excellent und the wicket, perfect.