CRICKET IN ENGLAND

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23369, 8 December 1937, Page 7

CRICKET IN ENGLAND

NEW ZEALAND TEAM'S TOUR LECTURE BY MR J. A. DUNNING The recent tour of Great Britain by the New Zealand cricket team was the subject of a very informative lecture by Mr J. A. Dunning, Otago's only representative in the side, in the Carisbrook Club pavilion last evening. Mr Dunning discussed the tour from several aspects, and his descriptions of England's bestknown grounds and his comments on the most prominent English players were valuable in view of the forthcoming visit by the Australian team. Alter describing the most interesting matches of the New Zealanders' tour, Mr Dunning spoke of changes of styles of play to combat bowling and fielding innovations. There was an attendance of nearly 50 players, past and present, over whom Mr J Crosby Morris presided, and the audience showed its warm appreciation of the lecture. Mr Dunning first described the trip to England and the team's various social excursions. The Coronation festivities in London and other cities wore truly amazing, he said. Social engagements were cut down to a minimum, but Mr Dunning spoke enthusiastically of the hospitality shown to the visitors and of the Inspections made of a number of notable properties. The travel ling was a big strain on the tourists, a fact which was made obvious by his description of several of the more exacting journeys Of the grounds, he thought the Oxford and Cambridge grounds were the prettiest. Canterbury, a beautiful ground, was notable for the fact that a glorious elm tree grew inside the bound ary, and the Worcester, Bournemouth and Norwich grounds were others of whose attractions Mr Dunning spoke. The appointments at Lord's, he said, were almost perfect, but the outfield was not as true as it appeared from the pavilion. The tourists did not experience a typically good Manchester wicket, and at Lord's they found it difficult to sight the ball from one end. At Trent Bridge and Leeds, also, the same difficulty was found. "THE BRADMAN BOGEY"

The three test matches were described in detail. The English bowling, Mr Dunning said, disappointed in that it did not seem able to drive home the advantage when half the side was out cheaply. The English newspapers, the public and players were obsessed by the Bradman bogey. Everywhere it was emphasised that the tests were purely trials in preparations for receiving the next Australian team, and the dominating feeling appeared to be that the Englishmen "would never get Bradman out." Without a doubt, Walter Hammond was still England's master batsman. The New Zealanders generally would rate him as the most useful bowler in England, and he was second to nobody as a slip field. In Mr Dunning's opinion, he was an outstanding captain. J. Hardstaff was the New Zealanders' Public Enemy No. 1, and he was batting in great form. Hutton showed extraordinary promise, and it would not be surprising if he proved a greater batsman even than Herbert Sutcliffe. Edrich and Compton, of Middlesex, were two other young batsmen of unusual promise, and Washbrook, of Lancashire, was another real test possibility. Barnett had suffered from too much cricket, and he was having a rest this winter. England's batting gave no cause for anxiety, but there were few bowlers up to test match standard.

BOWLING NOT CONVINCING Fast bowlers were scarce, but there were several of medium pace who might develop very well. Hedley Verity was easily the best of the left-handers and would be on hand for the Australian tests. There was nothing outstanding among the spin bowlers, of whom Sims was probably the best. The wicketkeeping was of a high standard. Leslie Ames was probably the best, but Ken James was as good as any of the 'keepers who played against the New Zealanders. Duckworth would not be playing next season except as a substitute, having accepted a newspaper appointment for the season.

Mr Dunning then discussed batting styles against different types of bowlers, the placing of fields, and other lessons that had been absorbed by the tourists, and reviewed briefly the New Zealanders' individual form. "It was a strenuous tour," he said, "but we were not always utterly weary, as so many people in New Zealand seemed to think. It was a great experience." Mr Dunning answered several questions, and was thanked by acclamation for a most interesting lecture.