N.Z. CRICKET TEAM

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26996, 3 February 1949, Page 6

N.Z. CRICKET TEAM

Sir,—lt appears that there is much criticism in Otago of the fact that no Otago players have been selected foi the New Zealand team to tour England, although Otago were winners of the Plunket Shield last season and top equal in match points this year. Such criticism is baseless, and on similar reasoning, Auckland, which came last in poinS this year for the shield, should have no representatives in this latest New Zea land team! I suggest that Otago should take consolation from the fact that she has a representative team of good strength, and that it gained its success from good leadership and that most desirable quality—teamwork. Surely there is great satisfaction in achieving such success without the aid of match-winning individual brilliance. G. H. Mills was Otago's main hope for representation, and he had a great following in Canterbury, but his medical examination seemingly was against him However, in the wicket-keeper selected we have a worthy representative who revealed excellent form at his appearance in the trial game, and also in his favour is his innings of 89 not out against Otago. What greater achievement than that? In conclusion, it is to be hoped that the journalistic profession does not decide to drop pens on account of the noninclusion of the unluckiest player of all —A. E. Cresswell—who is on the staff of a newspaper in Blenheim.—l am, etc., Christchurch L. W. Smith. Sir,—You spoke of Otago’s need of a cricket coach. Could Grimmet be induced to come?—l am, etc.. Has Been.