CRICKET TEST

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27157, 12 August 1949, Page 8

CRICKET TEST

jil The Oval . . .

The New Zealand Cricket team which has performed so creditably will to-morrow commence the fourth and final test against England at the OVal. In ordinary circumstances—with a good wicket and the batsmen playing for keeps—it appears unlikely that the result will be any different from the outcome of the first three tests. It is difficult to understand why the MCC has not seen fit to extend the duration of the last test to four days, especially when by their performances the New Zealand cricketers have proved beyond doubt that they compare favourably with the best present day English eleven. As it is, the New Zealanders would lose little in prestige even should they be defeated, and it will not be surprising if W. A. Hadlee adopts tactics which have been referred to so often in England as “Saturday afternoon cricket ” —but what attractive and successful cricket it has been! Considering the form they have shown recently, there is no doubt that New Zealand possesses batsmen capable of accumulating a formidable total, but whether the bowlers will prove equal to the task of dismissing England cheaply enough to force a win in three days is much more difficult to decide. J. A. Cowie and T. B. Burtt have carried a considerable burden during the present tour, and on the support they are given in the coming test may depend the answer to the question posed above. The English selectors have evidently similar ideas because their test team has been further strengthened by the re-appearance of 1 A. V. Bedser and J. Laker, who both performed well against the Australians last year. With batting strength equal to that of New Zealand and with their attack fortified as. mentioned, England would appear to have a better balanced team. A ball-by-ball description of the cricket will be broadcast through 2YA from 10.30 p.m. when play is scheduled to start, and the cricket broadcast will be transferred to Station 2YC, on 650 kc, about 1.30 a.m. when the Rugby is due to begin. After the Rugby has finished from 2YA, the cricket commentary will be returned to that station. England’s team will be selected'from the following twelve: F. R. Brown (captain), W. J. Edrich. T. Bailey, R. Simpson, L. Hutton, D. C. Compton, C. Washbrook, T. G. Evans, *D. Wright, A. V. Bedser, J Laker, and W. Hollies. The New Zealand team had not been announced at the time of writing.