THE FIRST TEST MATCH.

Otago Witness, Issue 2284, 9 December 1897, Page 36

THE FIRST TEST MATCH.

Sydnjjt, December H "•

The comm'ttee (Messrs, Trott, Iredalo, and Darling) appointed by the promoters to select the team to represent Australia in the first test; match, which commences in Sydney next Fri» day t have picked the followiug twelve :— O. M'Laotl (Victoria) G-. Gi'ffcn (S. A.) 11. I'rott (Victoria) S. Gregory (N.S.W.) 11. Trumble (Victoria) J.. Kelly (N.S. W.) C. Hill (S. A.) F. Iredale (N.S.W.) E. Jones (S.A ) H. Donnan (N.S W.) J. Lyons (S. A) T. M'Kibbin (N.S.W.) x • December 5.

The Selection Committee at length discussed the claims of Donnan, M'Leod, ..Lyons, A. M'K«iiZ'O, and Noble, and eventually decided to include Lyous, and chose M'Leod as twelfth mm and Donnan (Vie.) as thirteenth. Giffen waa included without his consent. Interviewed las!; night, he said nothing had occurred to change his decision not to play. Subsequently he wired to Gregory that, out of no disrespect; to. Australia or the Englishmen, he declined to play, and wished the team all luck. M'Leod therefore takes-Giffen's place.

Fisher, the New Z'alander, in a Utter to Irodale, says he is in go.od form, but has been given no opportunity in the scratch teams pitted »g«in*t him. Victoria is anxious to give him a show agaiusfc ni%n in the first rank, and has confidence in his ability. Ib is uuderstood he will ba given the desired opportunity before the second test match.