CRICKET

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17178, 7 February 1930, Page 4

CRICKET

RYDER'S POSITION GENERAL ASTONISHMENT There was considerable enthusiasm on the M.C.C. ground yesterday, says the -Melbourne Ago of January 30, when it became known that tho Victorian captain, J. Ryder, had scored a century against New South Wales. It was considered that if there had been any doubt as to his gaining a place in the team for England, (hey would be dispelled by his latest effort, following as it did upon his two preceding scores of 77 and 29 not out against South Australia. Later in the afternoon the pleasure turned to amazement when it became known by press and private messages that Ryder had not gained a place amongst the 15 players selected. Ryder having so effectively revealed that be had not lost the form which so rightly had gained hint fame as a fighting batsman in the Test matches against England last season, when he frequently pulled the Australian side together when it was in a very bad way, his rejection from the team was astonishing. It has been asserted from time to time that two of the selectors were determined that players would not be selected, "on reputation," and it was known that because he had made a few small scores that Ryder's position was precarious. Time and time again, however, Ryder has proved that he is at his best when "up against it." On this occasion there was no exception to this rule, and, as before stated, his last three scores have been 77, 29 not out and 100 not out. In any case, if players were not to be included on reputation, what justification is there for tho inclusion of Oldfield? Ho was not up to tho best standard in the last series of Test matches, and ho has played in only two games this season owing to an injury to his finger. What can the selectors know of his present form? Of course, Ryder has been in rather an invidious position on the selection committee. He naturally would bo - diffident about singing his own praises, and reminding the other two selectors of his fine achievements in the last Test mutches, which would perhaps have been mor© strongly stressed if there had been another Victorian selector in place of Ryder. Some leading cricket officials were so astonished at the nature of the news that they refrained from comment pending the official notification.