TREMENDOUS INTEREST

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 17951, 1 December 1932, Page 7

TREMENDOUS INTEREST

THE FIRST TEST MATCH BOTH SIDES CONFIDENT SOME AUSTRALIAN DOUBTS ' (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Asss.) (Reeoived Dec. 1, 11 a.m.) SYDNEY, Dec. 1. Tremendous interest is being displayed throughout Australia‘in the first test match, which opens in Sydney ou Friday. Both sides arc quietly confident-of victory, although there is some misgiving among cricket-lovers as to how Bradman, Woodfull and Pons’ford will shape facing Larwood, or whether Nagel, if selected, will be able to go through the Englishmen as he did in Melbourne. If he is chosen, then either Wall or Ironmonger will have to be dropped. There is considerable doubt whether Kippax will be included. The majority of the press critics favor V. Richardson or Fingleton, either of whom is a seasoned batsman, in the event of Ponsford going cheaply. TATE MAY NOT PLAY The Morning Herald’s cricket writer says close observers think that Tate, despite his line bowling in the match against Now South Wales, may not',be included hi the test team. Th& fact that Jardine placed; hiin last on Hie batting list indicated that the- captain was not worrying about giving Tate batting practice. Some scattered thunder storms are likely this evening, while a squally southerly change is predicted for tomorrow. Bradman’s condition has improved, but he is taking matters quietly. The wicket used in the New South Wales match was cut about in an extraordinary way, considering that there was less than four days’ play on it. Some old internationals stated that they could not remember the wicket having been damaged to such an extent during fine weather. The English bowlers. Yoce and Allen, are thought- to have caused the damage. If similar damage is caused 1 by the bowlers’ spikes, on the fourth day the test batsmen might bo greatly troubled. Woodfull. Australia’s captain, upon arrival in Sydney yesterday with his fellow Victorians, sounded an optimistic note. “I think our prospects are bright, especially if the weather is kind,” he said. Tho South Australians are due to arrive this morning. Grimmett is reported to be in excellent fettle. LIVING OX CRICKET The Englishmen were entertained by the Millions Club yesterday, breezy speeches being made throughout. Jardine raised a hearty laugh when he remarked that politicians, especially economists, ought to be grateful to them for diverting attention from the depressed economic conditions here and at Home. He expressed warm appreciation of Australian hospitality. “Plum” Warner related how, when on a previous visit to Australia, he nearly left his bones in. this country. When, 'he was recuperating, the late Frank Ircdnlc called on him and said: “It is a pity ‘Plum’ you didn’t die. We would have given you such a magnificent funeral.” Warner added, when the laughter had subdued: “I don’t want to die because I have had such an extraordinarily happy life, in which cricket has played a most fascinating part.” He added: “The coming tests are going to carry England through the winter of her discontent, since England is now literally living ou big cricket in Australia. BATTLE OF BOWLERS COMMENT IN ENGLAND LONDON, Nov. 30. Sporting Life says: “It is realised that England must amass a huge total on a perfect wicket in order to ensure victory in the first test. Brilliant batsmen like Woodfull and Bradman, cannot continue failing for ever.” J. Taylor, iti the Morning Post, says that the first match should resolve itself into a England’s feat bowlers against ’ Australia’s spin bowlers.