M.C.C. TEAM

Southland Times, Issue 22767, 18 December 1935, Page 5

M.C.C. TEAM

ARRIVAL AT AUCKLAND AUSTRALIAN TOUR REVIEWED TEAM NOW WELLBALANCED (Per United Press Association.) Auckland, December 17. The members of the M.C.C. team arrived by the Monterey this morning and were later accorded a civic reception at the Town Hall by the Deputy-Mayor, Mr Bernard Martin, the mayor being indisposed, and a large gathering of citizens. They were met on arrival by Mr A. T. Donnelley, chairman of the New Zealand Council and other officials. Mr J. A. Lee represented the Government. The captain, E. R. T. Holmes, of Surrey, when interviewed, said the matches played in Australia had welded the side into a good team and they were looking forward to the test matches in New Zealand. With two Australian teams out of the country they did not meet the best players but met many young promising players. When beaten by New South Wales ihe Englishmen experienced the first really fast wicket they had encountered. The touring side was well balanced, the fielding being good and its batting was satisfactory, while there are several bowlers who may go far. The batting success so far had been Hardstaff, the Nottingham colt, who had double centuries in the final match against Australia. In the Queensland match the visitors met E. Gilbert, the Aboriginal fast bowler, who did not get a wicket and over 100 runs were scored off him. He “floated a bit in the, air” but was not as fast as Read (Essex) who was likely to show the New Zealand crowds faster bowling than they have seen since Cotter. The Englishmen inquired keenly about the New Zealand players, Lowry, Merritt, Cromb, Badcock and others. The visitors hope to enjoy some golf, fishing and shooting before their departure.

OPENING MATCH WELLINGTON TEAM FOR FRIDAY. (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, December 17. The Wellington team to meet the English cricket team on Friday will be: Lainason, Blundell, McLeod, Ross, Blandford, Ward, Ell, Rainbird, Parsloe, Griffiths, Newman and Wilson (twelfth man). Lamason will be captain.