TEST CRICKET.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 December 1924, Page 7

TEST CRICKET.

ENGLAND V. AUSTRALIA. THE OMISSION OF DOUGLAS. PROSPECTS FOR TO-DAY.

By Telegraph.—Press Aasil.— Copyright. Received Dec. 18, 5.5 p.m. Sydney, Dec. 18. The general opinion concerning the IZnglish team to play in the first test is that Gilligan made a mistake in dropping Douglas, who is regarded as the greatest fighter England possesses. Several old international players expressed surprise at his omission, and stated that his dangerous bowling with a new ball should not have been overlooked. The Englishmen were reticent. One said: “It is all in the luck of the game. We have seventeen players, and they cannot all expect to play in the tests,”

Sandham, who replaces Douglas, figured only in one previous test against Australia. He headed the English batting averages last year. He is sound and solid and should be an excellent test match batsman.

The weather is unsettled and the wicket will probably favour the batsmen. Much will depend on who wins the toss.

BRIGHT WEATHER PROSPECTS

- Received Dec. 19, 1.5 a.m. Sydney, Dec. 18. Showery weather prevailed during the morning, but later it cleared and the prospects for the test match are bright. • TROPHY CHANGES HANDS. HEATHCOTE WILLIAMS SHIELD. By Telegraph—Press Association. Christchurch. Last Night. The Heathcote-Williams, shield match between the Auckland Grammar Schoo! and the Christchurch Boys’ High School was concluded to-day. Auckland winning by an innings and 92 runs.

Auckland declared with nine l wickets down for 462. In the first innings Christchurch School made 160 (Merritt 32). and in the second innings 210 (Merritt 77). STRATFORD CLUB TEAMS. The following will represent Stratford seniors in their match against Midlands at Hawera to-morrew: Claridge. Cole. Furrie, Knight. Lambert, Massey, Nichol. Palmer. Percy, Wood and Young. Emergency: Kean. The following will represent Stratford B team against Excelsior B. at Stratford Technical High School grounds:— Beere. Chisholm. Cottier, Gatton, Griffin, Father Hilly, Nelson, Richardson. TJ-omas, (capt.), F. Young. Emergencies: R. Young and L. Fowler. NEW PLYMOUTH CLUB. The following will rOprederit New Plymouth B teiim v. Old- Boys'? at Tukana. reserve No. 4: P. Hawkins.’Boswell. W. Hue'hes, E. Hoffmann, W. Grconibridge, McNab. A. S. Marrett. L. Thoma,s, Norgate, Davis, Tavlor, Blackmore.