THE CRICKET TESTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 January 1926, Page 11

THE CRICKET TESTS.

AUSTRALIA’S ELEVEN. THE TEAM FOR ENGLAND. TWELVE PLAYERS CHOSEX By Telegraifli—Press Assn.—Copyright. » Melbourne, Dee. 30. The selectors have picked the follow* ing to tour England: Collins (captain), Bardsley, Macartney, Taylor, Andrews, Oldfield, Gregory, Mailey, Hendry, Ryder, Ponsford, Grimmett. Three more are to be chosen. Sydney, Dec. 31. Newspapers, commenting on the cricket team, say it contains no sux*priaes, but th** trouble will be the sdeettion of the remaining three players to complete the team. The Herald declares the selections form the nucleus of a powerful, wellbalanced side capable of upholding Australia's prestige. It is strong i» all departments, and every player is capable of securing runs. The bowling provides a varied attack, while as lq the vital question of fielding, there are probably only two who cannot be regarded as first-class fieldsmen. COMMENT IN ENGLANB. HIGH PRAISE FOR TEAM. “THEY CAN BE BEATEN.” Received Dec. 31, 5.5 p.m. Ixjndon, Dec. 30. Hobbs, in a special article in the Dail/ Chronicle, appeals to the newspapers to spare early criticisms and querulous fault-finding in connection with tba selection of the English team. Reviewing Australia’s selection, he criticises and pays tribute to the various

players, and then adds: “It is not a super team. They can be beaten. I am not afflicted with over confidence wh-in I say England has at least a fifty-fifty chance, and I rate our chances even higher on a wet wicket.” The newspapers make the men selected for the Australian eleven their feature, issuing special posters with photographs. Experts analyse the qualities of the individual members, and declare the selectors should be congratulated on choosing sound men, avoiding daring experiments.

The Evening Standard’s critic says Australia has not troubled to wait for the averages at the close of the season before selecting the team. The selectors Lave apparently gone on lines of safety : and are probably considering minutely jthe three remaining vacancies. Maeartiiiey has undoubtedly retained all his al ilities during his enforced rest. He : is probably the most famous stroke player living, and in addition has developed innocent looking left-hand bowling. England will rejoice in his inclusion, because he is an entertaining and aggressive batsman. Though Bardsley is not as fast as he once was, he is still one of the best left-handers to open an innings because of his unsurpassed knowledge of English wickets. Ponsford and Grimmett will excii? tremendous curiosity, particularly .Ponsford, because it is generally accepted that his run-making will not be confined to Australian wickets. There is no question of the strength of the batting, though the bowling is another question. It appears the attack will nst with Gregory. Mailey and Grimmett. The team appears most useful, though such prominent players as the Richardsons, Scott and Ix>ve still remain uncliosen. Douglas, in an interview with the Daily Express, says the Australians are a formidable, well-balanced side. Thus far followers of the game in Atistra.'ia have no quarrel with the selectors. He is particularly pleased that Grimmett was selected. He is no mean batsHiaufl, and should turn the ball more on English wickets than Australian. He hop -.1 Richardson would be chosen. He, too, wculd bowl better in England, being one of the few really good flight bowlerd Australia claims. Hornibrook also deserves careful consideration as a splendid left-handed medium spin bowler. * I think the odds are on us.” added Douglas, “though the Australians have cqwlectcd an imposing side. Nearly everything depends on the English selection committee, who will do almost as much towards winning the tests as the players. I hope the county captains will not overwork the men selected.” Interviews obtained by the Australian Press Association reveal unanimity as to the powerful nature of the team. Jackson says the selection gives Australia powerful batting, but where are the bowlers? Grimmett will arouse‘’the greatest, interest. It will also be interesting io see how the suggestion of Ta:,e and others that Ponsford’s methods are unsound will work out on English wickets. The tests will be a toss up. Faulkner says it will be the strongest batting side sent to England. Everyone welcomes the inclusion of Macartney and Bardsley. The latter is unquestionably one of the greatest batsmen on English wickets as well as an admirable vice-captain. Australia badly needs a first-class fast medium bowler. The tests are very open, though Australia’s morale will stand by them as in the past. “’Plum” Warner in an interview saidt “Australia has selected a very hot Ratting side. Its great strength lies ,in tho fact that number eight, nine, ten and eleven are all good batsmen. You have got to get the whole side cut, and are just as likely to have trouble after the sixth wicket has fallen as before, but they don’t seem to have found any new bowler, except Grimmett. “ft will Im* interesting to see the remaining three selected. It is a difficult matter to choose between such promising players as Love, A. Richardson, Kippax and Kellaway, wiose brilliant innings at Melbourne shows that he ia still at the top of his form.” . .

SHEFFIELD SHIELD MATCH. EASY WIN FOR N.S.W. Received Dee. 31. 9.35 p.m. Melbourne, Dee. 31. The Sheffield Shield match between' V ictoria and New South Wales was concluded in tine weather and on a go«>d wicket. Victoria, in their second innings. made 130 (Baring 30, Ponsford 25 not out). .Kelleway took three wi.*kets for 22 runs, Mailey three for 34. and ;Gregory two fox' 57). New South Wales won by an innings and 162 runs. It was a hopeless fight, from the commencement Of the day's play. The New South Wales bowlers took command, routing the Victorians, who appeared unable to tackle the deadly deliveries the remainder being dismissed within an hour.