“ENGLAND’S GRAVE PUG”

Taranaki Daily News, 14 August 1930, Page 11

“ENGLAND’S GRAVE PUG”

THE CRICKET SELECTION CRITICS SUGGEST PANIC SYMPATHY WITH CHAPMAN By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Rec. 7 p.m. London, Aug. 13, Though England was not taken completely by surprise, the dropping of Chapman has occasioned a big newspaper sensation.. Even those offering criticism made it clear that for his inspiration in the field alone Chapman deserved his place. No real error of judgment can be laid against him, while hie combined ecore of 259 in test matches thia season compares favourably with those included for batsmanship alone. The Australian Press Association says: Woodfull’s men think the selection committee could not have done them a better turn. The two men feared most, Robins and Voce, are not chosen. They prefer to face Parker rather than Voce. The Australians are confident in Grimmett’s ability. to dislodge stickers like Wyatt and Whysall. , Undoubtedly it looks as though panicky selectors have dug England’s cricketing grave. A. 11. H. Gilligan, writing in the. NewsChronicle, says: “I cannot pretend to consider the change of last moment as wise. Wyatt, whose qualities as a fighter are well known, has not Chapman’s knowledge of Australian tactics. I am at a loss to understand why Chapman was dropped. He has my sincerest sympathy. Mr. Bennison in the Daily Telegraph writes: “There is no more inspiring leader than Chapman, but Wyatt ma more reliable batsman. The fact that he has not an intimate knowledge of the methods of the Australians may tell against him.” The Daily Herald says: “The drop, pin" of Chapman is most astonishing. We°expressed the hope that there would be no panic among the selectors, but the overthrowing of Chapman is. perilously like hysteria. Viewed from any angle the change unwise. TO RETURN WITH THE ASHES. AUSTRALIAN EXPECTATIONS. Rec. 5.5 p.m. Sydney, Aug. 13. Mr. M. A. Noble, commenting on tne English cricket team, said; “I do not know Wyatt, but he will have to ba something out of the box to do justice to the position vacated by his famous predecessor, Chapman. So far Wyatt has not proved to be a world-beater, .while Chapman’s exclusion is inexplicable-. Parker will be a dangerous bowler on a worn or bad wicket, but lacks stamina. I cannot see how Larwood can be excluded.” Mr. Sydney Smith, former manager of an Australian - team, is of the opin, ion that England has got together ft very strong side. “All the same,” he says, f, I think Australia will return with the ashes.” Mr. H. Carter, the former Australian wicket-keeper, says the English team is weaker than ever. It is a mistake pick, ing Wyatt, who has had very little ex, pericnce in big cricket. Messrs G. Turner and A. J. Hopkins describe the team as “'excellent along the lines of safety first.” Mr. “Plum” Warner, in the Morning Post says th® selectors carried out ft difficult "task with care and foresight-. “All will pay tribute to the great ser, vices Chapman has rendered to English cricket. Wyatt is one of the keenest cricketers and is a very sound, cool and determined batsman.

Mr. Carr said the team was the best ever chosen to represent, England. Jack Hobbs was bound to help Wyatt out. Whysall would be one of the hardest men to got out.