CRICKET TEST TO-MORROW

Taranaki Daily News, 1 December 1932, Page 5

CRICKET TEST TO-MORROW

OPTIMISM OF WOODFULL

WIDE INTEREST DISPLAYED

MISGIVING OVER LARWOOD

ENGLISHMEN ENTERTAINED

By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Rec. 11.5 p.m. . Sydney, Nov. 30.

Tremendous interest is being displayed throughout Australia in the first test cricket match opening at Sydney < Friday. There is some misgiving among cricket-lovers as to how Bradman, Woodfull and Ponsford will shape facing Larwood, or whether Nagel if selected will be able to go through the Englishmen as he did in Melbourne; if Nagel is chose- either Wall or Ironmonger will have to be dropped. There is considerable doubt whether Kippax will be included. Most Press critcls favour V. Richardson or Fingleton, either of whom is a good seasoned batsman in the event of Ponsford's going cheaply. The teams will be chosen tomorrow night Woodfull, Australia’s captain, upon arrival at Sydney to-day with fellow-Vic-torians, sounded an optimistic note: “I think our prospects are bright, especially if the weather is kind.”

The South Australians are to arrive to-morrow. Grimmett is reported to oe in excellent fettle.

The Englishmen were entertained by the Millions Club to-day, 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 depressing economic conditions here and at home. He expressed warm appreciation of Australian hospitality. P. F. Warner (one of the English managers) related how when on a previous visit to Australia he nearly left his bones in this country. When he was recuperating Frank Iredale (since dead) 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 subsided: “I don’t want to die because I have had such an extraordinarily happy life, in which cricket has played a most fascinating part.”

The coming tests, Warner said, would “carry England through the winter of her discontent since England is now literally living on big cricket in Australia.” Oldfield underwent the medical examination provided for by the Board of Control and was pronounced fit to play in the test.

Bradman has not completely recovered, but seems certain to be available. The receipts at the New South Wales v. England match totalled £5OBO. Arthur Mailey, discussing the lessons of the match, says: “Two interesting phases have arisen. First, it is more than ever apparent that the leg theory of attack must be solved before Australia can hope to win the tests. Secondly, Bradman’s success is more essential to Australia than we care to admit. His failure to supply centuries has had an unpleasant bearing on the results of those games in which he has participated this season.” NECESSITY OF HUGE SCORE. FAST BOWLERS VERSUS SPIN. Rec. 10 p.m. London, Nov. 29. "It is realised England miist amass a huge tottd on this perfect wicket in order to ensure victory in the first test,” says Sporting Life. "Brilliant batemen like Woodfull and Bradman cannot continue failing for ever.” “The first match should resolve itself into a battle between England’s fast bowlers against Australia’s spin bowlers,” says Taylor in the Morning Post.