OUR LETTER BOX

Observer, Volume 1, Issue 22, 12 February 1881, Page 219

OUR LETTER BOX

THE AUSTEALIAN CEICKET MATCH. TO THE EDITOB.

Dear Sir. — Now that the time is drawing near for Auckland to pick her best 22 to uphold the honour of the city, and to do battle against the Australians, I take the opportunity of making a few remarks about the 31 which appeared, as the " chosen ones," in the Star of the Bth inst. As the selection from the United appears first on the list, I will commence with them. F. Dufaur, as a veteran, has a claim to be in the team, but not having x'i'ictised once this season, I do not consider he ought to be chosen. C. E. McComiick, although he has put together some very good scores this season, is but an indifferent bat, mid cannot lay claim to the name of a good fielder, moreover as there are many about Auckland who can put him in the shade, I think that he too should be shelved. The selection from the Auckland Club calls for no remark, as I consider they all have a claim (either for good fielding, batting, or bowling) to be in the team. The West End is the next we come to, and from that lot we can strike out C. B. King, who is not to be compared with Cameron as a wicket-keeper, and cannot be called even an average bat. As it is a wicket-keeper we want I consider he ought to share the fate of JfcCorcnick and Dufaur. Prom the Otahuhu, I think the name of W. Porch ought to be eliminated as he has done nothing in his cricketing career to justify his being called upon as a representative in the coming match. From the Carleton, Whiteside and Creeks are the "chosen ones." The former has made some good scores in rather nice style, and is a smart field ; but there are many in the First Elevens of Auckland who ought to be chosen before him. As for Creeks, I must say I do not see anything in his play which is above that of the average school boy, and cannot imagine why he is selected. The Waikato selection calls for no special remark, as both players mentioned are equal to the occasion if in practice. From the Parnell, Yates is mentioned, but he is in the same box as F. Dufaur, and ought not to be troubled. Ivens is the " chosen one " from the Civil Service, and can only hope to be in the team for his fielding, which I do not think overmuch of. Buckland certainly has a right to represent Eden, as he bowled C. Bannerman on one occasion. The last on the list is the North Shore, from which Swanson and Carter are chosen. The former has fallen oif greatly in his batting, and is but an indifferent field, and as the latter is greatly out of practice, both of them ought to be out of it. As it is highly essential that this team should be the best yet turned out here, I hope our smartest men will come forward and make a creditable stand against the strangers. Eye Witness. [Why has not Mr. Surtees, of Katikati, who was in the 'Varsity Eleven, when at Oxford, been asked, to play in this match ? — Ed. Obs.]

To the Editor Observer : Sir,— will you kindly give publicity to the following re the forthcoming match with, the Australians :— I think that on the clay of the match the Auckland men should 'put up a net during their innings, and each man, prior to his going in, should bat at the net. This will help his eye, besides giving him confidence. lam an old public school man, and can vouch for the difference that practice will make in one s batting before taking one's stand at the wickets. The Domain is quite large enough to permit of a net and practice, without at all incommoding the players or the public. I have been all through New Zealand • and nothing has pleased me so nrach as the last ten on twelve Saturdays cricket I have witnessed in the Do« main. Auckland cricketers stand far more show than Canterbury with twice fifteen.— l am, etc., Tbenchkb