TEST CRICKET.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17410, 12 December 1924, Page 10

TEST CRICKET.

AUSTRALIA’S TEAM. A SOUND PROPHET. Writing iii a Melbourne paper of December fi. Mr J. Wo l* rail, a wellknown old-time cricketer. gave the names of twelve men whom he prophesied would, make up Australia’s team for the first test. It was remarkably good guessing. Mr Worrall was only one out. Tie chose A.'E. V. Hartkopf instead of V. Richardson. The article is as follows: “It may be taken for. granted, irrespective of anything that may happen in the interim, that the certainties for Australia are Collins. Gregory, Kelle way. Bardsley. Mailer. Oldfield. Ponsford. and Hendry. It is not known whether Kelleway has placed himself out of court by not playing for his State, but while that grand all-rounder may have good reasons for his action, he is not gifted with tact, and he has not increased the number of his friends by the retirement from the State eleven. I should say. however, that if his services are available for his country, he should be considered on his merits, which would make him the first man chosen. Bardsley has proved himself iti his best form, while Hendry, who is getting more practice than ever before, has benefited greatly by his opportuni ties. With Ryder unfortunately suffer- . ing from a strained side, he is out of court tor the present, which narrows the selection down to the c laims of the two Richardsons and Grimmett, of South Australia; Wooclfull, Hartkopf, Tarrant, and Mayne, of Victoria; and Kippax, Andrews and Taylor, of New South Wales. “ On the form displayed against the Englishmen, Kippax would receive no consideration whatever. One swallow, however, does not make a summer, or one failure a sign of decadence, but in no department, especially in the one of - fielding, has Kippax claims equal to those oi cither Andrews or Taylor. Wooclfull. though possessing but few scoring .strokes has the temperament, llartkopi is a strong probability, especially if two slow bowlers are requ.red. and Mayne may have a chance ■ lor his batting, though 1 would place - Woodfull in preference'every time, as he has youth on his side. The two Ui'nardsons are in the running;, with Arthur as the. best all-rounder, and \ icfcoi h dashing fieldsman. If there lie any doubt liotween two men. States lights will be in evidence, and for that reason I will place Arthur Richardson as ninth man. Very few of the local men have struck their best iorm this season. Hartkopf being one of the number. Variety in attack is essential, and I would have him on my side. He is a hard-hitting batsman, and a magnificent field a champion anywhere, either in the slips, the off, or the outfield. That makes ten. Tor the other position it is a tossup between Andrews and Taylor. Personally. I consider Andrews the better batsman, both being great in their respective positions in the field. Lt may be that Hendry could make way for Hartkopf, room thus being made for both Andrews and Taylor. There are many who prefer tlve claims of Kippax to either of the two; but on the form displayed against the Englishmen—not an Absolutely, thoroughly reliable guide, one must admit—l would prefer either of the other two. 1 certainly like Andrews, as he is such a grand cover. Bardsley and Ponsfield are outfields of class, and on this

occasion 1 will place Andrews in the team, with Taylor as twelfth man. 1 do not for n ‘moment consider that this eleven will- be'the one chosen, as it will be difficult indeed to leave Kippax out. yet it- is one that should render a good account of itself against England's be^t. THE TEAMS. Placed, side by side, my selections are ns follow : AUSTRALIA. E X G I, A XI). H. k. Mollins (capt. i A. E. R. Gilligan \V. Bardsley capt). H. L. Collins (capt.) A. I*. F. Chapman ( . Kelleway J. B. Hobbs A. Mail«?y F . E. Wool i<*y \Y. A. Oldfield H. Strudwick T. d. Andrews E. P Hendren \Y. Ponsford J. W. Henrne H. L. Hendry M. V . Tate A. Richardson R. Tyldesiey A. E. V. Hartkopf H. Sutcliffe -I. M. Taylor H2th AY. Howell man-). ‘‘ On the Australian side- every man is capable of making runs, even Oldfield and Mai ley. There is a fast bowler in Gregory, two slows in Mailey and Hartkopf. two mediums in Kelleway and Hendry, with Richardson as a change. Exception may be taken that there are seven Welshmen in the team, but taking fielding and other tilings into consideration. I cannot see there should be lass. The slips should be all right, likewise the outfields, with Andrews wanted at cover and Hartkopf not out of place anywhere. There are about sixteen men available. all cricketers, and deserving of a plaoe every one.”

TWO RESERVES CHOSEN. Hy iele«ra>*b — Press Association—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cahla Association. (Received December 12. 1 p.m.) SYDNEY. December 12. J..S. Ryder and A. K. A. Hartkopf have been chosen.as test team reserves, should any of the men ori w inallv chosen prove unavailable. The “ Herald ” says that the team should meet with general approval, as it is a thoroughly representative side, it practically follows the dictates of expert) opinion in the light of thv season’s play. The “Telegraph” says: “It is a. well-balanced side. which will give genera! -satisfaction. Taking everything into consideration, it would bo difficult to drop any ol the chosen play-