BATTING FAME.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17570, 22 June 1925, Page 8

BATTING FAME.

PERSONALITIES OF THE PAST. The curs© of modern cricket is that there is but little individuality in the batsmen (writes “ J.W.” in the “ Australasian ”). They all play in tho one groove, and when you see one you see practically nil. And these remarks apply to Australia as is ell as England. It is stated authoritatively in England that it is practically impossible to distinguish one leading Yorkshire batsman from another. And wna.t makes confusion worse confounded is that tlicit physique is also moulded on exactly similar lines. In other days, W.G.,” “ Ranji.” F. S. Jackson, A. G. MaeLaren, C. B. Fry, "W. "NY. Read. George Ulyett, "William Gunn, and many others Jiad distinctive characteristics. "When it came one man’s turn to be dismissed it added to the interest that tliOMftext man in. quite as good a batsman as the other, had a different style, and so it went on, increasing the day’s enjoyment. Take Australia also. What distinctive personalities were George Giffen. Victor Trumper, Percy M’Donnell. W. Murdoch. Sam Jones. W. Bruce. Harry Trott, Jack Lyons. Clem Hill. Joe. Darling. Sid Gregory. Alf Noble, Harry Graham, Reg Duff. F’rnnk Iredale, Albert Trott—a number that could be increased ad libitum. It is a remarkable change and. equally remarkable the fact is more apparent in England than here. Change is inevitable. though not always an advantage. What is the cause? Personally I consider it is recognition by results, and therefore it is better to make 75 in three hours than 70 in two. Five runs bettor in fact. Rumour is rife in Australia concerning the selection of the next Test team to represent Australia in England It is said that some players have already been informed that thev will make the trio to England. The Melbourne “ Herald ” savs that manv people will remember the dissatisfaction that was felt with the method of selection of the 1921 Australian eleven, for as earlv as November. 1920 long before the “ certainties ” had been announced i r was freely stated that a certain plaver knew that he was going to England though few people would have given him a chance of selection in ©reference to a number of others. Rum°'ir, however, proved correct. The :: Herald "’ asks. *' is the same thing happening again?”