N.Z. SHOULD BE STRONG THIS YEAR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18939, 9 December 1929, Page 3

N.Z. SHOULD BE STRONG THIS YEAR.

FAST BOWLER NEEDED TO BUILD UP SIDE. New Zealand should be able to put a very strong side into the field against the visiting M.C.C. team. Plunket Shield matches in the past two year*? have shown by the frequency of high scores, that the batsmen know how to pile on the runs. Among the players who may make an appearance against the visitors are Mills, Dempster, Blunt, Worker, Page. James, Lowry, Weir, and Roberts. There are many others whose form has been improving and the indications are that the selectors will have a hard task to sort out the batting strength of the Dominion. Bowling presents difficulties. There are any amount of medium and medium fastish right-handers in the provinces. In Merritt, there is a slow bowler who made a success in England, and might make a big impression on the visitors. But it is the fast bowler and a left-hand slow bowler of quality that are lacking. Alcott has at times bowled in a first-class manner, and he may regain his best form. The hope of the bowling side is that the Otag> express merchant, Dickinson, will com: on this season. He is really fast, and on form keeps a fine length.

New Zealand will have a young team that should be keen in the field, and in James a great wicketkeeper. It is more than probable that Lowry will captain the side. He has shown himself one of the best field captains that ever took the position in New Zealand.