The Canterbury Team.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19258, 20 December 1930, Page 8

The Canterbury Team.

To the Editor. Dear Sir, —Everyone has a right to ais own opinion, but I was surprised to retd remarks of an “ Old Cricketer _in last night’s “ Star,” because for some time past there has been an insistent demand for tie encouragement of young, progressive players. Reg. Read has been a tower of strength in Canterbury cricket for many years, and the same remarks could apply to quite a number of others, but the selector’s duty is to promote the best interest of the game, and it is most indiscreet, especially for an alleged “Old Cricketer,” to make personal distinction. J. Burrows and Read are two good sports, and the former has proved himself to have an ideal temperament for big games. I am confident that Read is quite satisfied to abide by the selector’s opinion without suggesting any feeling. No doubt Mr Whitta would appreciate the opinion of an “ Old Cricketer,” which opinion could, no doubt, have been given without undue publicity, especially if “ Old Cricketer ” is actively engaged in the game which would bring him in contact with the prominent players and selector. My contention is that no good purpose can be served by making individual comparisons after a selector has made his choice. With respect to Hamilton and Crawford, the same remarks apply, with the differencthat Hamilton’s inclusion would be favoured as a Timaru representative. The inclusion of Merritt in the last overseas New Zealand team was adversely criticised by the majority of the older players; but, alas, he proved the goods. I congratulate the selector on his selection, and wish his team every success.—l am, etc., , AN OLD PLAYER.