Will N.Z. Team Be Handicapped?

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 64, 17 March 1931, Page 6

Will N.Z. Team Be Handicapped?

A Cricket Query

(Special to the “ Star.”) WELLINGTON. March 17. TJNDER the heading “A Chance To Play Cricket,” the “ Post.” in a leading article says:—

“ Comments from Mr W. S. Brice, Mr Xalder and others indicate uneasiness concerning the New Zealand Cricket Council'* arrangements for the English tour. These gentlemen are the last to cry down a team or prejudice.it before it has had its chance. Nor have we any wish to do this; but it seems to us that the team’s prospects may be seriously prejudiced by the arrangements which the Council has made for a cheap tour Iwo players, upon whom a full share of play, will fall., have been given executive duties in addition. The Council may say that they have freely accepted this "work. As good cricketers they have done whatever they were asked; but they should not have been asked. Lowrv will be manager, captain and player; and Allcott will be nearly as badly placed as treasurer and stock bowler in a team. that is weak in bowling. “ Carried Too Far.”

We can understand the Council's desire to keep expenses down, but we think that even on the commercial side this has been carried too far. If the play of the team suffers through this economv the returns will certainly suffer. It will be false economy. . From the cricket viewpoint such farreaching economy is even more mistaken. " The playing success at the 1937 team has won tor New Zealand cricket an opportunity to enter the test class. The team should be given all possible aid in making the best use ot that opportunity—of winning permanently the place now allotted to it on trial. “ There is every reason, if a manager is not _to be sent, for adopting the selectors’ advice and including the fifteenth player—preferably one to strengthen the bowling. 1 '