ENGLAND’S TEAM.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20276, 10 April 1934, Page 1

ENGLAND’S TEAM.

A. H. Gilligan’s Forecast for Tests. VALENTINE AS CAPTAIN. United Press Assn—By Electric Telegraph Copyright. LONDON, April 8. It is understood that B. 11. Valentine, vice-captain of Kent, may be a: ked to accept the captaincy of England in the ccming series of Test matches with the Australian cricket team. A 11. Gilligan suggests that England’s first test team may be as follows: 11. Sutcliffe (Yorkshire). C. F. Walters (Worcestershire). W. R. Ilamr-'.nd (Gloucestershire) A. Mitchell (Yorkshire). L. E. G. Ames (Kent). R. E. S. Wyatt (Warwickshire). B. 11. Valentine (Kent). R. W. V. Robins (Middlesex). H. Verity (Yorkshire). E. C. Clark (Northamptonshire). H. Larwood (Nottinghamshire), or M. S. Nichols (Essex). Bruce Valentine, now in his twentyseventh year, has been deputy-captain of Kent under the redoubtable A. P. F. Chapman for two years, and in four vears has risen from the bottsirj. to the top of the list of the batting averages of the county. His Repton reputation was scarcely sustained at Cambridge, though he played against Oxford in 1929. but the company of such men as Woolley. Ames, Freeman and Chapman has given him an education that has put him in the running to be a firstclass all-rounder and captain of England. In the countv chamnion«hiv> last season he made some excellent scores, including five centuries, and vmj when Kent beat Yorkshire, the champion county. His total for the season was 4532 and his average 37.66. being second in his county only to Ames. He also scored well against the West Indian team. In driving—especially to the off—cutting and pulling, Valentine has developed great punishing power, and, when the position demands it, he can adapt himself to a cautious game. He is said to field with dash and accuracy and has brought off a number of exceptionally brilliant catches. His bowling average is 29. His experience with Chapman and his knowledge of the veteran's methods should make him most acceptable to the Australians.