N.Z. CRICKETERS AT BRADFORD REMY FOR FIRST MATCH

Wanganui Chronicle, 30 April 1949, Page 5

N.Z. CRICKETERS AT BRADFORD REMY FOR FIRST MATCH

Interest In Hayes; "He’ll Do Me," Says Waddington

(From Alan Mitchell, Special N.Z. Correspondent with the team). BRADFORD, April 29 (Ree. 7 /in). —The weather and the state of the wicket on the Bradford Cricket Club’s I’ark Avenue ground are two of the main preoccupations of the New Zealand cricket team as time draws near for the first match of the tour against Yorkshire. A coolish north wind was blowing and the sun shone fitfully through banks of dark clouds when the New Zealanders had their first net and fielding practice on.the morning after their arrival in Bradford. »

The vagaries of the Yorkshire weather are such that few people in this city are prepared to offer any guarantee that rain will not fall before next ’Wednesday. The New Zealanders were watche. at the nets by B. Sellers, the forme Yorkshire captain, W. Bowes and A Waddington, two former Yorkshi; and England bowlers. Bowes' con: ment on the wicket was "It is : really good cricket wicket, which wh give the spin bowlers a chance t. turn the ball, but at the same tun. should give th e batsmen the oppo: tunity to make some runs. II w. don’t have rain it should be a delight ful match. “Personally I hope the rain wil keep off; otherwise it may dcvelo; into the type of wicket which will sui. Yorkshire, and that would be rathe: hard luck for New Zealanders in their first match. Generally speaking, however, this is the best cricket wicket in England and by that, I mean it gives both bowlers and batsmen an equal chance.” All the team’s leading batsmen had a quarter of an hour’s knock at the nets, though Donnelly, who has a slightly strained tendon in a thumb, cut his short. Cowie using a new ball, was employing his full run and Cave, Cresswell and Hayes also bowled with new balls. INTEREST IN HAYES. Bowes and Waddington were particularly interested in Hayes, who was taking only half his normal run. Waddington said: “He will do me. I wish we had a few youngsters like him coming on for Yorkshire. Once he strikes form he should have a good tour.” Bowes had a talk with Hayes and promised to watch him in action some time and give the young New Zea-

lander any points of advice he may require. The team did not practise on Thursday afternoon, but visited Slaengc factory. It is expected they will be at the nets again both this morn :>g and afternoon, alter which the selectors will announce the team. An official luncheon is to be given the team by the Lord Mayor Bradford today. Here in Bradlivd the New Zealanders are again receiving good wishes for a success; rl tour and everything possible is to to done to assist and entertain them. Bowes remarked of the team: "i£ the team is as good as the one wh.” h came in 1937 I think it will go liore winning more matches titan it loser Sellers declared: "With six ounces of luck it should do very well."