THE FIRST TEST

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20230, 26 June 1937, Page 6

THE FIRST TEST

New Zealanders at present in London, and doubtless many who live outside the metropolis, will make their way to Lord’s, where the first test match between the English and the New Zealand cricket teams will commence to-day. And many people throughout the Dominion will envy their countrymen the pleasure of a day watching the king of games in such a pleasant environment. The team has done fairly well thus far, although there appears to be a weakness in the batting. This, it has been said, is largely due to the great variety of wickets met with in different parts of the country, but, whatever the cause, it is to be hoped that the New Zealand representatives will be seen at their best during the course of the test match. The English selectors have certainly taken no risks, and have chosen an eleven that would probably extend any Australian team, but it will be remembered that it was in somewhat similar circumstances that a previous team from the Dominion did remarkably well, and won widespread praise for their attractive and sporting game. It will be unfortunate if the minor injury he has received should keep Roberts out of the team. He is a splendid all-round player, being a solid batsman, a good change bowler and an excellent fieldsman. If the wicket should prove suitable then much will depend upon Gallichan. He is the type of bowler capable of troubling the best of batsmen on occasion, and given a little assistance from the wicket he may have to keep an end going. Lowry, although occupying the position of manager, has been batting well lately, but as the tour has, at least to some extent, been arranged to give the younger members the opportunity to develop their powers, the test match is their great chance and they should have it. Cricket is a game that sometimes changes with surprising rapidity—that is one of its many charms—but if New Zealand is batting to-day then thousands of enthusiasts will be anxious to hear to-morrow how the side has fared. A good opening score would be the best news. There is one thing, however, about which no assurance is required, and that is that the New Zealand eleven will play the game. It was the fine sporting spirit they showed that so strongly commended the previous team to the British people, and this eleven will fully uphold that reputation. To be frank it must be admitted that New Zealand would like very much to win, but as that result cannot be assured then all will hope that the match will bo a good one, favoured with the best of weather and that the fixture will be worthy of inclusion in a growing list of tests, all played in the real spirit of cricket.