TEST SELECTIONS

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20409, 28 January 1938, Page 7

TEST SELECTIONS

AUSTRALIA’S CHOICE TEAM TO TOUR ENGLAND BRADMAN AGAIN CAPTAIN OLDFIELD’S NOTABLE OMISSION United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright MELBOURNE, Jan. 27 The Australian cricket selectors Messrs L. G. Bradman 'south Australia , \v. J. Johnson (Victoria) and A. E. Dwyer New South Wales), tonight announced the following 16 players for the tour of England next season:— D. G. Bradman (South Australia),! captain. S. J. McCabe (New South Wales), vice-captain. J. H. Fingleton New South Wales). W. A. Brown (Queensland;. C. L. Badcock South Australia). A. G. Chippertieid (New South Wales >. A. I. Hassett Victoria). S. Barnes New South Wales). M. Waite (South Australia). E. S. White (New South Wales). W. J. O'Reilly New South Wales). E. L. McCormick (Victoria). L. O’B. Fieetwood-Smith (Victoria). C. W. Walker South Australia). B. A. Barnett Victoria). F. A. Ward .South Australia). The omission of Oldfield, Grimmett and O'Brien caused considerable astonishment. There are six from New South Wales and live South Australians, including Waite, Walker and Ward, fuur Victorians and one Queenslander. The team is expected to be powerful in batting, brilliant in fielding and stronger in bowling than ttie former touring side. Waite is a medium-pace right-hand bowler and a useful batsman, being a utility player. White is a medium-pace left-hand howler and right-hand batsman. lie is expected to be well served by the English conditions. Both Barnes and llassett displayed good batting form in recent Sheffield Shield contests. Gregory’s exclusion was not surprising owing to his recent loss of form. Australia's preference for young players was shown by the omission of Oldfield and Grimmett. However, the

dropping of these two men came as a great surprise, considering the form they nave displayed this season and the success they have both met with in former English tours. UldlTeid is 40 years of age and has long been consiuered the greatest wicketkeeper, Australian or English. With Grimmett, whom many critics consiuered a certainty, he has been outstanding. Grimmett is now 46 years oi age and his form this season has certainly warranted his inclusion. It is doubtful if the selectors’ choice of Ward, who is a younger player, in the place of Grimmett, will prove the success anticipated. At present Australia is well served with wicketkeepers. Walker was a member of the 1930 team but he did not come up to the standard set by Oldfield so it is very probable that this tour Barnett will be given preference when it comes to test matches. In any case it. is doubtful if either of these players will prove the asset Oldfield would have been, for the best Judges in the world have placed the latter in a class by himself. CHORUS OF DISAPPROVAL OMISSION OF OLDFIELD DECLARED A TRAGEDY United Pres? Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyrlgh> (Received Jan. 28, 12.30 p.m.) SYDNEY, Jan. 28 Former international cricket players and press critics deplore the omission of uldficld in particular and Grimmett and Gregory from the team. Bardsley says that Oldfield is still the best wicketkeeper in the world. C. G. Macartney says the omission of Oldfield is a tragedy. OPINION IN BRITAIN “ A POWERFUL SIDE ” MR JACK HOBBS' REGRET United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright Received Jan. 28. 12.30 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 27 The Star considers that Bradman will lead a powerful side. The batting looks \ery .strong indeed. The team, s strong as former - les ' • mattei of all-round players. >,r i*. Warner said: “ It is obviously a strong side. I have never known i an Australian team otherwise, but I hope and believe it is not invincible. Mr J. Hobbs, writing in the Star, pang of regret the exclusion of Grimmett and Oldfield.