AUSTRALIAN CRICKET.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 29, 3 February 1905, Page 4

AUSTRALIAN CRICKET.

When writing of the Australian eleven, which is due to arrive here on Sunday, rttference was made to the fact that in many quarters dissatisfaction was felt with the selection, largely on the grounds that in variety of bowlers the side was deplorably weak. The eys tern of selection is one in which the majority of players is picked by a committee of three cricketers, usually them selves regarded as certainties for inclusion in any selection that might be made. The few vacancies left are filled in consultation by those originally chosen. This method has the advantage that it brings to bear the brains of some of the keenest judges of the game under present conditions, but it has the very considerable weakness that the danger of the introduction of cliquism which it. entails is no small one. Players of standing, even if they give their beet efforts to the selection of an eleven, are liable to be swayed—even quite unconsciously—by the predilections and prejudices gathered on the field of play or on tour. There is a jocular saying that there is only one thing more difficult than getting into an Australian eleven—and that is to get out of it. When we come to look at the names of the present eleven we realise that this remark may be taken more seriously than jesting would warrant. Is the inclusion of players in the Commonwealth representatives year after year the result of prejudice and a distrust of the rising player who has brilliant records to show as against the old and tried hand who, although his averages will not now bear too close inspection, is known to have fought many a tough fight fer his side? It would almost seem as if it were. Now the establishment of a governing bod>, which would fill practically the same place in Australia that the Marylebone Club does at Home, would certainly remove much of this danger in the selection of teams. For on the Marylebone committee active players, while represented, do not preponderate, and the balance in the selection rests with shrewd followers of the game •who are not involved in its current squabbles and intrigues. It is possible that the record of the 1905 team in England will make this question an even more urgent one than it is regarded at present in Australia. In another direction the establishment of a strong body controlling the wider interests of the game would benefit Australian cricket in largely eliminating the taint of professionalism that has become only too noticeable in connection with the visit of recent Australian elevens to the Old Country. A great deal could be done for cricket in the Commonwealth in numerous other way 3 by a council properly constituted by the various State associations, and in the interests of a great national game, it is to be hoped ihat something of the sort may not It a very distant consummation.