N.Z. CRICKETERS.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19137, 21 October 1927, Page 11

N.Z. CRICKETERS.

MERRITT IMPRESSES CRITICS. (BY CABLB—FBXSS ASSOCIATION- COPYBIOHT) (AUSTHALIAN AND'' N.Z. OABLB ASSOCIATION.) LONDON, October 19. Mr D. Hay, manager of the New Zealand cricket team, who has been obtaining the independent judgment of well-known umpires, states that Len Braund, seven times umpire in New Zealand matches, considered the New Zealanders a better bowling side than tho Australians. Ho said that Mcrritt was already superior to Mailoy. The famous cx-wickctkeepcr Harry Butt considered that .James had no superior behind the wickets, not even Oldfield.

Mr Hay points out that no county side had more than four batsmen to gain over 1000 runs in the season, .while the New Zealanders had six. He considered their defeats were duo entirely to weak fielding, which was .surprising in a young side. DOMINION TEAM WILL FACE BIG HURDLE. (AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION.) SYDNEY, October 20. Critics, commenting on the coming New Zealand cricket match against New. South Wales, point out that the New Zealand team will be facing a tremendous hurdle, as it has just completed five weeks' travel. It will hardly have lost its sea legs, and will be v out of practice The players can hardly be expected to make a great showing against the powerful team selected. GOVERNMENT LUNCHEON FOR TEAM. [THE PRESS Special Senrics.] WELLINGTON, October 20. The Prime Minister, on behalf of his Majesty's Government in New Zealand, has issued invitations to a luncheon at the Town Hall on November Bth to the members of the New Zealand cricket team.