I Rain Forecast: Delay Likely To 2nd Test

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31000, 4 March 1966, Page 15

I Rain Forecast: Delay Likely To 2nd Test

"The Press’’ Special Service DUNEDIN. The great worry in Dunedin yesterday was the weather. And the second greatest was the state of M. E. Chapple’s leg injury, as New Zealand and England prepared for the second test which will start, weather permitting, at Carisbrook today.

The New Zealand captain will not make the final decision on his fitness until just before the match. Dunedin’s spell of fine, warm weaher broke with a thunderous shower on Wednesday evening. There were several more heavy showers yesterday and the forecast is for cold and showery weather. Because of the rain and the cold—the temperature was iii the low 50s yesterday—the New Zealand team preparations were affected. Pitch Covered The New Zealanders went out to Carisbrook yesterday morning but only had a short knock-abmit for the practice pitches were too wet to be used. However, the covers have kept the rain off the pitch, which looks firm and true. But the expert opinion in these parts maintains that unless there is sun this morning the pitch will not be hard and fast. This means that while the bounce will be even, the ball will not come quickly on to the bat and forcing strokes will not be easy. Genial Spin If the pitch lives up to the Carisbrook tradition it should also provide turn early in the match, but once again this is expected to be a genial deviation rather than sharp spin. The outfield is a wonderful place of lush, close-cropped grass, rather like a gigantic putting green. However, the outfield, too, will need some sun to give it speed. It would be the greatest pity if the match should either be delayed or seriously affected by wet weather. The New Zealanders, stung by the dreadful collapse on the last afternoon

of the first test, are eager to wipe out those memories. Similarly, several of the England batsmen, especially G. Boycott, J. H. Edrich and M. C. Cowdrey are due for runs.

The wicket-keeper. J. M. Parks, who was married to Miss Ann Wem bridge, from Taunton, Somerset, at the Dunedin registry office, is not included in the England 12. His place will be taken by J. T. Murray. The final decision on the England twelfth man will be made this morning. England: M. J. K. Smith, W. E. Russell G. Boycott, J. H. Edrich, M. C. Cowdrey, P. H. Parfitt, J. T. Murray, B. R. Knight, D. J. Brown, D. A. Allen, K. Higgs, I. J. Jones (one to be omitted).

New Zealand: M. E. Chapple, B. W. Sinclair, M. J. F. Shrimpton, G. P. Bilby, B. E. Congdon, R. W. Morgan, V. Pollard, E. C. Petrie, R. C. Motz. R. S. Cunis, G. A. Barlett, B. R. Taylor, N. Puna (two to be omitted).

Shield Game In North

(N.Z. Press Association) HAMILTON. Whangarei will hold its first Plunket Shield match next season, the Northern Districts Cricket Association’s management committee has decided. The only previous Northern District home match allocated outside Hamilton was the one against Central Districts played at Tauranga this season.

“I feel we owe Whangarei this game,” said the committee chairman, Mr P. J. Page. “Northland administrators have proved themselves capable of running this game. “Auckland players were impressed with the pitch at Cobham Oval when they met Northland there. The amenities, too, are very good.”