THE TEST MATCH

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 212, 2 June 1921, Page 5

THE TEST MATCH

COMMENTS OF ENGLISH PRESS

TRIAL OF YOUNG PLAYERS ADVOCATED

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright

London, May 31

The “Manchester Guardian” says: “Some of us had warmed ourselves with the belief that the loss of the five Tests in Australia was explicable by factors which would not function so painfully here. The real reason seems to have been that tho Australians were, and still are, the better side. Tho Selection Committee might call back Fry and MocLaren, who have not forgotten the wonderful fast bowlers of other days, or throw in a, handful of young daring amateurs. It isn’t really a solemn matter. No cricket team on earth was ever worth a wrangle, but it is a pity to lose without the fun of trying a few ways to win.”

The “Yorkshire Poet” says: “Only in fielding can England be said to have held their own moderately well, and even there tho Australians showed better judgment and fieldcraft in blocking runs. There was a mild outcry against Gregory, but it was nothing. Tho new' fast bowlers pitch short on bumpy wickets. If England had bowlers equalling Gregory and M'Donald in pace they would <lo ’the same. It was apparent that several of the English players had lost confidence through the defeats in Australia. Newer players might be given a further trial, and others introduced, with tho certain knowledge that they could not do worse than those they have supplanted. Obviously, new bowlers should sunersede Howell and Richmond.” —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

CORRECTED BOWLING AVERAGES. London, May 31.

Correction -. Richmond was bowled by M'Donald, whoso average was five wickets for 32 runs. Gregory’s average was two wickets for 45 runs.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

ALL ENGLAND LOOKING TO HOBBS AND HEARNE DOUGLAS’S LEADERSHIP CRITICISED. (Rec. June 1, 9.10 p.m.) London, May 31.

All England looks io Hobbs and Hearne to pull the side together in the Test at Lord’s. Hobbs's condition is uncertain. He is still resting. Hearne has played four innings, and thinks he is equal to the strain of a three-day match. He made 67 runs on Monday, and also bowled for a lengthy period. The question of the captaincy calls more than ever for decision. Some critics bluntly condemn Douglas’s leadership at Nottingham. There isTt strong undercurrent of feeling that England is practically lenderless. Certainly Douglas seemed uninspiring, and suffered greatly by contrast with Armstrong, who always dominated the game when in the field. At the same time, it must be remembered that Armstrong leads a real team, while England’s is comparatively fragmentary.—United Service. TRIAL GAMES ESSENTIAL MR WARNER SUGGESTS TEAM FOR SECOND TEST. (Rec. June 1, 8 p.m.) London, May 31. Mr. P. F. Warner, in the “Morning Post,” says the Test was a debacle, but it was absurd to blame the Selection Committee, who were compelled to pick tho side largely in the dark. Moreover, the programme was very badly arranged. In earlier years there had been such matches as ' Gentlemen Players versus Australians to assist the selectors. In future it will be essential to hare trial games. 'They should reduce the programme of county matches end not play the first Test until the second week in June. "If I were in the place of the committee my side at Lord’s would be: Douglas. Knight, Evans, Chapman, Hobbs. Hearne, Woolley, Hendren, Durston, Parkin, and Smith (Warwickshire). Hearne could be used as a googly bowler. Smith is a better batsman than Strudwick. We cannot afford to have such a tail as we had at Nottingham. Chapman is a glorious field.. His activity and energy might galvanize the whole side.” —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY TEAM London, May 31. The following will represent Cambridge University against the Australians tomorrow:—Ashton. G. Ashton. H. Ashton, C. H. Gibson. C. S. Marriott. A. P. F. Chapman. A. G. Doggart, J. C. W. MacBryan, IT. D. Hake. Lowry, and Hillwood. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.