(By "Not Out.")

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 124, 22 November 1932, Page 9

(By "Not Out.")

The preliminary selection of the Australian .players for the first Test ia very muck as was expected, except for the late entry of Nagel into the field of candidates. In reviewing the prospects Ot players for selection the writer on Saturday suggested 'that the choice or Woodfull, Ponsford, Bvadman, Kippax, MeCabe, • Oldflcld, Grimnictt,- awl O'Reilly left little doubt. AVall's claims us a fast bowler wore regarded more favourably than those of Nash and Alexander, wlnlc Ironmonger was placed as the left-arm bowler most worthy of-a place. The position causing most difficulty was No. 6 on. the batting order, and i'or this there were several candidates, according to requirements—Eiehardson, Fingleton, Darling, and Oxenham. Eiehardson was entitled to very serious consideration, but it was considered that an all-rounder would ■ best fit the bill, aud on that account Oxenham was looked upon as having a good chance of selection. Fleetwood-Smith, at one time hailed as "a menace" to the Englishmen, was counted out. It now seems that Oxenham, in spite of his excellent bowling performance on the first day of the present match, is again going to be unlucky in just missing a place in the Test team. However, if changes are made' for the subsequent Tests, he may bo called upon, though there is another fine all-rounder in Hird, who is likely to be considered before it is all over, arid Jackson, as a-batsman, should also come into the reckoning. Nagel, the surprise packet, has had experience as a State representative, but he has not previously been lobked upon as a Test prospect. Even now he may not make the Eleven. O'Reilly's form in Sydney will probably have a bearing upon the final selection. Fingleton, ,it seems', is likely >to act as: twelfth Wan, The Tests, each of which is to by played to a finish, are:— First, at Sydney, 2nd December. Second, at Melbourne, 30th December. Third, at Adelaide,.l3th January.' Fourth, at Brisbane, 10th February. Fifth, at Sydney, 23rd February. The English team has an engagement with-New South Wales prior to the first Test. '