CRICKET.

Evening Star, Issue 3101, 27 January 1873, Page 2

CRICKET.

By “ Looker On.”

Speculation is now rife as to the probable result uf the forthcoming Interproviucial cricket match. The odds are all in favor of the sister Province, and, under the circumstances, this is notito bo wondered at. The men who were relied upon to give strength to the team have for various reasons declined to take part in the match this year. Since the very first meeting called to initiate the preliminary arrangements, a certain clique have done all in their power to thwart the efforts of the Match Committee, and to discourage players from coming forward. It is quite unnecessary to attempt to f ithom the motives of those who have so acted ; cricketers can draw their own conclusions from the facts that have come under their notice. One thing is quite certain, viz., that the tactics adopted in certain quarters have done, and are doing, great and irreparable injury to cricket. It is admitted by all those who have the true interests of cricket at heart that these matches should be kept up, come what may. It is not a mere question of winning or losing. The annual recurrence of these contests does more to stimulate and promote a desire for excellence in the game than any number of simply local matches, and it is on this ground mainly we think that the Match Committee take their stand, The Committee have been indefatigable in their endeavors to get the match to come off, and have cheerfully given up their time, and used their influence to carry the affair successfully through. It seems that they delayed choosing the team in the hope that some of those who are admittedly among our best players might make it convenient to go. Some of those players coquetted up till the last moment, then refused to go, and at the same time industriously circulated reports that the match had fallen through. This conduct is reprehensible in the highest degree, and indicates a sad want of chivalrous generosity and true manliness of feeling. Had there been any harmonious or concerted action among the Otago cricketers, the Province woiijld have been very strongly represented this y- ar and instead of sending up a sort of forlorn hope we should have been able, even allowing for the disadvantages of playing away from home, to make a creditable show. As it stands at present, those players who go and pluckily face tremendous odds will simply be doing their duty, and in doing it to the best of their ability will experience a certain amount of satisfaction, which, whether defeated or victorious, will amply compensate for any petty hostility or adverse criticism they may have to encounter. It will occasion no little trouble and personal inconvenience to some of the eleven to accompany the team, while at the same time they have the mortification of knowing that they have been left in the lurch by those to whom they looked for encouragement and support. The following will in all probability be the players who will proceed to Christchurch in about a week’s time .-—Allen, Andrew, Glen, Hendley, Johnston, Macfarlan, Muir, Hcllicar, Rhodes, Sutcliffe, and Tait. While admitting the wellknown abilities of the leading cricketers of the senior Club, we think that tdent outside is apt to be overlooked. Had Glen and Sutcliffe enjoyed the same advantages as the members of the A.C.0., they would be second to none. Sutcliffe is the hardest and cleanest hitter in the team, a fair change bowler, and a good and reliable field. Glen is the best bowler in the eleven, a good field, and a fair bat. Johnston’s bowling is underrated. When in good form ho is safe to get wickets, while at the same time he is a good, steady bat and smart field. Some of the members of the D.G.C. affect to despi e Hendley’s bowling, but. strange to tell, he can generally dispose of them easily with very poor results. "Hendley, when in good condition and on the wicket, is a dangerous bowler, and most difficult to play. He is in very good form just now, and will be “all there” on the Christchurch ground. Andrew is a safe bat, and may be relied upon for a score. He is a capital point, and quite up to the mark at this post. Rhodes has a very good defence, but is a little out of form. Two or three days’ steady practice will, however, Work wonders. He is a very good field. Muir has plenty of spirit and pluck, and is a good man to have in the team. He is left-handed, hits very hard, and always goes in to win. The other members of the team are well-known, and will do their best to “pull off” the match. Hendley and Glen may be relied upon to do the bowling, with Johnston, Tait, Sutcliffe, and Macfarlan as changes, as circumstances may require. Saturday’s match was stopped by rain setting in. The Citizens went in first and three or four wickets were down for a few runs when the rain came on. Glen was bowling splendidly, and* Hendley well on the spot. During this week the el ven should practice together every afternoon.