CRICKET IMPRESSIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 12 April 1921, Page 1

CRICKET IMPRESSIONS

DOUGLAS SAYS GOOD-BYE

Sydney “Referee’s” Fremantle correspondent had an interview with the English captain before the liner sailed.

“The Australians are rather lacking in finger spin bowlers,” said Douglas. ‘They particularly want a high-actioned lefthanded bowler with a spin of the Hornibrook type. To my mind Hornibrook should have been included in the team, although he is not yet up to first-class cricket. He is young and with careful handling will bo a champion, as he has his years before him. I would like to have him in the Essex team.”

Douglas regards the Australians as a very powerful batting combination. “Their strength,” he remarks, “lies in their practically having no tail, for they are uniformly good to the tenth and eleventh man. This team is more powerful in batting than any previous team. Several men who have not come off much in Australia will do better in England. Ryder will do well, but ho will have to bowl straighter on English wickets, where there will be only three days’ play. Ryder bowls as if every match will last a week. McDonald is a finer cricketer than figures show. Macartney is in great fettle, and Taylor is the coming Victor Trumper.

“Armstrong has done extraordinarily well, both individually and as a captain, playing brilliantly and putting a fine spirit of confidence into his men.

“To my mind, however, Gregory is the outstanding feature of the team. Wherever you place him he is at home, and with him and Mailey you have the strength of your bowling. McDonald T consider to be a coming bowler ol the side, and on a wicket which suits him he will be deadly. Hendry also should do well, bis style of bowling being suited to the English wickets. “Of course, men you think may come off do not always do so, but if the touring members can reproduce their Australian form in. England they will do well. Roth on and off the field they are fine cricketers. I am pleased to call them friends, but whether they will win the tests or not f do not care to sav.”

Asked as to the future representation of England, Douglas said lie expected that at least seven or eight of the present team would play in coming test matches in England; hut, of course it was impossible for anybody to forecast what would happen over there. When his team arrived in England its members would have only a week or ten days before they started action in firstclass cricket again.

“We have had a delightful trip, hut it would have been better if we had won some of the matches,” said the skipper, regretfully. “Me have been treated too kindly by everybody, and our team has been a very happy little party. We hope to come hack in three or four years’ time to renew our many friendships.” “By the way,” asked the pressman, "how long clo you expect to remain in first-class cricket?”

“I am only thirty-eight,” Douglas answered, “and I intend to play eiicket until fam fifty—not always in the first flight, but still T will play. I do not think Armstrong, who is forty-two is by any means near tbe end of his career. in .fact, I have advised Warwick to get three stone off his weight, and he would he able to go on for ever.”