CRICKET.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 August 1926, Page 1

CRICKET.

■ TOST TEAM COMMENT. CARR’S EXCLUSION. [Reuter Telegrams.] LONDON, August 8. The “Daily Chronicle ” throws doubt on the official announcement by the Selection Committee, which was to the following effect: “Carr, who recently has not been in good health, generously offered to resign his place in the eleven. After due consideration, this unselfish action on Carr’s part was accepted with the greatest possible regret.”

Carr, -interviewed by the “Daily Chronicle ” on Sunday night, said that lie was present when tile selection was made. “ A great many things were said,” he remarked, “but I can’t repeat any of these. Where it hits mo hard is that before the Leeds match I offered to resign. The offer was not taken. I offered then, because I knew I was off my form. I know I am off my form, but I am hard hit at being left out, all the same. Of coruse, it’s nothing to do with my illhealth, and it can only be because X am out of form. I cannot imagine any other reason. I think that it is a splendid team that has been chosen. No fault can be found with it, and it should win.”

PRESS CRITICISM. LONDON, August 8. . The “Daily Hernld ” (Labour), under the heading, “ A Concession to Snobbery,” asks tally Hobbs, whom it describes as the “ greatest English cricketer,” who led tlie English Eleven so ably at Old Trafford, has been deprived of the captaincy of the English team in tlie final game, it says : ‘ This is the question that every enthusiast will he asking. Tlie only possible answer is that this is a concession which has been made to snobbery, which has so often handicapped England in the sports arena. Chapman (who is the captain), is a young and -inexperienced captain. When Chapman captained Kent against Surrey, he did exceedingly badly. Chapman’s handling of the howling provoked caustic criticism. On the contrary, everyone praised Hobbs for his firm and astute handling of the, howling at Alanchester. He attacked cleverly, placing the English team in a way superior to Carr’s placing. He “Daily Herald” asks, call the Youthful Chapman seriously he expected to hold his own against. Collins. It says the change in the wicket keepei may also he n.n ' expensive mistake, though it admits Brown is infinitely a better batsman than Strudwick. Tlie “Herald” says Rhodes is easily the best slow bowler in England, and the captaincy might well he given to him, as being senior to Hobbs. The “Daily Herald” says that tlie English team ought to win, but it adds that tho Australians are certain to be more dangerous than in the earlier games.

CABR’S CHAGRIN. LONDON, Aug. 9. The Daily Chronicle states that Carr on being interviewed, said that he was broken hearted at being left out of England’s test team. He said: “Of course it had nothing to do with my ill-health. It can only be because I am off my form.” Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Colonel Trevor says: “The team is easily the lest AH England side chosen this season. There is practically no tail, while it is also easily the best howling combination, despite tho absence of Root.” He rejoices at the inclusion of Geary, because he is practically the only howler in the world capable of pitching a ball just where lie chooses. He says the appointment of Chapman as captain follows a precedent. Colonel Trevor says Stevens is the senior amateur as a general player, but not as a- test match player.

YORKSHIRE’S PART. LONDON,' Aug. 9. “Sporting Life” says: “Chapman will not hesitate to ask for, and accept, Rhodes’ advice, as the captains of Yorkshire have always been willing to do in late years with such striking results. This is much the best side picked to represent England this season.” The “Daily Chronicle” states: “It is not clear why Chapman was preferred to Stevens, who coptained Oxford in 1922. Perhaps the selectors thought that Chapman knows more of Australian methods. Brown was experimented with in 1921. It is unnecessary to enlarge upon the non-success of the move.”

NOBLE’S VIEWS. LONDON, Aug. 9. Air M. A. Noble regards the English selection as a good team, saying it is strong in all departments. He is somewhat- surprised at the non-inclusion of Kilner. He is pleased at the choice of Chapman, and is sure that, with the assistance of Hobbs and Rhodes, his experience will enable him to fill the position with credit to himself and honour to his country.