CRICKET

Hokitika Guardian, 7 November 1927, Page 4

CRICKET

i (Australian A N.Z. Cable Association. ! SUTCLIFFE’S CAPTAINCY. CALCUTTA, Nov. 3. Roy Kilner, Leylanil anil Dolphin expressed strong views on the appointment- of Sutcliffe as Yorkshire's captain, when they landed at Bombay. They are going to Patiala as coaches. Kilner said they were greatly surprised when the announcement was made, and added : “Sutcliffe is not a senior professional in the team. He is a post-war product, and has not the experience <>r Wilfred Rhodes, Dolphin or myself. The disappearance of an amateur from the Yorkshire team is to he regretted. Sutcliffe himself is a batsman, and 1 am wondering whether he will lie able to handle the bowling or not. Experienced amateurs are .scarce in Yorkshire. but 1 think an amateur skipper is to be preferred. All of us regret the passing of Major Lupton, who was well liked hv professionals. If ibis is a sign that amateurs will begin to disappear from County cricket, it will lie a bad thing for cricket. The whole thing has been kept very quiet; none of us had the slightest idea the 'new skipper would he Sutcliffe. Whether 'this means Rhodes has definitely decided to retire I don’t know. There is little doubt Lord Hawke approved the appointment of a professional as captain, or it would not have gone through, but it is a bad day for amateur cricket in Yorkshire.” Dolphin regretted the fact that Yorkshire would not have an amateur skipper. Leylanil agreed with Kilner that t.lie appointment of a professional as captain was to be deplored. and confirmed the statement that the Yorkshireineii were absolutely ignorant of the impending appointment when Ihev left England.