CRICKET.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 February 1928, Page 4

CRICKET.

AUSTRALIAN TEAM. NOTES ON THE PLAYERS. WELLINGTON, Feb. 14. Some interesting particulars regarding the members of the Australian team were given by Mr W. C. Dull, manager of the team, as follows: W. H. Ponsford—bolder of tbe world’s, the Sheffield Shield, and the inter-State record score of 437, made against Queensland this season. In first-class cricket he has seven scores of 200 and over, four scores of more than 300. and twenty-five centuries. He made a century in Jiis first test, and has scored six centuries in one season. With E. R. Mavne he is the holder of the Australian fnAt wicket record score of 456, and he shares the second and fourth wicket records against England: Ponsford Lias also made a century in each innings of a match with New South Wales. He holds all Australian records witli the exception Ol that of R. E. Foster, in making 287 in a Test match. “You must remember.” said Mr Bull, “that Ponsford is only 28 years of age. There is no doubt that at tlic present time he is the world's most prolific run-getter. He is also a brilliant outfield.” W. M. Woodfull —captain of Victoria. He and Ponsford arc the finest opening batsmen Australia has had lor many- years. Outside Ponsford he is one of the most prolific scorers in Australia. He is good on all classes of wickets and his defence is perfect. F. L. Morton—the last howler of the side. I). Blaekie—the veteran of the team. He is the host length howler in Australia to-day; can howl all day and keep a perfect length. Next season Australia will probably look to him to shift some of the Englishmen. V. Y. Richardson—captain of the touring team and captain of South Australia. lie has been the mainstay Of the South Australian side for years. His hatting achievements include the record of having scored a century in each innings of an. inter-State match. He is a brilliant field in any position. K. L. Jm hnoidcr—opening left-hand batsmen for South Australia, and is looked upon as the probable successor to Warren Bardslev. 'lbis season ho has scored three centuries in interstate cricket. W. (’. Alexander—a delightful young batsmen with a perfect, free style. (’. V. Grimmett —formerly of Wellington, New Zealand, he is the finest “ boosey ” howler in Australia to-day. He has been South Australia’s mainstay as a howler for some years, and Australia will rely upon him greatly in the Tests next season, lie is also a very useful batsmen at a pinch, and a fine field. R. Oxenham —the only Queensland representative in the team and Queensland’s best all-rounder. A. Jackson—the youngest member of the team and perhaps the most interesting. He has just turned 18 years of age. fie scored a century in inter-State cricket last season at the ago of 17 years, and this season a century in each innings against South Australia, being the youngest batsmen in the world to pcrioriu this lent. He is a safe outfield. R. McNamee —a line length howler. When the wicket is “doing a hit” he takes full advantage. W. A. Oldfield—the finest wicketkeeper Australia has had tor years and pronounced by the best authorities to he the best keeper in the world to-day. He is an excellent hat at a pinch, and scored a century in an inter-State match this season. A. F. Kippax—captain of New South Wales and the most consistent and best run-getter Now South Wales has had lor years. Ho is one of the greatest batsmen in a crisis and lias saved bis side again and again. He also holds the record of scoring a. century in each innings ol an inter-State match, and lias made a score ol over 3(10 in firstclass cricket.