N.Z. CRICKET

Hokitika Guardian, 5 April 1928, Page 4

N.Z. CRICKET

IMPRESSIONS OF AUSTRALIAN CAPTAIN.

DUNEDIN, April 3.

In an interview after tile teat match here to-day, Air Richardson, captain of the Australian team, said there had been a good deal of talk with regard to the travelling arrangements made for the tour. As far as the New Zealand Council was concerned lie realised that it had done its utmost .to make the tour a financial success. The Australians realised that a tremendous amount of travelling was necessary to do this, and that mid-week matches were absolutely essential. Although the tour had been a strenuous one tfio Australian team was quite willing to travel about providing it was beneficial to Now Zealand cricket. 'The New Zealand Council was the deciding body and was conversant, with the requirements. New Zealand was lucky indeed in having men of the calibre of those on the council in charge of its cricket. lie was pleased to hear dial the minor associations in the Dominion Do°k such an interest in the game, and it it were beneficial tor an Australian team Lo visit these associations n would always he <jui 1>- willing to do so. The Australians were indebted to the New Zealand Council for the arrangements made, as the team had seen the country better than any tourist could jwssibly have chine. The New Zealand Ciuiici! had spared nor eliort to make the trip as light as possible. AV ith regard to the standard of New Zealand cricket. Mr Richardson considered there had been a vast imnmvement during the lasi seven years. He was of opinion that this was due to the experience gained through teams visiting the Dominion and the tour of the New Zealand team in England. The value of the English trip would become apparent in a few years, when those players who had had that experience passed it on to others. Ho considered cricket would still further improve in New Zealand if these trips were continued.

Asked whom he considered the best batsmen in the Dominion. Air Richardson said he would place Dempster first and Blunt second. These two were undoubtedly outstanding. Alills. on account of' his magnificent defence, must collie next, and it would be a great thing for New Zealand when this batsman developed sufficiently to he able to make scoring shots off -well-pitched and loose halls. (speaking in regard to the howling. Afr Richardson considered this was one of New Zealand’s strongest points in cricket. Any number of players were able to take advantage of the class of wicket over here. When the Dominion developed realty goed slow howler—ami this was no reflection on .Merritt—it would havo howlers ol* a really fine class. The performance of Orminiett had shown that a slow bowler was necessary on all wickets, and on New Zealand wickets in particular. It was not the howling that had let New Zealand down, but the batting—particularly in the match just finished. Questioned regarding .lames. AL Richard-on said he imisf lie classed among the world's b".-t wicket-keep-ers. He was keen and was a very good haf as far as wicket-keepers go. The fielding had been good in the test matches, and New Zealand had nothing to leant in this respect. Tic would like to specially mention Radcock. Although this player had failed with the hat against the Australians, he considered him the hesi. allrounder in ihe Dominion. A great deal of Hie keenness of the New /.calami side was due to flic example sot b V Piadcock.

Regarding his own team. Mr Richardson said he was particularly pleased with the success of the younger players. Alexander, < Schneider and Jackson who wore really brought over for experience. Kippax was too great a player for any notice to he taken of his failure. Of other younger players in Australia, Nicliolis was possessed of wonderful physique. At. present lie was a fair hat and howler, and a great slip field. He was a man of great possibilities. The speaker had not seen Beckett, hut from what he had heard that player was a prospective tost man. He was a last medium howler. Bradman was a young country player of distinct promise. Tie possessed the right temperament. with plenty ol virility in flatting. and was a particularly good outfield. In Mr Richardson’s opinion. Bradman would go a long way in the game. Speaking in reference to slow howling. the Australian captain said New Zealand players had experienced great difficulty in playing Grimmett, and it would he necessary for them to become quick-footed to play a howler of this type. He instanced Andrews, who had visited New Zealand. This batsman excelled in this respect, and lie considered him the quickest-foot-ed batsman in the world to-day. New Zealand need not be disappointed, because on many occasions Grimmett had made even players of Andrews s class complete failures in Australia and the world oyer. Grimmett was considered the wizard of the ball at the present time. Generally speaking, New Zealand wickets had not improved during the last seven years, and if anything a retrograde step had been made in this direction. Good players could not ho unc-arthed unless provided with good match and practice wicket. Umpiring in New Zealand was in keeping with its cricket, and in the main the Australians were well satisfied. Tt was recognised all the world over that umpires were not infallible, and there was always a difference of opinion regarding decisions. Tie desired to thank the umpires for carrying out their duties so faithfully, as lie recognised that in most cases they gave their services in an honorary capacity. The Australians were going away with nothing but the best recollections of New Zealand cricket and its people. They had been received and entertained on a most lavish scale, and had made many lifelong friends. The hospitality had rpMlv been marvellous.