CRICKET

Hokitika Guardian, 8 December 1928, Page 5

CRICKET

DOUGLAS’ REGRETS

AT LOSING CAPTAINCY

Press Association— By Electric Telegraph—Copyright).

LONDON, Dec. 6

Cricket circles are interested in the future of Douglas who states he is unable to decide whether he will continue to play for Essex.. The fact that I have not resigned, but was kicked out of the captaincy, has created a delicate situation, he said. “Essex did not complain that I was getting too old or not pulling the weight. The only thing I know was they [decided the time had arrived when the step was beneficial.” Douglas said, with some emotion, that it was a groat wrench to part with his old colleagues, many of whom lie had seen grow from boys, to mature cricketers. He hoped the team would be more loyal to Morris than some bad been to him, on or off the field.

CRITICS OF TEST TEAM.

SYDNEY, Dec. 8

Old-time cricketers including Turner, Hopkins, Waddy, and Garrett, favour more new blood in the Australian test teams. They cannot understand why Nothling, Bettington, and A’Beekett are omitted. Others defend the selectors! and argue that the batsman must bo tho first consideration, and they cannot afford to lengthen tho tail.

SELECTORS HAVE DONE WELL,’

SAYS CLEM HILL,

LONDON, December 7

Critics point out that Australia’s possible second Test players showed that the selectors are nowise in a panic though they somewhat dolefully record that Australia more than once has reversed an initial defeat, with virtually the same team. One or two contrast their calmness with the English selectors’ panic in 1921, when no fewer than thirty players were drawn for. Clem Hill, in the “Daily Telegraph,” says the selectors have done well. Tho thirteen named are practically the best available. Nothling is apparently not thought class enough, but be will eventually force his way into tlio team. The presence in the field of Andrews or Richardson, I hope, will mean a difference of a hundred runs. Ido not think there is a great deal of difference between tlie two sides. Perhaps just a little in favour of England. If the Englishmen win tlie toss, and play tight for a few overs, they are going to make big scores.