CRICKET.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 August 1930, Page 6

CRICKET.

FIFTH TEST. ENGLAND’S NEW CAPTAIN. (United Press Association—By EJectrio Telegraph—Copyright.] LONDON, August 13. Although England was not taken completely by surprise, the dropping of Chapman from the Test team lias occasioned a big newspaper sensation. Even those who are offering Briticism of him have made it clear that, for his inspiration in the field alone, Chapman deserved his place. -No real error of judgment can be laid against him, [while his combined score of 259 in the Test matches this season compares favourably with the scores of those included for batsmanship alone.

-V Undoubtedly, itlooks, as .though the panicky sfeldctors:'have . dhg'.England’s cricketing grave. GILLIGHAN AGAINST THE.. L; ~ . change:!. - 1 K; ' ' LONDON, August 13.' Gilligan, the former Test captain, writing in the “News Chronicle, says“l cannot pretend to consider that the change of the captain at the last moment is wise. Wyatt, whose qualities as a figher are well known, ha* not Chapman’s knowledge of Australian tactics. lamat a loss to understand why Chapman was dropped. He has my sincerest sympathy. WYATTU.SAFER (BAT. . U - LONDONj August 13. A Bennison, in the “Daily Telegraph’ ’"' writes ‘ ‘There Is no more inspiring leader than Chapman, but Wyatt is a more reliable’ batsman. The fact that he has not an intimate .knowledge of the methods of the Australians may tell against him.’’ SELECTORS DENOUNCED. LONDON, August 13. The , .“Daily.- Herald’’ .says.:- ! -“The dropping of Chapman is most aston-ishing..-.-..We jexpressed hope thatllxerewouid be no'panic among the selectors, but -AKe; overthrowing of Chapman Is perilously like hysteria. Viewed from, any angle, the change is unwise.” WARNER APPROVES. LONDON, August 13. P. F. Warner, writing in the “Morning Post,” says:—“The Selectors have carried out a difficult task with care and foresight. All will pay N a tribute to the great service that Chapman has rendered English cricket. Wyatt is one of-the keenest cricketers, and is a very sound, cool, and determined batsman.”

CARR PRAISES THE SELECTORS ' ' LONDON, August 13. Carr,, interviewed, said that the team was the best ever picked. to represent England. Jack Hobbs was bound to help Wyatt out. Whysall would be one of the hardest , men to get out. ! M. A. NOBLE’S CRITICISM. SYDNEY, August 13. Mr A. Noble, commenting on trie English Test'cricket team, said:—“l do not know Wyatt, but he will have to be something out of the box to do justice to the position vacated by his famous predecessor, Chapman. So far Wyatt has not proved to be a worldbeater. While Chapman’s exclusion inexplicable, Parker will be a dangerous bowler on a worn or bad wicket, but he lacks stamina. I cannot see how Larwood can be excluded.” WHAT AUSTRALIANS THINK LONDON, August 13. The Australian Press Association .says :—Woodfull’s men think that the English' Selection Committee could not have done them a better turn that to drop Chapman. The t\Vo men the Australians feared most, Robins and Voce, have not been chosen. The Australians prefer to face Parker rather than Voce. The Australians are confident in Grimmett’s ability to dislodge stickers like Wyatt and Whysall .

UTHER AUSTRALIANS HOPEFUL. SYDNEY, "August 13.;'. Sidney .Smith, the former manager of the Australian teani, is of the' opinion that England has got together a very strong side. “ All the same,” lie says, “1 think Australia will return with the ashes.” H. Carter, the former Australian wicket keeper, says that the English team is now weaker than ever. It was a mistake picking Wyatt, who had very little experience in big cricket. C. Turner and A. J. Hopkins describe the English team as an excellent one along the lines of safety first.

AUSTRALIAN COMMENT. ' - LONDON, Aug. 13. The Australian Press Association says:—That because they are such an improved side and having complete confidence in W.oocTfull and each other, the Australian/? look forward to the vital test' with great confidence. They hope for what England calls a heat-wave. The forecast, however, gloomily indicates unsettled weather. CRICKET COMMENT. LONDON, Aug. 13. McLaren in the “Evening Standard” pays: The selection committee should he commended rather, than, condemned. He is ..pleased Wyatt was chosen to load the side.