STRONG BATTING SIDE

Hokitika Guardian, 12 January 1931, Page 8

STRONG BATTING SIDE

N.Z. TOURING TEAM. SELECTOR CONFIDENT. ■ AUCKLAND, January 8. Tlie New Zealand cricket team, which will leave in March to tour England, will be the strongest batting side which has ever represented the Dominion, according to Mr N. C. Sneddon, a member of the New Zealand Selection Committee and manager of the Auckland Plunket Shield teanij which returned from the southern tour to-day. Although lie is unable to make any statement concerning the claims of individual players for inclusion in the team, Mr Sneddon is optimistic concerning the material available- “ There is a large number of highly promising young batsmen in New Zealand at present,’ ’Mr Sneddon said. “As far as I know only 14 players will be taken on the trip, and 1 fully realise chat no matter what team is chosen there will be a number of young players unfortunate is befng passed over. We shall not be able to find places for all the batsmen who are showing good form this season. “I have no doubts concerning the quality of t'he batting at our disposal, and 1 also think the fielding will be good, with the exception of slips fielding. However, there are indications that the team will be composed principally of young players and with match experience and practice there is no reason why slips fielding should not improve. “Bowling is a different matter; but I think that there are men available to provide a stronger and more varied

I attack that was the case in the team which toured England in 1927.” Speaking of the Auckland team's southern tour, Mr Sneddon paid a tribute to the Canterbury and Otago associations for the manner in which they had entertained the team. “It was a most enjoyable trip,” he said, “and I could not wish to travel with finer body of men.” A