ENGLAND’S CHANCES

Hokitika Guardian, 26 October 1932, Page 2

ENGLAND’S CHANCES

MR P. F WARNER’S VIEWS, DELIGHT AT VISIT TO NEW ZEALAND. LONDON, September 16. Mr P. F. Warner, joint manager of the M.C.C. team, discusses in an interview with the “Morning Post” the team’s chances in Australia. He says: “No o«e respects Australia more than I dp, but 1 honestly belie e that we have something more than an even chance of bringing back the ‘Ashes.’ We have a- good, levtel side, keen and tit, with solid' batting, plenty of bowling, and two great wicket-keepers, one of whom is the best batsman who has ever kept wicket. Naturally, I wish poor Duleepsinbji, whose absence is a tremendous blow to our batting strength, and Robins, with that occasional ball which would get anybody out, were going with us, but even as it is, 1 think we can pick an eleven which I hope will wifi at' least three of the five Tests.

‘There are two bogeys we must lay— Bradmf-.a. and Grimmett. They are bo+h wry formidable. Bradman is without a shadow, of doubt one of the most magnificent batsmen the game has known. Still, even Bradman is mortal, and in the ordinary luck of cricket he', must make a small score row, and then. Let Bradman fail once or twice—w© shall think none the less of him if ha does—and the moral effect on our bowlers will b« amazing. GRIMMETT A PROBLEM,

“As for Grimmett, wonderfully fine bowler though he has proved himself to be, my opinion is that he is more effective in England than in Australia. Look at the last tour in Australia. His wickets in Tests cost 44 runs apiece. Sutcliffe, Hammond, Jardine and Leylafid, of the players who are going out this time, all got a heap of runs against him, and what they did they can do again. 'Grimmett, too, is four years older,- and I find it hard to believe that, well though he has lasted, he is not qute the match-winner ho was in his prime. “In fact, not only Grimmett, but also the rest of the Australian bowlers, look like having a pretty problem to tackle.

“We ‘can put a team in the field with brilliant batting right down to No 7—Sutcliffe, Leyland, Hammond, Pataudi, Jardine, Ames, and Wyatt, for instance; and' 1 even then there would be a few more to come, such as Brown and Alien. “Ond of our difficulties will be to sort out our bowling. Fortunately, there are a number of matches before the first Test. Some people see. ii( to think that seventeen men are too many, but surely the history, of recent tours proves that it is better to have too many reserves than too few. ‘lf everyone keeps fit and well all the time it certainly means leaving six players out of each Test, and there is no doubt that it is irksome for a player to stand out of the Tests after being picked to go to Australia. To those who may be disappointed In the early matches there can he no bet, ter example to keep in mind than that of Leyland on the last tour. Leyland did nbt play in the first four Tests. He refused to be downhearted, got his chance in the final Test, and took it with both hands. A. PARTNER FOR SUTCLIFFE “Among the problems to be solved before the first Test is that of finding a partner for Sutcliffd. . Leyland, who has done very well lately at No 1, has the advantage of being a- left-hander, arid what- a left-handed opening batsman can mean to a side was shown by Darling and Bardsley. Them there is Wyatt, who has also been in great form recently. It looks at the moment a 9 thougli it might be between these two, for everyone is agreed that Jardine js such a magnificent block" of concrete at No> 5 that it would be . a mistake to put him • in first. “Our fielding! will be good, though Duleepsinhji’s absence robs us of a. wonderful slip. ''We also habe to find someone to take Hobbs’ place at cover. If Paynter likes Australian wickets, that problem solves itself, but in any case there are one or two men who should develop into covers.

“Of one thing I am certain. We are taking out a team of wonderful triers, with a" skipper who will get the last ounce out of them. The English public, perhaps have, not yet appreciated Jardine’s qualities to the full. Only those who know him best realise what a magnificent fighter his somewhat shy exterior hides. In the long-drawn-out and strenuous struggles of the Tests he will give 100 per cent. He- is a thinker, a classic batsman, and a great gentleman. “Under him I am sure the team will be a happy family on and off the field. I am convinced that we have chosen seventeen players w'ho will put fitness first all the time, and who during a long and arduous tour will strive from tho first ball to the Inst. Only the selectors know the time and the care which have gone to the choosing of the team. Perhaps Ii ought not to say it, but r wish the public knew the pains we have taken. We do not claim to know everything, but we certainly have done our best. CLAIM OF NEW ZEALAND.

“The team a vfery luekv to be going to New Zealand as well. It is one of the most beautiful, and delightful countries, ai|d I. am glad that the M. C.C. and the Australians were able to arrange the fixture list so as to make this extension possible. New Zealand is a rising power in the cricket world, and it is fitting that the M.C.C.’s tour should embrace both the countries that made up the Australian and Now Zen. land Ar my Corps, the-ynmortal Anzacs.

“Our big objovtive in Australia is to bring back the ‘Ashes,’ but whether we win or lose, wo hope to do something which is even more important. Cricket can bo a great ambassador. If we should be beaten in the Tests, we shall not have failed altogether if by our hearing on and off the field we help to make stronger those tics of Empire on which so much depends today.”