M.C.C. TEAM

Hokitika Guardian, 5 April 1933, Page 2

M.C.C. TEAM

AN ENJOYABLE TOUR

COMMENT BY MR P. F. WARNER

AUCKLAND, April 3

It would be unfair to judge the standard 0 f New Zealand cricket on the two test matches, .said Mr P. F. Warner, co-manager of the English team. New Zealand wa§ very unfortunate in losing the services of Vivian through (injury, while Badcock was suffering from an injured hand. New Zealand was also unfortunate in losing the services of players like -Merritt, (bomb, Roberts, and Blunt, but it had t 0 be understood that the Mnrylebone Cricket Chib had no control over the Lancashire League.

Referring to the New Zealand bowling, Mr Warner eaid it was not good, while the batting was hard to judge, having in mind the displays of the New Zealand team in England in 1931. Page wa s a brilliant fieldsman, and the wickelkeepmg of James was very fine. “I sincerely hops that th e visit of the present team hag stimulated great interest in cricket,” continued Mr Warner. After all the most important aspect of the visit was the promotion of imperial good feeling and the good feeling between the Home country and New Zealand had been improved by the tour, The visit of the present team' would not inter, fere with future tours euch as that ofl 'G-ililignn’s team ill 1929-30. It was hoped that on future occasions it might be possible for .it test team to have a- slightly longer stay in New Zealand.

‘•Dominion enthusiasts were extreme, ly lucky to see the great Hammond at his best,” said Mr Warner. ‘‘Hammond is a model batsman, and the youngoi New Zealand batsmen should subcon. sciously try to model themselves on 111 is lines End so endeavour to become great batsmen themselves.” Mr Warner said it- had been a most delightful,., interesting and- enthusiastic tour. They had all greatly enjoyed the visit to this beautiful country, and the hospitality received on .all sides had been marvellous. Th e success of the .’tour wag due in. no small measure to th e members of the New Zealand Cricket Council, and especially to Mr A. T. Donnelly, chairman of the Management Committee of the council. All had worked jn the greatest harmony. The ground arrangements had been excellent, and the good wicket,, provided reflected great credit on the groundsmen.

HOMEWARD BOUND

AUCKLAND, April 4

“We shall not readily -forget this trip,” said Mr P. F. Warner, before going aboard the Aorangi, to-day, en route for England. -He reiterated ‘his remarks in praise of New Ze°land, There was a large crowd on the ■wharf, inoludmg cricket officials, and nearly every member o{ tfie N OW land team,

All the visitors'expressed regret at the .shortness of their N«w Zealand tour, and hoped to return. Jardine, in a farewell message .said that the New Zealand, crowds had set a standard of behaviour which would not be easy to live up to. He thought that .some' New Zealanders were nndulv critical of their own teat team, forgetting the advantage which a touring team always had.