FOURTH TEST OUTLOOK

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 25, 30 January 1937, Page 11 (Supplement)

FOURTH TEST OUTLOOK

FATE OF CRICKET “ASHES” IT IS AGAIN SWINGING IN THE BALANCE AUSTRALIA AND ALLEN'S ENGLISH TEAM (By “Batsman.”) We have again become definitely cricket minded with the approach of the fourth, —a vital—test match between Australia and England, to be played at Adelaide. Australia is veritably with backs to the wall. To win the “Ashes’’ the Commonwealth team must win both the fourth and fifth tests. England has won two and Australia one. The fourth will either place the competing sides on level terms or will give England tlic “Ashes.”

X G. Bradman, captain (South Australia). S. J. McCabe (New South Wales). J. H. Fingleton (New South Wales). W. A. Oldfield (New South Wales). VV. J. O’Reilly (New .South Wales). W. A. Brown (Queensland). C. L. Badcock (South Australia). t\. G. Chippcrfield (New South Wales*. L. O'B. Fleetwood-Smith (Victoria). R. Gregory (Victoria). E. L. McCormick (Victoria;. K. E. King (Victoria). The 12th. man will be decided upon on the morning of the match. Commentators generally approve of the team, although there is some doubt as to whether it is wise to have dropped Sievers for Chipperfield. Since that selection one or two

features of the match between England and South Australia have affected the outlook. The first, and more important from an Australian point of view is the injury suffered by Bradman. He strained a groin and a fear developed in some quarters that he would not be thoroughly fit for the Test. Australia without Bradman will be up against a handicap. It is marvellous how quickly the press of that country has realised the fact, too, seeing that much abuse was levelled at this player prior to the third Test. Another feature of the match with South Australia was the performance of Wyatt for England. He batted well and is almost certain of a place In the M.C.C. test side. But it was Clarrie Cirimmett who staged the most striking performance, his capture of four for 77 confirming a belief that he should have been given a chance against the Englishmen in a test. Grinimett, apparently, is still the wily howler of old, and while It is fully realised that to fall back upon him for test play would indeed by a severe indictment of youth, one cannot help feeling that Australia would have been well advised to number him among the chosen. Undoubtedly his form with the ball spells terror for batsmen, and it is interesting at this stage to recall some of bis own comments on the art of taking wickets: “So much has been written about batsmen that one is apt to lose sight of the fact that there are bowlers and fieldsmen and that they are just as important to the successful conclusion of a match.” “Never be discouraged! A bowler’s best work will often be passed unnoticed by the onlookers. But it is those unnoticed slight variations in pace, flight and break which lures your opponent into making a fatal mistake.” (How well Grimmett typified that truth in deed as well as in word). “A bowler should be able to adapt himself and vary his bowling so that he can force the batsman into different methods and thus keep him from settling down.” The more one looks at the position, the more*is he convinced that Grimmett in view of the fact that the selectors have dropped Sievers, tne bowler who did so well in the third test. Chipperfield, who replaced him, did not get going In the previous tests, whereas Sievers has quite a sound bowling record. Performances Compared. It is interesting to look at the

team selected and note the omissions —Sievers, Darling and Ward —and compare their performances with the three newcomers—McCorwick, Gregory, and Chipperfield: Sievers.—First test: Bowling, first innings, none for 42; second innings, three for 20. Batting first innings, 8; second jnnings, 5. Second test: Bowling, first innings, none for 30. Batting, first innings, 4; second innings, 24. Third test: Bowling, first Innings five for 21; second innings, one for 39. Batting, first innings, 1; second innings, 25 not out. Ward.—First test: Bowling, first innings, two for 138; second innings, six for 102. Batting, first innings, 0; second innings, 1. Second test: Bowling, first innings, two for 132. Batting first innings, 0; second innings, 1 not out. Third test: Bowling, second innings, one for 60. Batting, first innings, 7; second innings, 18. Darling.—Third test: Batting, first innings, 20; second innings, 0. Chipperfield.—First test: Bowling, first innings, none for 32; second innings, none for 33. Batting, first inInings, 7; second innings, 26 not out. Second test: Bowling, first innings, none for 47. Batting, first innings, 13; second innings, 21. McCormick.—First test: Bowling, first innings, three for 26. Batting, first innings, 1 not out; second innings absent. Second test: Bowling, first innings, 2 for 79. Batting, first innings, 10; second innings, 0. In view of the fact that Darling's brilliant fielding was responsible for the dismissal of England’s leading batsmen, Hammond, Ley land and Barnett, in the third test, it comes as a surprise that the selectors did not give him another chance to see if he could justify himself with the bat. Chipperfield, who played in the first two test games, has been brought back. He is a fine all-round player and, although he has not shown good form during the present series, he has some outstanding performances to his credit in big cricket. Providing he has completely recovered from his injury, McCormick should be a decided force in the attack. Gregory is a fine all-rounder. He had marked success in the Sheffield Shield match between Victoria and Queensland, which was completed recently. He made 75 In Victorias first innings and 20 in the second and took three wickets for 45 runs in Queensland’s first innings. Speculation is rife as to who will jc twelfth man. Some suggest Brown, but probably it will be Badcock. Looked at on commonsense lines it can be said that the Australians have done their best to strengthen batting. They found the task difficult because there are few all-rounders about of

the Fairfax type. What has been done may have strengthened batting to the detriment of bowling. Time will tell. And we must never forget that important factor in cricket—the winning ot the toss. Fate alone can decide that. A win when the coin is cost should be equal to at least 100 runs to the winning side. If it is not then the luck of the coin has not been luck at all. The English Team. As usual we will probably be kept in the dark until the last minute as to what team Allen will place for England, but It will be much the same as that in the third test. Wyatt may be included, probably in place of Worthington, who has not shown the i form expected.