THL SCEPTRE OF SOLE-SELECTOR

NZ Truth, Issue 1143, 27 October 1927, Page 4

THL SCEPTRE OF SOLE -SELECTOR

SPEAKING of cricket m the Empire City, it would be little short of appalling to admit ignorance of Ken. Tucker. Ken. is sole selector for representative cricket m Wellington. That means, if anything, that his knowledge of the game is of the profoundest quality. More, it is a rare tribute to his fairness, discrimination and cricket sense. A selector, sole or otherwise, never yet has lived who could placate all the other selectors. But when Tucker lines up his chosen ones there is little sign of murmurs from the populace. Win or lose, the followers know that the eleven best will take the field. Ken. has held the sceptre of sole selector for years. Easier would, he find it to rid himself of an importunate poor relative than attempt to relinquish it. The instinct that leads a duck to water is not less sure than the facility with which young Tucker fended off the bowling from the old tin wicket of his schoolboy days. And perhaps the early attempts to knock down the same old tin formed the rudimentary ideas that later developed his skill as a deadly break bowler. A prominent member of the Midland club, he was not long m reaching representative fame. As a player, he belongs to that valuable category known as "all-round." Wielding a free, attractive bat, he is equally happy m the less spectacular — but decidedly important — job of fielding. At cover point he is a positive thorn m a batting side. Back goes the ball to the wicket, as surely and with greater accuracy than a boomerang. In international cricket, Tucker will be remembered for his huge score against Warner's team of years ago. Lucky the man who sets his heart on the game of cricket. He has taken unto himself an affinity whose charm will never melt. ', , . , x „ Ken.'s love for the game impels him to talk of it and praise it to others, dwell on its capricious moods and infinite variety. No better outlet for his enthusiasm does he find than coaching the young idea. The lads of the Old Boys' club declare one wrinkle from Ken. worth two m the bush. Sage m all the fine points of the game and seasoned m a hundred contests, he is a mine of knowledge for aspiring young players. A genial and companionable chap, still m the prime of life, he may safely be placed in' that enviable company who may some time fade away, but most assuredly never die.