AUCKLAND’S FIRST PLUNKET SHIED XI.

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 232, 20 December 1927, Page 14

AUCKLAND’S FIRST PLUNKET SHIED XI.

OMISSION OF BOTH WEIR AND MATHESON IS CHIEF SURPRISE Strong in batting, sound in fielding, decidedly problematical in bowling—these a**c the first impressions of Auckland’s first Plunket Shield eleven for the 1927-28 season. It is safe to say that with only one or two exceptions, the selectors’ choice will he widely supported. The only real surprise is the selection of A. F. Weir, and even in his case it was realised that his performances this eeason entitled him to strong consideration. As matters stand, however, it may be questioned whether the team, with Allcott unable to play, has gained by the selection of either A. F. Weir or Cooper. It was not so much the batting that needed strengthening as the bowling. POWERFUL BATTING SIDE With the exception of Rowntree and Williams, all of the team aro capable or sotting runs. There are also the elements of a tirst-class fielding side, with Bowley, I>acre, Rowntree as specialists of international calibre in respective positions. In dealing with the bowline, it must at once be stated that the selectors had a most difficult task, in view of the lack of class bowlers at present available. Allcott’s inability Ud play is a heavy blow to Auckland, perhaps even more from his ability to keep an end going all day if necessary, as from his consistent all-round ability to get wickets and make runs. With G. L. Weir and A. M. Matheson passed over, a heavy responsibility has been thrust on Wiiliams, for it is evident that the selectors view him in the light of the man wSno is to endeavour to make up for the loss of Allcott. The Suburban player has been so consistently successful with the ball so far that he has established a claim which even the fax:t that he has only one string to his bow could not outweigh. It is said that Williams is transferring to Wellington immediately after the New Yoar, a fact which it was thought might tell against his selection, but e\/idently the selectors felt that his services should be .made use of while were available. A. F. Weir’s selection, however, is in a different category. His chief claim is his bating, in respect to which the side is already well served. Furthermore. as a slow break bowler, he simply increaises the unavoidably lopsided nature* of the selection in this respect, without adding any special variety to the attack.

Were it uot that one has too much respect for the judgment of Messrs. Beale, Sryedden and Cummings, it might been suggested that the selectors “mis-cued” over the two brothers. At the same time, it is a little difficult to understand why G. L- Weir was not chosen, especially in view of the fact that Matheson was also omitted. The Otago match would have provided a good opportunity for Weir to make his debut in rep. cricket, without taking risks against a side which even without Blunt may be stronger than it looks on paper. It would bo a pity to have to bring him straight into big cricket against such a strong batting side as the Canterbury eleven looks to be. MATHESON’S OMISSION As far as performances go. G. L. Weir has done everything that has been asked of him. Matheson’s omission, however, is on a different footing. The Varsity man’s trouble this season seems to be that he is trying to bowl too fast, forgetting that the secret of his success last season was pace off the pitch, not pace through the air. However, everyone will hope that this is only a passing phase. Matheson may take heart of grace from the fact that he is not the only rapidly-risen rep. player who has had to stand down at some stage in his career. Last season in New Zealand Dempster was not considered good enough for the Wellington team in the deciding inatcti for the Plunket Shield at Eden Park. WHAT OF HENDY? The only other aspect of the selection that may be touched on is the possibility that Hendy, too, might have secured a place in the team, but that, after all. is a very moot point. In any ease, it is understood that there is a doubt about Mills being able to play in the second Shield match against Canterbury, in which case Hendy may get his chance later. When all is said and done, the selectors have got together a side which will take a lot of beating. Weak as the bowling looks (and to a large extent it is unavoidable), astute captaincy and good fielding can go a long way toward remedying that defeat. —J. M. McK.