Test Match Players In The Making

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 269, 3 February 1928, Page 11

Test Match Players In The Making

Powerful Australian XI. To Tour N.Z. PERSONNEL OF THE TEAM The cabled announcement in yesterday’s papers that all the Australian cricketers selected to tour New Zealand this season have signified their willingness to make the trip, is good news to New Zealand followers of cricket. It means that an aggregation of talent representing one of the most powerful sidek in the world will be seen in action on the playing fields of Maoriland next month. The following party, which will leave for New Zealand on February 9, will therefore be as follows: W. M. Woodfull, W. H. Ponsford, D. M. Blaekie, H. G. Morton (Vic.), V. Y. Richardson, K. Schneider, W. Alexander, C. V. Grimmett (S.A.), A. F. Kippax, A. Jackson, R. McNanee, and W. A. Oldfield (N.S.W.), R. M. Oxenham (Q.). No greater tribute to the ability of the team need be given than to say that in Australia it is regarded as the nucleus of the team which will strive to wrest the Ashes from England in Australia next season. STARS OF THE SIDE Captained by Vic Richardson, dashing bat and prince of fieldsmen, the side includes such brilliant players as W. Ponsford, whose record-shatter-ing performances with the bat will live for all time in the history of cricket; ‘iBill” Woodfull, the Victorian schoolmaster, who has brought the art of run-getting down to a mathematical formula; Alan Kippax, of the flowing bat, whose vivid personality at the wickets of times recalls the immortal Trumper himself; “Clarrie” Grimmett, the ex-Wellingtonian, whose, spectacular successes in the last test series with his insidious slows, is still fresh in the memory; and behind the sticks, the incomparable Oldfield, without a peer as a’keeper in presentday cricket. Prominent newcomers to international rank are Morton, looked on as Gregory’s successor in the gentle art of unleashing forked lightning at the batsmen; W. Alexander, the South Australian colt, who shot like a meteor into big cricket last season; A. Jackson, the 19-year-old Sydney batsman, whose career has been equally brilliant; Don. Blaekie, so long neglected as a loowler, and now coming into his own: Roy McNamee, a devastating force on a wicket that is wearing or is affected by rain; Karl Schneider, claimed by his admirers to be Warren Bardsley’s successor as a left-handed batsman; and R. Oxenham, the unspectacular but none the less capable Queenslander.

MOTOR RACES TO-MORROW BEACH IN GOOD ORDER SPEED TRAPS POSSIBLE Final arrangements for the motor races on Muriwai Beach to-morrow afternoon were made at a meeting of the Sports Committee of the A A.A. last evening. The position with reference to control of the beach was cleared up, the committee having secured absolute control of the beach. This was necessary in regard to the catering position, and the association will not allow anyone but the official caterer on the beach. Some anxiety has been caused by the state of the beach, but reports from the coast last evening stated that the surface was smooth and good, recent tides having removed the ridges and soft patches. MOTORISTS WARNED Motorists proceeding to the beach will do well to recollect that last year dozens of drivers were prosecuted for speeding on the way to the beach, and that road checks are again likely this year. The Automobile Association advises that the Lincoln route, branching at Henderson is preferable to the Swanson route. The first race will be at 1.30 p.m.