ENGLISH CRICKETER ILL

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 518, 22 November 1928, Page 9

ENGLISH CRICKETER ILL

STAPLES TO RETURN HOME OXENHAM IN A DISPUTE Reed. 10 a.m. BRISBANE, To-day. R. Oxenham, the Queensland representative in the Australian test team, has refused to play for Queensland against England, on the grounds that he desires to be fresh for the test match the following week. The State selectors decline to accept his refusal, and are taking steps to compel Oxenham to play. A Sydney message says that one of the English cricketers, S. J. Staples, will return to England by the Ormonde on Tuesday, owing to illhealth. Staples has not howled a ball against the Australians. A London cablegram says that Marylebone Club officials have not received a request to send a player to replace Staples, hut V. W. C. Jupp states that he is holding himself in readiness.

The ill-health of Staples is probably due to a severe attack of neuritis, which prevented him from playing in the earlier matches in Australia. V. W. C. Jupp is a brilliant all-rounder, whose non-selection for the present English team led to considerable controversy before the team left England. If he should be sent to Australia, he could arrive in ample time to be available for a majority of matches on the tour, which will last till near the end of March. It remains to be seen, however, whether the manager of the English team, Mr. F. C. Toone, will deem it necessary to send for a substitute for Staples.