NOT PROMISING

Taranaki Central Press, Volume V, Issue 457, 26 June 1937, Page 6

NOT PROMISING

PROSPECTS FOR TEST Dominion Cricketers At Lords Press Association —Copyright. London, June 25. I The inconsistency of the New ZeaI land cricketers’ performances makes 1 impossible an accurate prediction of 1 the probable fate of the first Test, which is to begin at Lord’s to-mor-row. The players can approach the task with nothing more hopeful than determination and with the silent prayer that the recent consolidation of the batting strength was not momentary. The extraordinary feature of many matches has been the number of players who have batted half an hour or more and then been dismissed instead of going on to make big scores, as is normally expected after batsmen have gained a good sight of the ball. The lack of ability to capitalise a promising beginning appears to have been partly overcome in recent games, as is illustrated by the liarge scores of Vivian and Hadlee at Lord’s, of Kerr, Page and Lowry at Nottingham land Kerr at Norwich. Kerr’s success against the fast bowlers at Nottingham and Norwidh is the most hopeful sign for the Test, in which the opposing attack will depend’ greatly on Voce, Gover nnd Hammond. The consistency of Hadlee 1 and the present form of Kerr and Vivian encourages the hope of a successful opening to the innings, the_ necessary preliminary to the most advantageous employment of the abilities of Page, Wallace, Donnelly and Molortey. Given a good start, the sidq is dapable of a big score on a good wicket. The players practised this morning at lord’s and watched the tennis in the afternoon- at Wimbledon. The New Zealaders’ peculiar knack of doing well tat London is considered to give them a chance of playing an I even draw, although the English team is thoroughly representative and not at all experimental. Great interest is being taken in the match, which will probably draw 15,000 or more people.