CRICKET.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 July 1920, Page 5

CRICKET.

ENGLISH TEAM FOR AUSTRALIA. PROGRAMME OP MATCHES. By Tslegraph.—Press Assn—Copyright. London, July 2G. It Is officially announced that the following have been Invited to become members of the M.C.C. cricket team for Australia: Douglas, Fender, Rhodes, Hobbs, Woolley, Bendren, Hcarne, Russell, Strudwick, Barnes, Howell, Waddlngtou, Makepeace, Dolpliln, and Spooner, who will be captain of the side. Sydney, July 27. The Board of Control has submitted for the approval of the Marylebone Club a programme proposed of matches to be played by ! the English eleven In Australia. In all there are 20 fixtures, including nine two-day matches In country centres. The team is expected to arrive at Fremantle on October 21, and opens the tour with a three-days match against Westrnlla, commencing on the 23rd. The principal fixtures and their commencing dates are:— November s.—South Australia. November 12.—Victoria. November. 10.—New South Wales. November 27.~Queensland. December 3.—Australian Eleven, at Brisbane. | December 17,—First Test Match, at Sydney. ! December 31.—Second Test Match, at Melbourne. , January 14 .—Third Test match, at" Adelaide. February 4.—Victoria. February 11.—Fourth Test Match, at Melbourne. i February 18.—New South Wales. February 21.—Fifth Test Match, at Sydney. March 11.—South Australia. Mr. McElbone, chairman of the New South Wales Cricket Association, at the annual meeting said he hoped that the Marylebone Club would recognise that cricket had niuch ground to regain and l endeavour to include men who.would play interesting cricket.—Aus.. N.Z. Cable Assn. j THE TEAM DESCRIBED. A STRpNG COMBINATION. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.- Copyright. Received July 27, 8.15 p.m. London, July 20. The Marylebone Club announces that all professionals were offered the same terms, which Is understood to mean Barnes' terms, namely, the payment of the passages of wife and child were rejected, in which case Parkin would go. Barnes, however, is reported to have withdrawn the conditions. The possibility of Spooner going was only discussed during the' hist few days. It was previously feared that his .war wounds rondered it most unlikely that ho would be available, but his recent game at the Oval showed there was nothing to fear on that score. It Is remarkable that the N advocates of his selection pointed out that Australia would be disappointed if it did,not see Spooner. In the opinion of many critics, he is the solo survivor of the old English school, comprising imen like Fry and Jackson, and this might be the only chance of sending ope of the greatest of all English classics. Though ho only made a few runs at the Oval, some of his strokes were e revelation to the newer school, especially his cutting and driving, which were executed with consummate ease and grace by pure timing and wrist work. As one of the most fiopular cricketers the English public expects him to bo a great success In Australia on and off the Held. Apart from Spooner the team does not contain any surprises, though critics believed Waddington and Makepeace only had a fighting chance as bowlers. The team is extremely strong In all departments. Despite ill's years, Douglas Is romarkahly lit and active, and Is always in h.trd condition. Ho Is able to bowl practically all dnv for Essev, of which he is the bowling mainstay. His powers have scarcely diminished since, his last visit to Australia; indeed, his batting shows more enterprise.

Fender Is the only aimateur man of ereat possibilities. He Is a capable all round player, a line slow chance bowler, artful and brainy, a first-class slip field, and Is the team's big liitter. Ho is n tall man with a wonderful eye. He uses his height and a full handle, .and Is no slogger. As Surrey's captain he proved an excellent skipper. Thus the toflm has two good vice-captains Hobbs fully maintains his reputation as the best butsman In England on nil wickets, though lie is less consistent than Hendren, because he takes greater risks. Hol;bs, however is an artist.

Hendren, who is wonderfully sound in defence, playing safe, steady, and powerful strokes anywhere in front of the wicket, is short and sturdy, in build. Ho usea hla weight liberally, and specialises In the drive and square cut. He keeps himself remarkably fit and displays great earnestnesj.~-.Aus.. N.Z. Cable Assn.