CRICKET.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 April 1921, Page 5

CRICKET.

AUSTRALIAN TEAM IN FRANCE?. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Paris, April 18. The vanguard of the Australians, consisting of Macartney, Carter and Smith, the manager, has reached Paris. Interviewed by the Australian Press representative, -Mr. Smith stated that this was the best team that had ever left Australia, both on and off the field. All were as keen as mustard and confident that they would retain the ashes. Referring to the Australians’ stay f t Monte Carlo, Smith told a story as evidence of Collins’ right to the title of ‘‘lucky Collins,” which had been given him by the English team. The cricketers entrusted him their money and watched thn play at the gaming tables,, with the result that the team raked in £lOO. The remainder of the team are leaving Marseilles to-morrow, arriving in Paris on Tuesday, and will proceed to London on Sat-urday—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. COMMENTS ON NEW ZEALAND PLAY. Sydney, April 19. Mr. Howard, manager of the Australian team during the New Zealand tour, said the cricketers were hospitably treated everywhere. Cricket in the Dominion was patchy, which was owing largely to lack of Interest by .the schools. There were some good players wl:o might develop into first-class ones with experience. The game in Wellington seemed to gain in favor, but Christchurch was the home of the game. Canterburj’ was progressing after a couple of lean years. There were some good players in Dunedin. The New Zealand grounds could not compare with those in Australia.