TO-DAY’S TEST

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20272, 14 August 1937, Page 9

TO-DAY’S TEST

.! NEW ZEALANDERS IN FORM RESULT DEPENDS ON WICKET. ENGLISH TEAM ANNOUNCED. UnlteC Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. LONDON, August 13. The New Zealand cricketers returned to London to find the Oval wicket baked hard like concrete for the te'st match to-morrow, following a prolonged period of sweltering sunshine. The groundsman predicted that it would result In lively behaviour on the last day. Experienced critics said that the side which wins the toss would probably win the match. However, about midnight the whole pr'ospect was altered by heavy rain, which is continuing to-day and shows no sign of abating. A Refreshed Pltoh. There is every possibility now of a refreshed prtch, easy and even in pace, but the fortunes on the field may easily be determined by the vagaries of tlie weather. English opinion appears to be united in expecting a draw, unless eccentricities develop in the pitch. The replacement of Fames and Paynter by Gover and Washbrook hardly weakens the English team. The New Zealand team, following the customary practice', will not be announced until the morning. Roberts Is now almost certain of inclusion, following his really fine bowling at Nottingham. Covvle Is faster and better than at any period of the tour. Dunning is as dependable and persistent as ever. Stronger Attaok. The New Zealand attack is now stronger than for the matches at Lord’s and Manchester. Nevertheless, England is so strong in batting that a big score is almost certain if the wicket is fast and true. Gallichan will find a plaoe if tho pitch is likely to assist his slow bowling. Otherwise, the left-hand bowling will be left to Vivian. Because of his recent small scores, the position of Kerr is endangered. Weir is batting well and is a strong claimant. Carson is playing more certainly and with success. 11 0 Is fielding well, too, but probably left his run too late to convince the selectors. Except for Roberts and possibly Weir, and given fine weather, the learn will probably be the same as for the sc'cond test. The English team to meet New Zealand to-day, Monday and Tuesday will consist of the following players: R. W. V. Robins, captain (Middlesex). A. R. Gover (Surrey). W. R. Hammond (Gloucestershire). T. W. Goddard (Gloucestershire). C. J. Barnett (Gloucestershire). L. E. G. Ames (Kent). C. Washbrook (Lancashire). J. Hardstaff (Notts), L. Hutton (Yorkshire). A. D. Matthews (Glamorgan). D. C. S. Compton (Middlesex).