If prizes are ever given for inconsistency, the New Zealand cricketers who toured England this year must surely be eligible for high ranking. When they left these shores it was hoped that they would acquit themselves well in most of their games and, perhaps, give the representatives of the Old Land some bother in Test matches.

But, some demon of mischief seems to have played havoc with all these high hopes. Matches anticipated to cause the New Zealanders more than a little trouble have been taken without any distress, but against teams which should have been easy for the tourists collapses have been the order.

Wallace and Moloney will return to New Zealand with experience of doing really well against class players; Tindill has established a reputation as a wicket-keeper much above the average, and Cowie has been referred to as the best fast bowler seen in England during the season. That, in effect, is the summary of play in England. The team members have proved popular because they put the game above the result, but New Zealanders will feel a little disappointed that more impressive performances were not established.

However, the tour has had the effect of the Australian Board of Cricket Control extending an invitation for the team to play a series of matches in Australia while en route home. In return it is hoped that an Australian team will visit New Zealand in the near future. The time for a visit by a strong Australian team is long overdue.

Precept and practice make for better performances in all branches of sport, and New Zealand cricketers need plenty of high class matches to raise the standard of the game in this country. Wallace, Moloney, Cowie and Tindill have shown that the younger generation of cricketers possess “what it takes” to make a champion cricketer, but if they have to wait years before they engage in further first class cricket, they may slip back in the standard of their play.