LIves in Cricket No 31 - Walter Robins

121 Chapter Fifteen Chairman of England Selectors At the end of the 1961 season Gubby Allen decided to step down as Selection Committee chairman and Robbie took his place. Soon after the appointment was confirmed Robbie received a letter from Bradman: I can assure you the appointment carries the approbation of all Australians, especially me, and although it does not lend itself to co- operation in that you have to pick a team to beat us (and I the same in reverse). I feel certain we shall find ways and means of working together in the interests of the game as a whole. You know you carry my whole-hearted respect and admiration and we’ll always be able to talk man-to-man. Robbie was joined by two newcomers to the role of selector, Alec Bedser and Willie Watson, plus Doug Insole for a fourth consecutive year. Robbie felt it was necessary to explain to Insole exactly how he thought the new Selection Committee should operate under his guidance as chairman, and hoping that he could rely upon his support, he immediately wrote to him: I hope you will not think I am rushing my fences if I put on paper thoughts I have on what should be our approach to cricket by the England side this summer and during next winter in Australia. If you do not agree, remember that I, too, only have one vote. A tremendous responsibility rests on English cricket — in terms of our approach to the game — in Australia next winter. Australia have recently enjoyed a remarkable series with West Indies. Unfortunately for us they contrast West Indian with English cricket as they have seen it on tours since the war, and we haven’t shown them much. I can’t get that 106 runs in a day at Brisbane out of mind. Anything that is done to lessen the importance and appreciation of matches between the two countries is, I feel, a nail in the coffin of cricket as we would wish it to be. It is vital that we show the cricketing world that English cricketers appreciate what is required in Test cricket in this day and age. The first essential is that the Selection Committee demonstrate their approval of attacking cricket. Some of our cricketers are not prepared to take a chance, if by doing so, they run the risk of failure. Both team and individual should be prepared to take chances. I think it wins more matches and catches the imagination of the public. This should be made quite clear to captain and team. We must insist on quality before quantity in the county cricketer’s game. One remembers how a series was played rather than who won it, the team and captain must be convinced that if they lose it is not a national disaster. This has been my personal experience. I would appoint a captain for one