But at the end of the South African domestic season he was selected for the match between D . J . McGlew's XI which was used by the South African Test selectors to pick the team to tour Australia and New Zealand the following winter.
32.
Although he had never umpired in first-class cricket, had just captained North Zone against the Indians a few days previously, and was one of the Test selectors, he was called upon to umpire the Fifth Test in the 1954-55 series, with the approval of the Indian team.
33.
However, Arlott was subjected to some strong, not entirely unexpected, criticism from the English cricket establishment over his stance particularly by the former England captain Peter May, a former public school boy and Test selector, who wrote directly to him condemning the position that he had adopted.
34.
When the team flew to Adelaide they were met at the airport by Test Selector Sir Donald Bradman, who had got up at 4 o'clock in the morning to meet their overnight flight, and Bill Jeanes, the secretary of the South Australian Cricket Association who happily arranged social introductions, golf and other entertainments during their stay.
