CRICKET.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 62, 13 March 1915, Page 16

CRICKET.

South Australians show up astonishingly well in Sheffield averages. In Shield matches Clem Hill has pride of place amongst them in batting. He was boss in 1895-6 (61.83), 1897-8 (52.42), IS9S-0 (62.75), 1900-1 (103.66), 1901-2 (44). 1903-4 (59.16), 1904-5 (48.16), 1900-7 (46.50), 1907-S .(98), 190910 (152.25—the beet yet), 1913-14 (46). George Gif Ten and D. K. A. Gehrs stand next in prominence, each three times on top—Giffen, 1892-3 (58.50), 1893-4 (75.14), 1902-3 (74.66); Gehrs, 1905-6 (59.33), 1908-9 (34-33). 1910-11 (69.20). (.'. E. Pellew wins in 1914-15 with 35.87. The name oftenest on top in the bowling av<ra-«« h that of fast bowler E. Jones —1893-4, 20.47; 1895-6, 18.04; 1896-7, 17.90: 1897-8, 20.42; 1898-9, 26.87. After him George Giffen—lß92-3, 23.71; 1894-5, 17: ISO 9-00, 27.25;. 1902-3, 17.18. A. W. Wright, who is the beacon this year (1914-15), with, an average of 26.81, wa» the star in 1905-6 (26.66) and in 1906-7 (19-68).

Last wee* Mie curtain was rung down upon the first-class season of 1914-15 with the finish of the match between Victoria and South Australia, says a Sydney writer. The prevailing impression left by the season's play is one of keen disappointment, even when every allowance has been made for the general depression occasioned by the European crisis. There can be no doubt that cricketers, cricket supporters, and the game itself have all been markedly influenced by that depression; still, no 'one will be completely satisfied with that as v full explanation, either of the desultory play which •characterised the matches this season, or of the apathetic public support accorded the game. It has been sought to explain iboth on the assumption that cricket has lost its charm and its attraction for the public. We do not believe it. The class of cricket displayed this season hardly deserved, it is true, better support from the public; but, of course, it must be remembered that the two things interact very considerably.

(High-class cricket no doubt, attracts the public, and it is equally certain that the enthusiastic public support stimulates high-class cricket. To our view, therefore, it is totally incorrect to conclude, as many have done from this season's happenings, that cricket has lost its charm, and will never again attract as it has done in the past. The Sydney public—thanke to the Trumper-Duff-Gregory - Noble - Hill - Darling - Macfcay - Truinble regime—has been well educated up to the 'highest standards of cricketing proficiency yet achieved. It was inevitable that this standard could not be steadily maintained, and it was equally inevitable that public opinion and public interest would feel the drop when it came. Both things have come to pass. It was the natural drop that comes to all sporting standards in all countries from time to time, but this sea-son it has teen exaggerated by circumstances for which the game is not to blame. Let iis not lose olfr'sen-se of proportion. The tremendous falling uway this season is to be partly accounted for by the absence from the contests of niany of our first rank players, and by the comparative failure of others of first-rank reputation, who might reasonably have been expected to partially restore the balance. Make this allowance, and it may fairly be conceded, on careful reflection, that cricket is not on its last legs, nor in the parlous condition that some would have us believe.

For months 'a special committee appointed on the new South Wales Cricket Association has been taking evidence *nd weighing the pros and cons regardin-» suggestions for the reform of the name, the idea being to work it back into public favour. The committee's work is well-nigh finished, and within a couple of weeks a report should be ready for the association. Whatever is agreed to will become operative next season. It is expected that the association will ha\e plenty of scope to experiment, as in view of the determination to discontinue the game in England, it is umiKely that an English team will come here -n 1915-16 Neither is it probable that an Australian team, even if the war is over then, will go to England m 1916. A vkit from an English team is required to build up the impoverished coffers of Australian cricket before another tour is undertaken.