BRIGHTER CRICKET.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 252, 24 October 1932, Page 5

BRIGHTER CRICKET.

ELIMINATION OF DELAYS,

SUGGESTIONS IN WELLINGTON.

Nearly a score of representatives of the various cricket clubs in Wellington met last week to discuss methods tor brightening the game and making it more attractive to the public. There was a consensus of opinion that niucii could be done by starting the matches on time, by the field changing over quickly, and avoiding delays m the chaiifinrr of bowlers. Those present agreed to do what they could towards getting the various suggestions put into operation. Mr. W. Hammond, of Wellington Club, said time might be saved when new batsmen went 011 the field, and less time laflt between the overs. He thought, too, they could try to raise the standard of fielding, and by making more sporting declarations when a good score had been compiled they would create more interest. Several members, including Messrs. J. R. La mason, R. A. Wliyte and F. W. Smith, spoke of the late starts made at the Basin Reserve, 10 to 20 minutes after two o'clock being not unusual, and this habit appeared from the discussion to bo fairly general in Wellington. Mi. W. Too m a tli, representing the Umpires' Association, said that four umpires were at Kelbnrn 011 Saturday at ten minutes to two, and it was ten minutes past before they could get a wicket to put up. He instanced how time was saved by the umpire calling "two balls to go," so that bowlers were ready to take up the next over, and any change could be made without delay. One delegate suggested that when the eliange-over was made it should be done at the "trot" instead of at a walk, and that in the case of a left-handed batsman being at the batting end, the umpire should announce it so that the field could take the proper positions. When a suggestion was made that the rules should be strictly adhered to and the penalties enforced, the chairman expressed the view that the penalty for starting late was too severe, and he would not advise them to go- as far as that at present. What was wanted was to brighten the cricket and get more play, and those present would go back to the clubs and do their best to get the suggestions put into effect. It was up to the captains and the teams to make a prompt start. No resolution was necessary.