HELP FOR N.Z. CRICKET

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22268, 6 December 1937, Page 14

HELP FOR N.Z. CRICKET

PROPOSED GAMES IN AUSTRALIA PLAY IN SHEFFIELD SHIELD CONTEST (FROM OCR own CORRESPONDENT.) SYDNEY, November 25. Jack Fingleton. New South. Wales and Australian test batsman, has made a suggestion, in his capacity as a journalist, which should be of keen interest to followers- of cricket in New Zealand. Writing in the “Sydney Sun,” Fingleton said: “New Zealand in a Sheffield Shield competition! That suggestion was made during conversation in the New South Wales dressing-room after the game against New Zealand. It is an idea to which Australian cricket officials might well give serious consideration. There has been a deal of talk concerning Australia s obligation to New Zealand. It is an obligation more honoured in the broach than the observance, but the brilliant cricket of the New Zealanders in the series of Australian games has brought the subject to a stage where? talk should finish and action should commence. “Would it be possible for New Zealand to be incorporated in a competition with Australian states? It was pointed out that it takes no longer to cross the Tasman than it does to travel by train between Adelaide and Sydney. It might be possible for New Zealand to play the winners of the Australian competition in a nnai here one season, and the next season the Australian leaders could cross to Now Zealand. One difficulty to overcome would be the lengthening of the season and the fact that Australian first-class cricketers already have large inroads made on their business time. I am probably treading on dangerous ground now, but consideration might be given to whittling down an occasional game between the other St Nh -S T. H. Howard, a former member of the Australian Board of Control, and who is the representative in Australia of the New Zealand Ciicket Council, considers that the board can do much more towards developing New Zealand cricket than it has done in the past. “Not Sufficient Initiative” “It seems to me,” he said, ‘ that the board does not show sufficient initiative in its relations with Zealand It was disappointing that the board at its last meeting should have decided against the suggestionJ*}3* the Australian team should re furn from England by way of New Zealand and play matches in Auckland and Wellington. There may have been shipping difficulties, but if it was decided at a much earlier stage that teams should come back through New Zealand, it would help New-Zealand cricket and it would provide the players with a round-the-world t r 'P th « no doubt would appreciate Several of the early Australian test teams played in New Zealand on the way believe that the board should go thoroughly into the ciuestion of regul?r Wsits to New Zealand, perhaps every second or third year, and of arranging for New Zealand teams to come g to Australia when circumstances are favourable. There is a silver lining for New z ®a la^£ s al is£ hnarri has agreed that an Australian Sfm stall lsur New Zealand 1»£ -J iho 1Q39-40 season. This will oe d thine for New Zealand in every wav. tH especially if Don Bradman makes the trip.”